Where to start it: Parking area of Sansanet recreational area (France)

Municipality: Anso

Closest town: Candanchu, Canfranc

Type: Round trip (3,5 hours total)

Elevation gain: 490m

Season: From spring to autumn

Distance: 9 km (round trip)

Difficulties and equipment: Good footwear

With children?: Yes

The Ibón de Estanes, located on the border between Spain and France, is one of the most well-known and visited mountain lakes in the Aragón River Valley area, offering magnificent views of the French Pyrenean valleys. 🏞️

The Ibón de Estanes can be accessed from four different points: from the Lizara Refuge in the Aragües del Puerto Valley, from Guarrinza in the Hecho Valley passing through Aguas Tuertas, from Candanchu in the Canfranc Valley, or from the French side originating from the Sansanet parking/rest area. The latter is the shortest and easiest option to access the lake, which we describe below. 🚗

How to get there?

From Huesca, take the N-330 road towards Sabiñanigo, Jaca. In Jaca, continue on the N-330 towards France. Upon reaching Canfranc, take the direction towards Candanchu, up to the Somport pass. Cross the border, and after about 5 kilometers, you will find a left turn towards the Sansanet parking area, which can be reached via a short stretch of track. 🗺️

Route Description:

Start:

The trail to the Ibón de Estanes begins from the parking area itself. The well-marked path leads us through a beech forest, gradually ascending. After about 45 minutes of ascent, we leave the beech forest behind and are greeted by expansive meadows, offering splendid views of the surrounding peaks. Soon after, and already in Spanish territory, our trail merges with the GR-11 trail coming from Candanchu. 🚶‍♂️🏔️