Skip to content
Is it possible to go cycle touring in the Sierra de Guara in the summer? The answer is yes, but you need to use your head. The heat of the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees in July and August can be intense in the valley floors, but the mountains offer higher-altitude routes, shaded stretches and access to water, making summer a very special cycling experience for those who know how to make the most of it.
This guide brings together the most important practical tips and the four routes from the BGuara catalogue that work best when the temperature soars.
Why summer has its own special charm in Guara
The Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park is at its most spectacular in summer. The reservoirs are at their highest levels, the ravines echo with the sound of rushing water, the sky is clear with a crispness rarely seen at other times of year, and the roads are dry and in perfect condition for cycling.
The trick is to adapt to the rhythm of the terrain: set off early, choose the highest routes and finish the day before midday. Anyone who does so will discover that summer is, quite possibly, the most photogenic and atmospheric season of the year in Guara.
The most important tip: set off before 8 am
In July and August, temperatures in the lower-lying areas of the Somontano can exceed 35 °C between midday and 6 pm. Cyclists who know the area well organise their day as follows:
- 6:00–6:30 am → light breakfast and preparation
- 7:00–7:30 am → start of the route in cool weather
- 11.30 am–12.00 pm → end of the main cycling section
- Afternoon → swimming in a river or reservoir, lunch, rest, cultural visit
This setup allows you to cycle for 3 or 4 hours in complete comfort, even in the height of August.
Essential tips for summer cycle touring in Guara
Hydration
Take more water than you think you’ll need. In summer, during moderate exercise, a cyclist consumes between 500 ml and 700 ml per hour. On 3- or 4-hour rides in hot weather, this means carrying at least two 750 ml water bottles and knowing in advance where to refill them.
Water points along the route: the villages of Adahuesca, Bierge, Rodellar, Alquézar and Panzano have public drinking fountains. Make a note of where you are before you leave.
Clothing and kit
| Element | Summer recommendation |
|---|---|
| Jersey | Short-sleeved top made from breathable fabric with UV protection |
| Trousers | With a high-quality chamois; heat makes chafing worse |
| Helmet | Well-ventilated; avoid closed-airflow models |
| Glasses | Photochromic or clear lenses for the early hours |
| Sunscreen | Apply SPF 50+ to your neck, arms and calves; reapply every 2 hours |
| Gloves | Shorts; trousers trap heat unnecessarily |
Nutrition
Heat reduces your appetite but not your energy expenditure. Choose foods that are quickly absorbed: energy gels, dates, bananas, rice bars. Avoid chocolate or fatty foods that melt or are hard to digest when you have heartburn.
The 4 coolest routes in Guara in summer
These four routes have been selected from the official BGuara catalogue based on a clear set of criteria: they are explicitly recommended for summer, offer access to water or natural pools for cooling off, and can be completed before midday if you set off early.
1. Riberas del Cinca — Family route · Very easy
Distance: 14 km · Elevation gain: +157 m · Duration: 2 hrs · Difficulty: Very easy
The most accessible route in the summer catalogue. It runs along the banks of the River Cinca between the mills of Chuaquin and Artasona, with the river always close by and the Sierra de Ubiergo as a backdrop. Perfect for families with children or for those looking for a peaceful, effortless stroll. There are access points to the river at various points along the route, allowing you to cool off whilst you walk.
Why it works in summer: the riverside environment remains noticeably cooler than the exposed mountainous areas, and the River Cinca offers accessible swimming spots along the entire route.
Official route details and GPX: Riberas del Cinca – BGuara Cycling Rocks
2. Ruta de Treviño — Rally · Easy
Distance: 20.8 km · Elevation gain: +370 m · Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes · Difficulty: Easy
A circular route between Adahuesca and Buera that combines fields of olive and almond trees and the vineyards of the Somontano region with outstanding Romanesque heritage. The highlight is the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Treviño, dating from the early 13th century, at the height of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. The final stretch runs alongside the River Vero near the Albarda Bridge, where the cool water makes it tempting to stop for a while before heading back to Adahuesca.
Why it works in summer: the short route (2.5 hours) means you can set off at 7 am and finish before 10 am, when the heat is still bearable in the Somontano.
