The impressive Añisclo Canyon (Cañón de Añisclo)

A labyrinthine corner of rock, forest, and water

The Añisclo Canyon, in Spanish "Cañón de Añisclo" with its towering waterfalls, lush forest, and a sense of being in a truly unique place, has been part of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park since 1982. This majestic and incomparable canyon, carved by the powerful Bellós River, boasts a landscape of great beauty and uniqueness.

Access and Hiking Routes

To reach the Añisclo Canyon from the town of Escalona, take the turn towards the canyon and follow the road until you reach the San Úrbez parking area (Ereta de Biés). You will pass through the narrow Cambras gorge before reaching the San Urbez bridge, which rises 30 meters above the river. Nearby is the hermitage of San Úrbez, where the saint and shepherd lived in the 8th century.

From the surroundings of San Úrbez, you can embark on several hiking routes, such as Puente del Río Bellós – Río Aso, Sercué, La Ripareta, and Fuen Blanca. You can also visit other points of interest in the area, such as the Aso Mill Cave, the Buerba viewpoint, and the nearby villages of Puyarruego, Vió, Nerín, and Fanlo.

A Landscape of Contrasts

The Añisclo Canyon offers a landscape full of contrasts, from the immense vertical walls where the black pine defies the laws of nature, to the dense and diverse forest that extends at the base of the canyon. The Bellós River, with its dark or green waters depending on the light, reflects the surroundings and creates a temple-like silence in this impressive place.

In the upper part of the canyon, the landscape changes and becomes a glacial basin that ascends towards Collado de Añisclo. From the top, you can appreciate the intense fracturing of the enormous rock masses and the beauty of the large forest as a whole. This landscape, simultaneously wild and unparalleled, seems like a marvelous dream amidst the mountains.

Flora and Fauna of the Añisclo Canyon

The biological richness of the Añisclo Canyon is due to the variety of ecosystems present in the area. The flora and fauna of the canyon are highly diverse and representative of the Pyrenees region. From beech and fir forests in the wetter areas to black pine groves at higher elevations, a unique and diverse landscape is created.

As for fauna, the canyon is home to a wide variety of species, some of them emblematic, such as the bearded vulture, golden eagle, and griffon vulture. You can also find mammals like the roe deer, wild boar, and fox, as well as a large number of bird species, reptiles, and insects that inhabit this protected environment.

Recommendations for your visit

Before venturing into the Añisclo Canyon, it is important to gather information about the weather conditions and hiking routes suitable for your level of experience. You can do this at the Information Point in Escalona, where they will provide you with information about the routes and other points of interest in the area.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing for the activity, and bring enough water and food. It is also important to exercise caution at certain points of the canyon, especially when approaching the river and in areas with steep slopes.

Lastly, note that the road from Escalona to San Úrbez is one-way throughout the year. To exit the canyon, you can follow the road to Buerba and Vió, which leads back to Escalona, or take the road towards Sarvisé via Fanlo, both of which are two-way roads.

A place to reconnect with nature

The Añisclo Canyon is an ideal destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature and enjoy stunning landscapes. Whether you are walking along its trails, exploring its caves and viewpoints, or simply admiring the beauty of the surroundings, this corner of the Pyrenees will provide you with an unforgettable experience in a unique and incomparable setting.

---

Useful information for visitors