Alba, Pico de

Overview

The Pico de Alba (3118m), Dawn’s peak, constitutes the termination to the N.W. of the great ridge of the Maladeta Massif. Due to its cut off with the massif it’s a peak that possesses own routes and that generally deserves its ascent individualized. Only one route is easy, the normal across Paderna and the spun N.W. (F.). but the others routes have complications of rock-climb:

-the ridge S.W. (P.D.inf.) by the Gendarme de Alba (3054m).
-the ridge North (P.D., III-).
-the col with the Diente de Alba (A.D., IV-). This wall is useful to make a rappel to descent to col inf. de Alba climbing as well Diente de Alba (3136m) in the same day.
-the full ridge of the fifteen gendarmes and the ridge S.W. (D., IV+).

The peaks of Alba

The main summit is Pico de Alba (3118m) but some peaks of the list of peaks of 3000m of Pyrenees of UIAA surround it always with the name “Alba”. The list of peaks and cols of Alba from West to East, with main summit in black is:

-Gendarme de Alba (3054m): the second aiguille of the fifteen gendarmes.
-Pico de Alba (3118m)
-Collado inferior de Alba (3020m)
-Diente de Alba (3136m)
-Muela de Alba (3118m)
-Collado superior de Alba (3080m)

As curiosity the list of peaks of 3000m need 10m of prominence to include the peak and the First Gendarme de Alba (3088m) is not in the official list. The other thirteen gendarmes don't reach the height of 3000m.

From collado superior the massif follows with the peaks of Maladetas Occidentales (Delmás, Mir, Sayó, Le Bondidier and Cordier) to link with the Pico de la Maladeta (3308m).

Getting There

Approach to Benasque from Huesca: in the road on direction to Barbastro (N-240). After Barbastro we'll follow the indication to valley of Benasque to the C-1311 to Graus and the C-139 to Benasque across the beautiful gorge of Congosto de Ventanillo.

-Puente de Cregüeña (1490m): in the road from Benasque to Hospital de Benasque we'll take the crossroad to Baños de Benasque, before the Puente de Lliterola, and in the road we'll take the first track to right. The forest track descent to a first bridge where we'll don't cross and we'll follow the track to right to Puente de Cregüeña with a signal of the peak near of a hut.

-La Besurta (1890m): the entry of North of Maladeta Massif is the same of normal route of Aneto across Refuge La Renclusa. La Besurta is easy of reach from Benasque following to Hospital de Benasque and taking the road signalled at right side before the descent to Hospital.

Red Tape

Located in the Natural Park of Posets-Maladeta with rules about conservation.

Very important: the road of La Besurta is closed in winter and early in the spring (it's the pist of sky-cross county with snow). From june it's opened. From july to september you can't access with your car and you must use the bus to la Besurta.
In the acces to south route (Puente de Cregüeña) don't exists restrictions but the route is very long.

Camping

Camping is not allowed, it's forbidden in the natural park. The camping is permited in Pla de Senarta (ayuntamiento de Benasque, a little tax of 3-4 €) or the nearby Camping of Aneto.
The night in La Besurta is a good option in the vehicle but you can't camp with the tent or vivac.
The refuge of La Renclusa is a good option, specially in spring with the road closed (1h45min of walk to the refuge but from La Besurta with the road opened it's only a easy walk of 40 minutes). In winter is closed (only a little hut for emergency).
Many lodges and hotels in village of Benasque

External Links

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Images

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