Western valleys of the Aragonese Pyrenees
Travel guide
The Western Valleys Natural Park is a Spanish natural park located at the westernmost end of the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the Jacetania region. It covers the municipalities of Aísa, Ansó, Aragüés del Puerto, Borau, Jasa, Valle de Hecho and Canal de Berdún.
It has 27,073 ha and another 7,335 of peripheral protection zone. Its altitude ranges between 900 meters above sea level at the bottom of the valley and 2,670 meters above sea level at the top of Bisaurín.
Its location determines in a decisive way its climate, with a clear Atlantic influence. That is why vegetation is humid and cool, with the proliferation of large areas of Beech, Fir, Black Pine and Common Yew.
The animal population is extraordinarily rich. Some Bear specimens still resist and it is the territory of Bearded Vulture, Alpine Marmot and Black Woodpecker.
The natural park was created in 2006 by the Government of Aragon. It is also a ZEC and a ZEPA.
This protected area is located in the northwestern corner of Alto Aragón, bordering France to the north and Navarre to the west. In the leafy Selva de Oza, Beeches and other species of deciduous trees blend harmoniously with tall Fir Trees and Black Pine forests.
This natural park is home to the last Brown Bears in the Pyrenees and we find rare species, such as the White-backed Woodpecker, the Capercaillie or the Alpine Longhorn Beetle, a type of blue beetle.
It is also remarkable the quantity of butterflies and plants, among them the large number of wild orchids, which we can observe in it.
Climate
The climate in the Huesca Pyrenees is very variable from one week to another, even from one day to the next. Big storms can fall in a short time, we can have cold days and also hot days.
Recommendations for the trip
It is advisable to wear warm and waterproof clothing or similar. For photographers, it is advisable to carry a waterproof camera and lens case in case a storm falls on any route. Essential trekking shoes (preferably mountain boots). A cap or hat and sunscreen are recommended for sunny days, since at that altitude we run the risk of getting sunburned. It is necessary to carry a backpack in which we can carry food and drinks as well as a raincoat.
Difficulty of excursions
High average. We are going to make many excursions of several kilometers with high slopes.