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Aneto

Aneto - the highest peak in the Pyrenees, with a glacier crossing and the airy Paso de Mahoma to the summit

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardExpeditionOut-and-backExpedition summit (glacier)
Distance
~22 km return
Max elevation
3,404 m
Elevation gain
~1,500 m
Duration
8-11 h
expeditionhighest pyreneesglacierexposed ridgeguided common
Plan this hike
Explore the lush trails and stunning mountain views in the Pyrenees, Spain.

The route

The line through Aragonese Pyrenees (Maladeta), Spain - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile3,404 m (Aneto, highest in the Pyrenees)
0 km11 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    La BesurtaTrailhead
    ~1,900 m0 km

    Road end

  2. 2
    Refugio de la RenclusaHut
    ~2,140 m2 km~1 h

    Base hut

  3. 3
    Glaciar de AnetoJunction
    ~3,000 m8 km~4 h

    Glacier crossing (crampons)

  4. 4
    Paso de MahomaPass
    ~3,350 m10 km~5 h

    Exposed ridge to the summit

  5. 5
    Aneto summitSummit
    ~3,404 m11 km~5 h

    Highest in the Pyrenees

Season & conditions

Best season

Jul-Sep

Weather risks

Exposed Pyrenean high-mountain weather - storms, cold, snow lingering; check the forecast; the glacier and ridge demand settled conditions

Best Jul-Sep; crampons/axe for the glacier; a guide is common. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Alpine trail, the small Aneto glacier, and an exposed summit ridge (the Paso de Mahoma)

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Two-day via La Renclusa; turn back before the Paso de Mahoma

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

La Besurta/Refugio Renclusa, from Benasque

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Refugio de la Renclusa (staffed) for a two-day ascent

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Benasque; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not mandatory but a guide is common for the glacier and the exposed Paso de Mahoma

Permits & safety

No permit; Refugio de la Renclusa is the standard base. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Crevasses on the glacier, the exposed Paso de Mahoma (fatal falls), altitude, storms

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Aneto with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike