The Ruta del Cares follows a gorge in the Picos de Europa, with a path cut into the rock and several tunnels. It is a long out and back, so plan the whole day.
Conditions and rules are set locally. Check the current situation before you go.
Place
Ruta del Cares: what to know before you go
Routes to try
Picked from our route data. Grades and times are our own estimates, not official.
Before you go
- Carry a headlamp. Some tunnels are dark.
- The path is narrow in places. Take care with children.
- Plan the return as well as the outward walk.
- Check the official AEMET warnings on the morning of the walk.
Gear we recommend
The route has dark tunnels and a long out and back, so a headlamp and comfy footwear help.
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II waterproof hiking bootsAnkle support and a grippy sole for rocky mountain paths.See on Amazon.es
- Anykuu folding trekking polesFold small, and save your knees on descents.See on Amazon.es
- LEPRO rechargeable headlampHands free light for early starts, tunnels and late returns.See on Amazon.es
- SKYSPER 25L hiking backpackA breathable 25 litre daypack for water, lunch and a spare layer.See on Amazon.es
- Columbia Watertight II waterproof jacketPacks down small and handles sudden mountain showers.See on Amazon.es
- Hydro Flask Standard Flex Cap 620ml bottleTough insulated steel that keeps drinks cold for hours.See on Amazon.es
- 2 litre water bottle with time markersBig capacity for hot routes with no water sources.See on Amazon.es
- COROS Pace 4 ultralight GPS watchLong battery life for all day hikes.See on Amazon.es
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicatorSend SOS and messages where there is no phone signal.See on Amazon.es
- INIU 20000mAh power bankKeeps your phone alive when you use maps and photos.See on Amazon.es
- NativoDex knee braceExtra support on long descents.See on Amazon.es
- Insta360 Ace Pro action cameraSharp 4K footage of your hike, waterproof.See on Amazon.es
- Amazon Basics adjustable chest mountHands free first person footage.See on Amazon.es
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Use at your own risk
Information only. Conditions change, the data can be wrong, and you are responsible for your own safety. Check the official bulletins on the day, tell someone your route and call 112 in an emergency.
Read the full notice
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