The path of Las Escaleretas

It is a journey in time, following the steps of our ancestors.

The path of the Escaleretas (the Mini-ladders..) offers countless attractions with beautiful scenery of great natural and cultural value. Located in the village of Lecina (municipality of Bárcabo, Huesca) right in the heart of the Guara Natural Canyon Park, this area forms part of the UNESCO World Geopark of the Sobrarbe-Pirineos and the Ri0 Vero Cultural Park. Along this path, we can enjoy spectacular views over the Vero Canyon, surrounded by lush vegetation that has adapted to the harsh and inhospitable environment. Overhead, fly the large birds of prey that make their nests in the sheer escarpments that flank the River Vero.

The equipped section of the path (only for those who do not suffer from vertigo), connects the floor of the gorge with its uppermost part, giving access to the Rock Shelters of Gallinero, Las Escaleretas, Lecina Superior and Barfaluy, in order to visit the Cave Paintingsthat figure on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.

The route

There are two options to choose from:

1.- Starting from the most southern part of the square of Lecina, this option is the shorter of the two taking us more directly to the upper part of the Vero Canyon, in less time, distance and difference in altitude.

Technical sheet of the hiking route

• Total distance: 5,3 km.
• Route type: circular
• Accumulated variation in altitude: +300m.
• Approximate duration (excluding stops): 2h45min
• Difficulty: Medium (due to the high sections of the equipped path)

2.- Starting from the carpark of the Fountain of Lecina, this option is a little longer, both in terms of distance and variation in altitude, but it takes us to the beautiful spring which provides the greater part of thewater flow of the River Vero.

Technical sheet of the hiking route

• Total distance: 7 km.
• Route type: circular
• Accumulated variation in altitude: +400m.
• Approximate duration (excluding stops): 3h30min
• Difficulty: Medium (due to the high sections of the equipped path)

The tour

At both starting points there is an information board showing the route. The trail is signposted throughout in the direction of Las Escaleretas and Gallinero.

This route reaches the highest part of the Vero Canyon with spectacular views, before declining steeply to the depths of the Canyon towards the Lecina Mill. Following the floor of the gorge, it will be necessary to wade in the river in two places. Shortly after the turning to the Hermitage of San Martín, you will reach the start of the equipped path with the most spectacular views on the trail. This section is not recommended for people with vertigo due to the tremendous void, and the use of safety equipment (helmet, harness and safety lines) is recommended.

First to visit are the Rock Shelters of Gallinero I & II, then Las Escaleretas and finally Lecina Superior. Afterwards, paths cross in the Lecina Woods where we can take the path to visit the shelter of Barfaluy above the La Choca ravine (adding a further 40 mins. to the total time) or take the path back to Lecina, or to the carpark, depending on where we began, to complete the circular route.