Providing a natural divide between France and Spain, the Pyrenees are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges Europe has to offer. The beautiful national parks offer an endless amount of stunning hiking trails that will range from a gentle stroll to strenuous thru – hikes that will take you over the rugged peaks for several weeks. Below you’ll find five of my absolute favorite dayhikes.

Circo de Cotatuero Trail

Cascada de Cotatuero is said to be the tallest waterfall in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This 200m waterfall drops from a glacial cirque; a massive three sided glacial wall. This was definitely the most strenuous hike that I did in Ordesa National Park. I was absolutely dying during the climb from the valley floor to the base of the Circo de Cotatuero. The narrow trail get’s very steep so I basically hyperventilated myself up the relentless mountain. The trail starts off through a dense grove and slowly thins out as you make your way up. As soon as you break out of the trees you’ll see the Cascada de Cotatuero emerge from the massive walls. The trail continues following the magnificent walls of Faja Racón and breathtaking views of the Ordesa valley below.

Start: The hike starts at the Pradera de Ordesa car park in Torla. You are not allowed to park here during the high season so if you are visiting in the summer you’ll need to walk or take a bus from the village of Torla. There’s a shuttle that will take you up to the start of the trail.

Distance: About 11km and 4 hours in total.

Level: Intermediate. Even though the 550m elevation gain is not that much, the trail is very steep during the first part.

Cola Del Caballo Trail

Out of all the hikes I’ve done in the pyrenees, I think this was my absolute favorite. This day trip really had it all; picturesque valleys, dramatic mountains, mindblowing waterfalls and even a breathtaking glacial cirque. The Cola Del Caballo Trail will take you deep into the heart of Ordesa National Park. The hike starts off with mysterious pine forests and the occasional view of the surrounding massive canyons. As you slowly make your way up to the Cola del Caballo waterfall you’ll hear the constant sound of roaring water; meandering streams are turning into explosive waterfalls as they pass through the dramatic glacial valley. Once you arrive in Ordesa Valley you’ll find yourself awe – inspiring views of the majestic cliffs and the 3rd highest mountain in the Pyrenees, Monte Perdido.

Start: The hike to Cola de Caballo starts at the Pradera de Ordesa car park in Torla.  You are not allowed to park here during the high season so if you are visiting in the summer you’ll need to walk or take a bus from the village of Torla. There’s a shuttle that will take you up to the start of the trail.

Distance: 9.5 km one way. It will take you about 3 to 4 hours one way.

Level: Intermediate. The path is pretty easy with a gradual 550m elevation gain over the first stretch.

Faja de Pelay

This is perhaps the most famous and treasured trail of Parque Nacional Ordesa Y Monte Perdido. And for good reason. This rigorous hike will kick your butt but will be well worth the effort! The first hour is really challenging but once you made it to the terrace the trail is rather easy and you get to take in some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever witnessed. The steep drop off next to the narrow hunters trail make for an exciting experience and the views over the canyon are out of this world.

Start: The hike starts at the Pradera de Ordesa car park in Torla. You are not allowed to park here during the high season so if you are visiting in the summer you’ll need to walk or take a bus from the village of Torla. There’s a shuttle that will take you up to the start of the trail.

Distance: Around 20 km. It will take you 8 to 9 hours to complete the hike.

Level: Intermediate/hard. You’ll climb over 700m on the way up and the descent on the way back is rather hard on the knees.

Forau d’Aigualluts Trail

Parque Natural Posets – Maladeta is home to the highests peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees. This hike will take you along everything this spectacular National Park has to offer; from lush alpine valleys to the most southern permanent glaciers in Europe. It showed me the diversity of Spain and I loved every breathtaking bit of it. The trail starts off in the valley of Benasque; a glacial cirque with breathtaking views. You’ll wander through the lush grass, with waterfalls coming down the walls and meandering glacial streams everywhere around you. The hike will take you over rugged mountains trails and steep passes to the Cascada d’Aigualluts; a beautiful glacial waterfall deep into the mountains.

Start: I started the hike at the Parking Publico De Llanos Del Hospital in Benasque. However, there is also a shuttle that will take you higher up to La Besurta; a small restaurant from where you can start the hike. This will save you about an hour of walking (but you’ll miss out on amazing views as well!)

Distance: 7 km one way.

Level: Intermediate. The trail is fairly easy with a gradual 550 elevation gain. The climb towards the waterfall in the last 2km is pretty steep though.

Estany de Sant Maurici

Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is another treasure of the Spanish Pyrenees. This fairly easy hike alongside the Riu Escrita takes you through beautiful meadows with wildflowers and rugged peaks all around. As you progress you’ll see the magnificent twin peaks of the Els Encantats; the most emblematic peaks of Catalonia. Their dramatic location, towering over Sant Maurici lake at their feet, has granted them the reputation of being one of the most-photographed high-mountain landscapes in the Catalan Pyrenees. The hike takes you around the beautiful Estany de Sant Maurici lake, The Cascada de Ratera waterfall and spectacular views of the valley.

Start: The trail starts at the Llac Sant Maurici parking in Espot. 

Distance: 10 km loop.

Level: Easy. With a 400m elevation gain, this hike is remarkably easier than my other Pyrenees trails.