Official route details and GPX: Treviño Route – BGuara Cycling Rocks
3. Valle de la Gloria — Rally · Easy
Distance: 46.7 km · Elevation gain: +580 m · Duration: 4–5 hours · Difficulty: Easy
The perfect choice for anyone who wants a full day out without compromising on comfort. It starts in Labata and takes in the Barranco del Formiga, the Cistercian monastery of Casbas de Huesca, the Romanesque chapel of Bascués and the Gothic chapel of San Miguel de Foces, offering a tour through a wide variety of landscapes. The average altitude of the route (between 600 and 800 metres above sea level) means that temperatures are milder than in the lower Somontano region.
Why it works in summer: the combination of moderate altitude, wooded sections alongside the Barranco del Formiga and the chance to set off at dawn make it perfectly feasible even in August.
Official route details and GPX: Valle de la Gloria – BGuara Cycling Rocks
4. Pozas de Belsué — Enduro · Difficult
Distance: 30.1 km · Elevation gain: +760 m · Duration: 4 hours · Difficulty: Difficult
The only enduro route in the guide that is explicitly recommended for summer, and there’s a very good reason for that: the crystal-clear, cool pools of the River Flumen are the final destination. The route starts at MesĂ³n Nuevo, passes through the pastures of Usieto and Ascaso, takes in the abandoned village of Santa MarĂa de BelsuĂ© and its Romanesque church, and ends at the pools, which offer panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the surrounding mountain ranges. The altitude of the route (800–1,000 m) keeps temperatures comfortable.
Warning: high difficulty. Recommended only for experienced riders in good physical condition. Do not do this on days when there is a heatwave warning.
Official route details and GPX: Pozas de Belsué – BGuara Cycling Rocks
Comparison table of summer routes in Guara
| Route | Distance | Elevation gain | Duration | Difficulty | Cool spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riberas del Cinca | 14 km | +157 m | 2 h | Very easy | Pozas rĂo Cinca |
| Ruta de Treviño | 20,8 km | +370 m | 2:30 h | Easy | Albarda Bridge / River Vero |
| Valle de la Gloria | 46,7 km | +580 m | 4–5 h | Easy | Ant Ravine |
| Pozas de Belsué | 30,1 km | +760 m | 4 h | Difficult | Pozas river Flumen |
Frequently asked questions about summer cycle touring in Guara
Is it possible to go mountain biking in the Sierra de Guara in the summer?
Yes, with some caveats. Routes such as the Pozas de Belsué are particularly recommended in summer due to their altitude and access to water. South-facing enduro trails — such as the Vero River Canyon — are not recommended in summer due to the heat on the limestone. Always check the official route description on BGuara.
How much water should you take with you on a summer hike in Guara?
At least 1.5 litres for every 2 hours on the road. On extremely hot days, increase that amount and identify the water points along the route in advance.
When is the best time of summer to go cycling in Guara?
The first half of July and the second half of August are the best times to visit. The first half of August usually sees the highest temperatures of the year in the Somontano region.
Is it possible to combine cycling with swimming in Guara in the summer?
Absolutely. It’s the best way to spend the day: cycling in the morning and finishing up at a natural swimming spot. The pools on the River Flumen (Belsué), the River Cinca (Riberas del Cinca) and the River Vero near Alquézar are the most popular spots.
What type of bike is best for cycle touring in Guara in the summer?
It depends on the route. For Riberas del Cinca and the Treviño Route, any bike (even a city bike) will do. For Valle de la Gloria, gravel or road. For Pozas de Belsué, mountain biking is a must.
Are there places to refill water bottles along the route?
Sure. The villages—Adahuesca, Alquézar, Colungo, Panzano and Bierge—have public fountains. Outside these areas, it is best not to assume that water will be available. Each official BGuara guide shows the water points along each route.
What to see (and do) when you get off your bike
- Swimming in natural pools: the pools on the Flumen (Belsué), Cinca and Vero rivers near Alquézar are the most easily accessible.
- A visit to Alquézar: the collegiate church and the medieval quarter are well worth spending at least an hour exploring at a leisurely pace in the shade.
- Somontano cuisine: Aragonese lamb, local cheeses and wines from the Somontano Designation of Origin are the perfect way to unwind after a day’s exploring.
- Birdwatching: griffon vultures, peregrine falcons and bearded vultures fly over the canyons at dawn and dusk.
Have you picked your favourite route for this summer yet?
Cycling in the Sierra de Guara in summer is perfectly feasible and hugely rewarding, provided you follow three basic rules: set off early, stay well hydrated, and choose routes suited to the heat. Those who choose this route discover a different Guara: quieter, brighter, and with the treat of a drink of water at the end of each stage.
Explore all the routes with downloadable GPX files at bguara.com/rutas
