Ruta Circular - Picos de Europa
All you need to know
The Key Facts
Wall length |116km (71miles)
Elevation gain |8800m (28,900ft)
Difficulty |Difficult
Start / End |Fuente Dé
Recommended time to hike |June to September
Busyness on trail |Low
Check out my adventure!
The Route
Click the following link to learn more about food, accomodation, weather and much more in the Picos de Europa
An Overview
The Ruta Circular trail in the Picos de Europa is a challenging 116km across tough terrain in parts and steep elevations. The results however are sublime! The national park is full of vibrant and colourful scenery to make you feel as if you have escaped from modern civilization momentarily. What’s more, the Picos de Europa are not as popular in the summer as other european mountain ranges such as the Alps leading to lwo crowds and less ‘tourists’ on the path.
I undertook the Ruta Circulat trail in May 2024. Due to snow on the trail, I had to slightly alter the path to avoid elevations above 2100m, but my hike was nevertheless memorable and exhilirating. I was particular struck by the food on the trail. The quality, affordability and variety was a welcomed treat after a long days hike.
How difficult is the hike?
The Ruta Circular hike is challenging due to the steep elevations and sections with low trail maintanence. The hike requires little scrambling however. The trail is not an official trail marked with its own designation, therefore slightly more awareness is required when navigating the path, however the trail markings were mostly clear.
Due to the very low volume of hikers completing this hike in comparison to other well established hikes in Europe, this hike requires previous experience if attempting solo as the infrastructure for this hike is not as developed as for example the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Tip: trails defined as ‘non defined trail or trail’ are of low maintanence and should be avoided if possible. Trails marked as ‘footpath, track, secondary track or short/long-distance trail’ are of much better maintained
Highlights of the Walk
These are my top three memories and locations from my journey along the Ruta Circular:
The Ruta del Cares trail
The Ruta del Cares hike follows the Cares Gorge. Collosal drops follow you as you walk through the massive gorge. You will pass tranquil water sources, heards of mountain goats and finish in Cain. This was a really unique experience for me, walking through such a large gorge. I even went for a dip at the end of the trail in the Cares river (although it was icy cold)! At the end of the walk, I treated myself to a tortilla and coke, the perfect way to finish the trail.
The summit to Refugio Jermoso
The 1400m elevation climb takes you from Cain de Valdeon to the refuge. The treck was full of breathtaking scenery all the while being fully devoid of other hikers. It felt as though I had the entire mountain to myself, a truly awesome experience! As I walked across into the eastern massif, one could see the landscape dramatically changing from the days earlier.
The food on the trail
Check out my section on food in the guide to the Picos de Europa. The food along the trail was authentic, delicious and filling. In particular, the menu del dia’s served in many refuges are the perfect way to end a day and prepare yourself for the next. I was also plesently not spared on the wine, they will serve more than enough I can assure you!
Suggested itineraries
Below is a list of suggested itineraries from five to nine days. This is just a recommendation. Make sure to plan your route with thought on the weather conditions, availability of refuges and your own hiking ability.
Note: the cable car at Fuente De will significantly lighten your first day of hiking, I would recommend!
Click the following link to learn more about food, accomodation, weather and much more in the Picos de Europa
