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Variante 15.1

HardAragon · Spain

GPX
Distance
8.4 km (5.2 mi)
Elevation gain
1,121 m (3,678 ft)
Typical time
3 hr 26 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
2,593 m (8,507 ft)

About Variante 15.1

Variante 15.1 is a 8.4 km hiking route in Aragon, Spain. It climbs roughly 1,121 m (3,678 ft) along the way, topping out at 2,593 m (8,507 ft). Most people take around 3 hr 26 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Treat it as a full day out: the ascent is relentless in places and there are few easy escape points.

The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

The high sections hold snow long after the valleys are green, which keeps the usable season to high summer.

In short, Variante 15.1 suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard8.4 km1,121 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+1,121 m
Descent
463 m
High
2,593 m (8,507 ft)
Low
1,899 m (6,230 ft)
1816 m2031 m2246 m2461 m2676 m0.0 km2.0 km4.1 km6.1 km8.1 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 66 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • High point of 2,593 m (8,507 ft)
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
July to September
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Patchy on the upper sections
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
52/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
37/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
47/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
40/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
22/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for july to september for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
  • At this altitude the weather can turn in under an hour, and temperatures drop fast once cloud arrives.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Spain are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage in the upper sections is patchy at best, so do not count on being able to call for help from the summit. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Microspikes if you are walking at the edges of the season

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Variante 15.1

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Distance
13.9 km
/ 8.7 mi
Elevation gain
307 m
Typical duration
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/ 15.3 mi
Elevation gain
2,335 m
Typical duration
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