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River Alcanadre excursion
Bierge - Pedruel - Las Almunias - San Saturnino and Bierge

This itinerary is for an excursion in the River Alcanadre area. The Alcanadre is one of the most important rivers of those flowing through the Somontano de Barbastro district as the waters from the Formiga, Barrasil, Mascún, Peonera and Gorgas Negras ravines and gorges flow into it. This makes it a well-known and popular watercourse.

The start and end of the route make use of the road, without retracting from the appeal of the route. Although take care because there tends to be a lot of traffic on this road in summer. There are differences in the state and gradient of the tracks. The way between Morrano and Pedruel, which crosses the lower part of the Sierra de Arangol range, is hard and this is the most physically taxing area. After the Morrano pine forest, the track rises and, owing to the steepness of the slope and the many stones, you will need to climb most of this way on foot. After a difficult climb, you will find yourself in the midst of a magnificent landscape. It is recommendable to take the path to the left to view the Alcanadre from a spectacular cliff. The chapel of San Martín can be made out at its base. The top of the mountain marks the start of the Rodellar Valley, where the track improves a little, although the surface is still stony.
Unlike these, the tracks on the other bank, in the area of Las Almunias and San Saturnino are in good condition and are not so steep.

As you can see, this is a route that combines road, trial racing tracks and trails in good condition. This combination also allows you to contemplate the scenery. The vegetation ranges from the Scots pine and holm oak stands at Morrano to the mixed forests of pine, gall oak, strawberry bushes and holm oaks in the Sierra de Rufas range. Special mention should be made to the huge oaks in the old farmyards of Naya which have survived tilling, felling and fires of the centuries.
This route is full of beauty, giving you a taste of the Alcanadre. Without a doubt, the rivers are the dominant feature of the Sierra de Guara landscape. This route can be taken all year, whether on clear days when you can enjoy the full splendour of the Morrano pine forest and the Peonera Ravine, or on days when the fog rises from the Alcanadre to fill the area with mystery.
ITINERARY

Km 0.00. Altitude: 593 m. Bierge
Take the road to Morrano. Descend to the Bierge power station and waterfall on the River Alcanadre and follow the river upstream.

Km 7.85. Altitude: 680 m.
Once you pass the turn off to Morrano, you will see a track next to a container and a Government of Aragon sign. Take it and continue to climb.

Km 8.41. Altitude: 690 m.
Barrier. Start downhill to the Morrano pine forest.

Km 9.18.
Continue straight ahead, taking care as you pass between the pines.

Km 9.89. Altitude: 636 m.
Leave the track you have been following when you reach a bend opposite a small refuge. The harsh terrain means you will need to climb after this point will require you to dismount. However, it will be an opportunity for you to take in the wonderful scenery.

Km 12.41. Altitude: 738 m.
Once you reach the top, you will begin a dizzying descent. The most pronounced stretches take you to the so-called “Corrales de Naya” (Naya Farmyards), where there are specimens of oaks that are over 500 years old.

Km 12.85.
Turn right. You will see an interesting stone to your left called “Naya Castle”. Continue downhill.

Km 13.80. Altitude: 690 m.
The trail crosses a small ravine. 100 m upstream is the Loma Juega spring, which flows all year round.

Km 15.99. Altitude: 645 m.
Barrier. Turn left. Gradual climb. The track here is very rough.

Km 17.68. Altitude: 670 m.
A cross indicates that you are arriving at Pedruel. Cross the only street and descend to...

Km 18.45. Altitude: 618 m. River Alcanadre
Cross over a series of perfectly aligned stepping stones and take the path that continues to climb on the other side.

Km 19.84. Altitude: 681 m. Las Almunias de Rodellar
Take the first path you see on the right, between stone walls. Downhill.

Km 20.55.
Turn left at the livestock enclosure.

Km 20.65. Altitude: 640 m.
Continue straight ahead. The climb is now on a rough track.

Km 22.08. Altitude: 722 m.
You reach San Saturnino. Cross and continue climbing between the pines. The track improves greatly.

Km 23.51. Altitude: 800 m.
Road. Take the road to the right, at first rising until it reaches the top of the Sierra de Rufas Pass. Then downhill to...

Km 34.55. Altitude: 593 m.
Bierge.

DISTANCE
34.55 km
DURATION
3-4.5 hours
PART THAT CAN BE COVERED BY BIKE
95%.

ALTITUDE CHANGE
775 m

SEASON
All

MAP
249 - 287.
 

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