Where is Añisclo Canyon?

Where is Añisclo Canyon?

Spain, europe

Length

34.3 km

Elevation

1,360 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Aragon, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head to Huesca province and find the Cañon del Añisclo! This canyon road is seriously one of Spain's most scenic. We're talking about the Sobrarbe region, nestled inside the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

The HU-631, carved by the Bellos River, is your path. Keep in mind, this road is paved, but it can be rough, especially after rain. Think slippery! And some sections are *narrow*. You might even find it's one-way during certain times.

The whole shebang stretches 34.3 km (21.31 miles) from Escalona to Puértolas. Expect some steep climbs, topping out at 1,360m (4,461ft). You'll hug the Bellos River through Valle de Añisclo, los Sestrales, and Desfiladero de las Cambras. Look up, and those canyon walls will make you feel *tiny*. Oh, and keep an eye out for unlit tunnels!

Starting in Escalona, you'll hit a fork in the road about 2km in. HU-631 takes you straight through the gorgeous canyon. The other route is south of the HU-631 that bypasses it on a small, bumpy, and winding street. Word to the wise: this road can close suddenly due to unstable geology, so be prepared.

The pavement's bumpy, so if you're rocking a low-rider, think twice. There are no gas stations, patchy cell service, and you're pretty far from help if you break down. But the views? Absolutely incredible. If you're a motorcyclist who loves to explore, not speed, this is your jam. Hiking, canyoning, rafting, swimming – the whole region is an outdoor playground in summer!

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
34.3 km
Max Elevation
1,360 m
Difficulty
hard

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