Valle de Pineta, Aragon, Spain

5molari 5:00 PM Jul 17, 2014

From the valley to the Balcon and beyond!
The Valle de Pineta is the starting point for a both remarkable and arduous walk up to the Balcon de Pineta (depending on time of year). From there you can go to the famous frozen lake or overnight at the refuge. For those "just" going to the Frozen lake, be aware that this is not for the faint-hearted. 3-5 hours to the Balcon and another 30 mins to the lake. While the walk is pretty remorselessly up. the views are incredible. And the walk in the snow at the top, even in July, as quite other-wordly. Plenty of streams to drink from on the way up. Pack plenty of sun-cream and set off early to avoid the worst of the heat. And then get ready for the cold at the top! Be aware that the last 50 metres to the Balcon are quite hazardous while there is still snow, with a steep snow slope to traverse and a tricky 5 metre scramble at the top. No snow, no problem though. It is worth packing crampons unless its August/September.

5PedroWorth 5:00 PM Mar 2, 2013

The most beautiful valley I have ever seen
If you are travelling through Bielsa, the chances are you are on your way to France or vice versa. If you aren't in a rush to get to a destination and have a couple of hours to spare, take the small road through Bielsa and head up the Pineta Valley. This is one of the highest glacial valleys in the Pyrenees and one of the most beautiful. The mountains either side are heavily forested and many waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. As the road winds its way up the scenery becomes ever more dramatic until you reach a large car park and the high mountain ranges come into view. The main waterfalls can be seen from here and are fed by the glacier, so there is always a significant flow of water down to the river. There is a parador here and the restaurant serves many local specialities. I have eaten here and for a parador the prices are very reasonable. As you walk into the park there is a cafe that serves the campsite and some rather basic toilet facilities. Camping here is superb and without restrictions so you can pitch your tent anywhere you like. Although there are many paths through the valley, the main trek is up to the Balcon de Pineda, past the main waterfalls to a high valley where the views are truly breathtaking. This is the land of eagles and marmots, a remote wilderness. If you carry on, the trail leads to the peaks and the French border, only for the serious trekkers. If you take the path to the Balcon allow three hours there and back. Enjoy. Pedroofpobla