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The Sierra de Guara offers 16 mountain bike enduro routes that combine technical descents, historic trails and the landscapes of the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees. The routes are spread across the regions of Somontano, Hoya de Huesca and La Ribagorza, with options for all levels.
What is mountain bike enduro?
MTB enduro is a form of mountain biking that combines uphill and downhill sections on routes in the mid- and high-mountain ranges. Unlike pure downhill racing, enduro places equal emphasis on endurance on the climbs and technical skill on the descents. It is the most comprehensive discipline in off-road cycling and the most popular in the Sierra de Guara.
You can ride it on any full-suspension mountain bike, although dedicated enduro bikes have more aggressive geometries, with fork travel of between 150 and 170 mm. The trails of the Sierra de Guara, with their stone terraces, ravines and historic paths, provide the perfect setting for this sport.
Why is the Sierra de Guara a popular destination for enduro cycling?
The Sierra de Guara, designated a Nature Reserve in 1990, offers a combination hard to find in the Pyrenees: altitudes manageable (between 500 and 2,000 metres), a dense network of forest trails and historic paths, and a climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. This makes it a viable destination all year round.
The terrain is varied: from the compact limestone of the Vero Gorge to the clayey paths of the Somontano. The enduro trails in BGuara are designed to make the most of this terrain, with total elevation gains ranging from 600 to 2,500 metres.
The 16 enduro routes in the Sierra de Guara
BGuara has selected and signposted 16 enduro routes spread across the various districts of the mountain range. Here is a description of each one:
Senderos del Alcanadre
A linear route that follows the course of the River Alcanadre through gorges and poplar groves. A moderately difficult route, ideal for beginners to enduro riding in the Sierra.
Pozas de Belsué
A circular walk linking the village of Belsué with the natural pools in the ravine. Moderate elevation gain with sections of singletrack on the descent.
Integral del Salto Roldán
One of the most comprehensive routes in the BGuara catalogue. It combines an initial long carry with a technical descent down the legendary Roldán Pass. Recommended for experienced enduro cyclists.
Dolmen de Belsué
A cultural and nature trail linking several prehistoric dolmens in the mountains. The downhill section along the limestone slopes is one of the most popular with local riders.
Vuelta a Gabardiella
An accessible circular walk, perfect for days when you want to enjoy the scenery without too much physical exertion. Wander through the grain fields and ravines of the Pre-Pyrenees.
Guara Five Stars
The most iconic route in BGuara. Five linked descents in a single day, featuring sections of flow trail and rocky enduro. Total elevation gain of over 2,000 metres.
Virgen de Arraro
A route with a strong historical focus that climbs up to the Arraro sanctuary. The final descent through the holm oak forest is particularly tricky in wet conditions.
Pico del Águila
Access to the highest point of the BGuara route. From the summit, you can see the entire mountain range. A challenging route, recommended for riders in good physical condition.
Pardina Latorre
A tour of a typical pre-Pyrenean pardina (abandoned farmhouse). Varied terrain featuring sections of forest track and singletrack through heather-covered slopes.
Igriés XC Circuit
The only BGuara route designed exclusively for cross-country cycling. Low technical difficulty, moderate elevation gain, suitable for beginners and family outings.
Gran Vuelta al Vero
The longest route in the catalogue. Follow the River Vero from its source to Alquézar, passing through the cave art canyon, which has been designated a World Heritage Site.
Lost Paradise
An exploration route through the most remote parts of the mountains. Few signs of civilisation and plenty of natural singletrack. Recommended for groups with sailing experience.
Dolmen de las Balanzas
Access to one of the best-preserved megaliths in the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees. The route combines long climbs with fast descents along compact clay trails.
Rock Cathedrals
A route that winds its way through the eroded conglomerate formations that give the trail its name. The landscape is unique in the Pyrenees, and the rock sections require a high level of technical skill.
Cañón del Río Vero
An introductory route to the most visited canyon in the Sierra de Guara. A must for any cyclist visiting the area for the first time.
What sort of bike do I need for enduro riding in the Sierra de Guara?
For the enduro trails in the Sierra de Guara, a full-suspension bike with at least 130 mm of travel is recommended. Intermediate and advanced routes (Integral del Salto Roldán, Guara Five Stars, Catedrales de Roca) require aggressive geometries and high-tread tyres for rocky and clayey terrain.
The beginner routes (Igriés XC Circuit, Vero River Canyon, Gabardiella Loop) are suitable for any mountain bike in good working order, including hardtails.
When is the best time of year for enduro riding in the Sierra de Guara?
The Sierra de Guara is accessible all year round thanks to its location in the Pre-Pyrenees. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit: mild temperatures, firm paths and few tourists.
In summer, temperatures in the low-lying areas exceed 35 °C, so it is advisable to set off before 9.00 am. In winter, high-altitude routes (Pico del Águila, Virgen de Arraro) may be covered in snow or ice from December to March.
Where can I stay and eat near the routes?
The town of Barbastro serves as the main logistics hub for the BGuara routes. The city of Huesca is also just 45 minutes away. For the routes in the Alquézar area, the medieval village itself offers a range of accommodation options with bicycle storage facilities.
BGuara mantiene un directorio de establecimientos colaboradores (alojamientos, restaurantes y servicios de turismo activo) en la web para facilitar la organización del viaje.
Frequently asked questions about enduro cycling in the Sierra de Guara
Is a guide necessary for the BGuara trails?
It is not compulsory, but it is recommended for advanced routes. All routes have downloadable GPX tracks and are signposted along the way. For groups with no experience of the mountains, BGuara has certified local guides.
What is the elevation gain on the BGuara enduro trails?
The total elevation gain ranges from 600 metres (beginner routes) to over 2,500 metres (Guara Five Stars, Integral del Salto Roldán). Most of the intermediate routes have an elevation gain of between 1,000 and 1,500 metres.
Can you hire enduro bikes in the area?
Sure. Varios establecimientos colaboradores de BGuara en Barbastro y Alquézar ofrecen alquiler de bicicletas de enduro y doble suspensión. Consulta el directorio en la web de BGuara para disponibilidad y reservas.
Are the trails suitable for families or children?
The Igriés XC Circuit and Vero River Canyon routes are the most accessible and best suited to young cyclists or beginners. The rest require the physical fitness and technical ability of an adult or an advanced teenager.
What is the difference between enduro and XC in the Sierra de Guara?
Cross-country (XC) prioritises efficiency and performance on varied terrain, with lighter, stiffer bikes. Enduro focuses on having fun on technical descents with bikes featuring longer travel. In the Sierra de Guara, most of the BGuara routes are suited to enduro riding due to their rocky terrain and steep gradients.
What is the best route for a first day in the Sierra de Guara?
The Vero River Canyon route is the best choice for a first visit: it offers a glimpse of the mountains’ most iconic landscape (the canyon with its World Heritage-listed cave paintings), is of low to medium difficulty, and leads to the village of Alquézar.
