The Benasque Valley is a truly unique place for mountain bike lovers, with environments close to each other but surprisingly diverse. In a single day of cycling, you can cross dreamy meadows, enter birch forests and challenge yourself on exciting rocky stretches, all within the same valley. The variety of landscapes and terrain is astonishing, making each enduro ride a unique experience.
Enduro is one of the most impressive ways to practice cycling. A modality that combines the technical difficulty of Cross Country with the adrenaline of descents, ideal for those who enjoy strong emotions. To be able to feel the enduro to the fullest it is important to find the right trails and there are few places in Spain better than the Benasque valley to experience the enduro firsthand.
In the heart of the majestic valley, enduro competitions are held every year that consolidate Puro Pirineo as an outstanding mountain bike center of reference at the national level. These competitions attract cyclists from all over, who find this alpine paradise the perfect setting to challenge their skills and enjoy exciting descents.
In the Benasque valley it is possible to practice enduro near 3,000 meters of altitude through the alpine environment that characterizes the area. Technical trails, lush forests and endless descents characterize the routes you can find there, perfect for practicing enduro. We tell you about some of the most interesting options to practice the modality in the area but it is important to remember that there are numerous additional routes in this region, waiting to be explored by adventurous cyclists.
El Rincón del Cielo by Aramón Cerler, in the Pyrenees, offers spectacular views of the Benasque valley and the Sierra de Chía. First of all, you will have to go up to the viewpoint. During the summer you can use the El Molino chairlift to reach elevation 2,000, but you will still have to pedal the last stretch. Once up there the real action will begin.
Downhill, the descent route covers 1,350-1,500 meters and takes you through diverse terrain, passing peaks such as Labert, Royero and La Tira, before finishing in Sesué or Castejón de Sos. The scenic beauty and the challenge it entails make this route essential in the world of enduro in the Pyrenees.
The descent from Cuatro Cruces to Villanova through the Rabaltueras meadows is one of the most exciting enduro routes you will find in the Benasque valley. Starting in Villanova, the route offers a unique combination of challenging trails and spectacular panoramas, passing through meadows, birch forests and intertwined paths. With a distance of 6.5 kilometers, this descent meanders through the forest, connecting with the San Chulián route, and culminates in a technical and rocky section that adds excitement to this adventure, sure to be unforgettable.
This mountain bike descent, considered by many to be the best in the entire Pyrenean area, combines meadows, rocks and forests in a unique environment. The route begins with a demanding climb from Castejón de Sos to Cabaña de Bisaurri at 2,100 meters of altitude. Once at the top of the pass, a long descent awaits you, which is divided into three sections, with the first being the most technical, followed by a fast and easy section known as the “Mountain Road.” The last section leads to options to finish in Gabás or directly in Castejón de Sos, completing a circular route with curves in the middle of the forest to put the finishing touch to a great day of enduro cycling.
In addition to these routes, the most intrepid cyclists will be encouraged to descend the Sierra Negra, which despite not being a signposted route, offers one of the most spectacular enduro experiences in the entire Pyrenees.
If you decide to spend several days in this cycling paradise, you will find multiple options to keep you moving even when you decide to take a break from the bike. From ascending some three thousand in the high peaks of the Pyrenees to hiking on panoramic routes, enjoying exciting via ferratas or venturing into canyoning. In addition, you can take to the skies on paragliding flights, test your skills in climbing areas of all levels, get excited about rafting and hydrospeed on crystal-clear rivers, and much more. At Puro Pirineo, the options are endless, and the adventurous spirit never goes out.
