Character
A high-altitude, sunnier and sometimes more remote traverse along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, with drier stretches and a stronger sense of wilderness.
GR Routes
GR11 Spanish Pyrenees Traverse
Spain's answer to the GR10: a wilder Pyrenean traverse with more sun and high-mountain atmosphere.
Overview
GR11 runs along the southern side of the Pyrenees and often feels more remote than the French GR10. It suits hikers who want a long mountain traverse but don't mind variable accommodation and services.
- Distance
- 840 km
- Time
- 40-55 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Total elevation gain
- 39,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 1,569 m a.s.l. · Candanchu
Španělské Pyreneje
840 km · 8 stages · ↑ 39,000 m
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
The Spanish side alternates refugios, campsites and hotels in mountain villages. Longer remote stages require more food.
July to September is most reliable. June can be beautiful but the highest sections may still have snow.
What to expect
Who it's for
More independent hikers who don't mind longer stretches between services and want a Pyrenean route with more solitude.
Suggested pace
40–55 days for the full traverse. Strong sections for a shorter trip are around Ordesa, Aigüestortes and the Aragonese section.
Logistics
Getting to and from the start and end requires more planning than GR10. In higher sections combine refugios, campsites and resupply from mountain villages.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Resupply in Isaba, Candanchú, Torla, Benasque, Espot, Andorra and Catalan villages. Some sections require several days of food.
Permits & regulations
No single central permit, but national parks and bivouacking have local rules.
Why go
- The wild atmosphere of the Spanish Pyrenees.
- Strong mountain scenery and a rawer character.
- An excellent trek for more experienced planners.
Watch out for
- Some stages are long and services are not as regular as on GR10.
- Heat and sun on south-facing slopes increase water demands.
- Variants and connections with the HRP deserve careful map preparation.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Spanish Pyrenees Traverse?
July to September is most reliable. June can be beautiful but the highest sections may still have snow.
How hard is Spanish Pyrenees Traverse?
Spanish Pyrenees Traverse is rated as Hard. A high-altitude, sunnier and sometimes more remote traverse along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, with drier stretches and a stronger sense of wilderness.
How many days does Spanish Pyrenees Traverse take?
Spanish Pyrenees Traverse usually takes 40–55 days. 40–55 days for the full traverse. Strong sections for a shorter trip are around Ordesa, Aigüestortes and the Aragonese section.
Do I need a permit for Spanish Pyrenees Traverse?
No single central permit, but national parks and bivouacking have local rules.
What about resupply on Spanish Pyrenees Traverse?
Resupply in Isaba, Candanchú, Torla, Benasque, Espot, Andorra and Catalan villages. Some sections require several days of food.
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