Overview
The west face of Anzotiello
Always hidden (in a figurate sense) under the shadow of close-by higher mountains, such as Mesa de los Tres Reyes or Rincón de Alano, Anzotiello is not particularly beautiful nor specially high, but it affords for some magnificent views of the Western Pyrenees if you are lucky enough to climb it in a clear day. It also offers an easy normal route for those willing to practice their snow skills (you know, ice axe, crampons and so on...) though the final pyramid might prove to be a little steep for sensible newcomers to mountaineering.
Getting There
Belabarce Guarrinza ROAD ACCESS: For the
western approach, start from the mountain track of Gamueta, placed about 2 km before arrival to the mountain hut of Linza (see SP page of Mesa de los Tres Reyes, route Linza). You will have to get there from Pamplona or Huesca, the biggest closer cities. Follow the road linking both of them (N-240) until the crossing of
Venta Carrica. This is a crossing about (will check) sixty kilometers from Pamplona, where you can find a petrol station and the beginning of the road to Sigüés / Salvatierra de Esca / Roncal. Follow this road (NA-137) for thirty kilometers, until you get to Isaba. After
Isaba keep going north (NA-1370) for three more kilometers and turn right on the crossing marked as (Zuriza /Ansó). This small road (NA-2000) will take you across the valley of
Belabarce and to the camping area at
Zuriza, under the Sierra de los Alanos. When you finish coming down from Belabarce (that will be some thirteen kilometers after Isaba), turn left for the camping area and drive around it until the end of the road. It is not in a very good state, so don't drive fast. You will see the dirt roads to Barranco de las Eras and Barranco de Gamueta to the right. Leave the car at the entrance of this last dirt road (usually closed by a barrier) and start walking by it.
For the
eastern approach (Valle de Hecho) start also from Huesca or Pamplona. From any one of both towns, follow road N-240 towards the other one. At
Puente la Reina (88 km away from Pamplona, or 72 km away from Huesca) you will have to turn north by road A176. This is the road running alongside the river Aragón Subordán, entering the Valley of Hecho. After 23 km you will find yourself arriving to the village of
Hecho. Just keep going for some ten additional kilometers or so, pass by the village of Siresa and through the narrow pass of the Boca del Infierno. You will pass by an ancient (actually closed) official camping site at Selva de Oza, where the forest becomes thicker. About two kilometers after that, the road opens into the plain of
Guarrinza. Leave the car here.
NEAREST SPANISH TRAIN STATIONS: Pamplona / Jaca
NEAREST SPANISH MAJOR AIRPORTS: Pamplona / Zaragoza
Red Tape
No special requirements to be met. No need for permissions. Though not far away of the french National Park of the Pyrenees, there are no special protective measures for flora or fauna in this area (apart from those suggested by common sense and respect for nature).
When To Climb
Most climbs take place in late spring, summer and autumn. Winter climbs are nice enough but require good equipment and a certain experience. Moreover, the final pyramid might prove to be dangerous if you happen to be around it when covered by ice.
Camping
A couple of official camping sites are quite close to the trailhead in Linza. One of them placed in Zuriza, scarcely four kilometers away, and the other in the neighbouring (to the west) valley of Belagua (Camping Asolaze - see links section).
External Links
- Asolaze Camping site
Basic information on services and contact possibilities of the Asolaze Camping site (Isaba-Navarra).
- Zuriza Camping Site
Spanish language info on the Zuriza camping site, four kilometers south of the Barranco de Gamueta