Gorges

Six gorges you shouldn’t miss this summer in the Sierra de Guara

The province of Huesca offers a wealth of destinations for enjoying nature and sport, and amongst them, theGuara gorges deserve international recognition for their beauty, number and variety. In addition, the active tourism companies and professional guides They welcome customers whilst complying with all health and safety protocols. #Guaratecuida

As well as canyoning, Guara offers fresh air, tranquillity, nature, heritage and fine dining. But if you want to shake off the stress of everyday life and avoid the hassle of planning, the best option is to let yourself be guided and discover nature and birds or the endless array of climbing routes, via ferratas, hiking, Nordic walking and mountain biking or road cycling (Espacio Bguara).

The must-see gorges of the Sierra de Guara this summer

There is a huge variety of gorges to choose from, but the Sierra de Guara Guides Association has highlighted six “must-see” or classic routes for this summer.

Petit Mascún, ideal for beginners to canyoning

Set in a wild landscape of spectacular spire-like rock formations and caves, this hidden valley lies within the Sierra de Guara. The gorge is compact, offering everything you need for a full-day adventure: a multitude of waterfalls, short sections suitable for diving, large pools, sunshine and a chaotic stretch with a cave.

Perfect for trying something new. Fun, water-based and sunny. It’s accessible to everyone. Recommended for families with children, people looking for a relaxing activity, groups wanting to spend a day together in the countryside, etc. The season usually runs in spring, although this year it will continue well into July.

barranco-petit-mascun
Photograph: Association Guides of Guara

Río Vero, one of Guara’s great classics

A long and spectacular canyon in one of the finest settings in the entire Sierra. It is a gentle descent that gives you time to observe birds of prey, rocky chaos, gigantic limestone walls, all enlivened by slides, jumps and many passages through the cavities formed by the enormous boulders.

It isn’t particularly difficult from a technical point of view, but it does require a certain level of fitness, as the entire descent covers almost 7 kilometres (shorter sections can be done with families and children). You’ll pass through four large rock formations, which form stunning labyrinths inside. The first forms a spectacular cave, the Oscuros del Vero, a unique place.

barranco-del-rio-vero-10
Photograph: Association Guides of Guara

Peonera Inferior: fun among pools and slides

La Peonera isone of the most exciting and dynamic canyons, full of jumps into emerald-green pools, slides, tunnels and a jumble of rocks. It is a canyon suitable for all levels, adaptable to everyone’s preferences: whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled jumps or simply want to enjoy breathtaking views. It consists of two sections, the Tamara and Puntillo gorges.

Between these two sections, the gorge widens to reveal spectacular scenery and small river beaches. Continuing downstream, you reach the Salto de Bierge.

peonera-inferior-11
Photograph: Association Guides of Guara

Formiga, the gorge most comprehensive for all audiences

Few canyons combine all the thrills of canyoning quite as well as the Formiga. It has a bit of everything: flooded narrows, plenty of drops, dizzying slides and an aerial cable with handrails for access.

It’s an easy walk to and from the car, and it’s very common to see vultures circling overhead.

barranco formiga
Photography: Hoya de Huesca Comarca

Oscuros del Balced, one of the most spectacular spots in Aragón

It is known as Los Oscuros del Balced the narrowest, deepest and most beautiful stretch of the River Isuala. Here lies one of the most beautiful gorges in the Aragonese canyons and probably one of the most extraordinary spots in Aragon. The 90-minute walk there offers the chance to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Sierra and the Balced basin.

The route is relatively short but intense, water-based and spectacular, with plenty to keep you entertained. It features a couple of abseils, a magnificent maze, numerous siphons, narrow passages and a few pools in the final section for jumping.

Mascún Superior, the crown jewel of canyoning in Guara

The Upper Mascún is the star route of the Sierra de Guara and probably the most spectacular. It is advisable to be in good physical condition as the approach takes around three hours and it is best to set off early to avoid the hottest part of the day and allow plenty of time for therest of the route, which usually takes aroundfour or five hours.

Throughout the descent there are numerous abseils, jumps (always optional) and scrambles, crystal-clear pools, flooded passages, large waterfalls, dark corners and karst formations that lend the route a unique beauty.

How the ravines change with the seasons

The gorges vary from year to year, and their water levels—which depend on the spring rains—reach an ‘optimal’ level for canyoning, but there are also numerous changes in the rivers’ morphology, with waterfalls and currents shifting.

Safety tips for canyoning in Guara

The Sierra de Guara Guides Association and the companies recommend that you go canyoning accompanied by accredited local guides, but if you decide to do so independently, we advise caution and recommend that you seek information from a centre belonging to the Network of Volunteer Informants and follow the steps recommended by Montaña Segura:

  1. Plan your descent down a ravine.
  2. Make sure you’re properly equipped.
  3. Act with caution.
  4. React to a setback. Always keep calm: think first, then act.

Discover the best gorges in the Sierra de Guara this summer

#PlanificaEquipaActua

If you are involved in an incident, it is advisable to:

  • Assess the situation: injuries, existing dangers, escape routes or safer locations.
  • Only provide protection, alert the emergency services and assist the injured person if you have knowledge of first aid and make use of the first-aid kit.
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