Were you eagerly awaiting the Easter hlidays to come and enjoy the best trails in the peninsula, and now you’re considering staying at home just because the weather forecast isn’t very promising?
Don’t even think about it! Despite the less-than-ideal weather, there are plenty of routes you can still enjoy on these rainy days,as long as you choose the right areas, schedule your rides, and also consider something that, for us, is even more sacred than the Sacred Trails of each kingdom. Let us explain.
What type of routes to choose after several days of continuous rain
We know your first thought might be about the possibility of tackling this or that route in the mud, but today we encourage you to think beyond mere enjoyment: on these days of continuous rain, routes with earthy terrain – even if they seem feasible with mud – undergo a much more accelerated erosion process. That’s why at MTB Kingdoms, we advocate for routes abundant in rock terrain.
As you know well , erosion of cycling trails is one of the pillars upon which many of our decisions and actions as an association are based. Because, of course, we love biking, but we love conserving and protecting our natural environment even more, and finding that (possible) balance between enjoyment and respect.
And that’s exactly what follows:
Best MTB Kingdoms routes to avoid erosion on rainy days
Before we present our selected five routes, we want to recommend the areas where, these days, you can find more options for hard terrain routes:in BGuara, the area of Alquezar and Colungo; in Zona Zero, the Sierra de Arbe sector and some of its routes through conglomerate terrain; in Reino de los Mallos, Riglos and Villalangua sectors are the most suitable, and in Alto Gállego, we recommend Gésera, Hermitages, or the Barranco de las Gargantas routes. In Puro Pirineo, whose entire territory has an altitude higher than the kingdoms’ average, the possibilities are a bit more limited, but not impossible!
Camino de Ñara, at Puro Pirineo
The Camino de Nara is a perfect route to explore the southern slope of the Sierra de Chía, a region that is little known but quite sunny, with an environment more typical of the outer mountains than of the Pyrenean peaks.
You’ll ascend to 1,850 meters following a track that skirts the southern face of the mountain, reaching the meadows of Ñara, a spectacular place that offers awesome views of the Circo de Armeña, Barbaruens, and the Congosto del Ventamillo.
From there, two exciting descents await you to El Run. If you prefer to shorten the route, you can return to Chía via route 21, avoiding the final ascent from El Run to Chía by road, although you’ll miss out on the magical stretch of trail to El Run.
Cañón del Río Vero, at Bguara
A very complete and spectacular route through the surroundings of the Vero River, which, despite not having a particularly high percentage of trails, is a classic enduro route in the area thanks to its incredible descent from Mesón de Sevil to the Villacantal bridge.
In addition, it offers a rich natural and cultural heritage that includes Romanesque bridges, the impressive Vero Canyon, the charming town of Alquézar, and the prehistoric art of the Refugios of Chimiachas, Quizans, and Regacens, all located a short distance from the route.
The ascent from the Fuendebaños bridge to Alquézar and then to Mesón de Sevil by tracks can be tough, but the magnificent views make it worthwhile. The trails, although rocky, are perfectly cyclable and will surprise you at every turn.
El Alto del Pino, at Zona Zero Pirineos
You venture into the Sierra de Arbe, exploring an extraordinary route that was the beginning of a series of brutal routes recovered in the Sierra de Arbe sector, the latest addition to the Zona Zero Pirineos universe.
With 43% of meticulously restored trails, you’ll immerse yourself in a unique cycling experience that also takes you through the history and ethnography of the region.
From Alto del Pino, at 1,018 meters, you’ll enjoy majestic views of the Pyrenees, reminding you that you’re in the heart of Alto Aragón. Whether you start from Abizanda or from Naval, you’ll find places where hospitality and history are etched in every stone and corner.
Gésera, at Espacio BTT Pirineos-Alto Gállego
Starting from Gésera, this route invites you to explore a sparsely populated region known in the province of Huesca: the Guarguera.
This small town marks both the beginning and the end of an exceptional route, also acting as the gateway to impressive places such as San Esteban, Lasaosa, and the dolmen of Ibirque. If you decide to venture further, we suggest exploring the charming town of Ibirque.
This route requires technical skills, as much of the route is through narrow trails. Only the most experienced cyclists will be able to complete the first section to Lasaosa without getting off their bikes. Those who prefer a less challenging route have the option to connect Gésera with Lasaosa via an asphalted track.
Foz de Salinas, at Reino de los Mallos Bike
The route starts at La Posada de Villalangua and crosses the Route of the Pardinas westward, passing through the Campamento de los Chuanes and ascending through a pine forest to reach a pass. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the abandoned town of Salinas Viejo.
The trail from the pass to Villalangua is long and winding, with rocky sections but also fast and enjoyable trails. You’ll pass through highlights such as the waterfall of Fuente de la Rata and the narrow Foz de Salinas, surrounded by limestone walls. Upon reaching an unpaved road, you’ll continue to the right until you reach the urban center of Villalangua.
It’s important to be cautious, as the route is frequented by hikers. Please show respect and yield when necessary.
And that’s our roundup of routes feasible in the rain that allow us to enjoy wonderful rides without compromising the natural environment. In the links of each of them, you can access the original data sheet and check the difficulty, requirements, and profiles.
Enjoy and be cautious these days! And don’t forget to tag @mtbkingdoms on your posts.
See you in the mountains!
