What to do · Ordesa Valley
Cotefablo Pass
Information
- Price
- Self-guided · free
- Duration
- 45 min
- Distance
- 27 km
- Who it's for
- Motorbikes and cars
What it is
The Cotefablo pass is the mountain crossing on the N-260 road between Biescas, in the Tena valley, and Broto, in the Ara valley. It tops out at 1,423 m and goes through a narrow tunnel opened in 1935, about 680 m long (sources give between 680 and 683). Before the Petralba bypass, it was the N-260's route to Ordesa from the Tena valley. Today it is a mountain road to take without hurrying, by car, motorbike or bike.
Why it is a route and not just a crossing
Since 2012 there has been a faster alternative: the bypass through the Petralba tunnel, between Sabiñánigo and Fiscal, which avoids the pass, shortens the journey by more than 20 km and cuts the climb considerably. The pass remains for those who prefer the old road and its villages.
The route, from Biescas to Broto
According to Wikipedia, the road passes through these villages:
- Biescas. You leave eastwards on the N-260.
- Gavín and Yésero. The villages on the climb from Biescas.
- Cotefablo pass and tunnel. At the top you enter the tunnel. It is narrow: go in with your lights on, don't overtake and watch for oncoming traffic.
- Linás de Broto, Víu and Fragén. You descend the Ara valley side.
- Broto. You arrive at the gateway to the Ordesa valley; Torla and the bus to the Pradera are a few kilometres away.
You can also do it the other way, from Broto to Biescas, through the same villages in reverse order.
When to go
From spring to autumn. In winter the pass can have snow or ice: check road conditions with the DGT (Spain's traffic authority) before setting off and carry chains or winter tyres. In bad weather, the Petralba bypass avoids the pass.
Stops and services
Fill up before climbing: on the Ordesa side you have the Broto petrol station, on the N-260, open every day from 8:00 to 21:00. To sleep at the end of the day, Torla has the Hotel Bujaruelo and the Camping Río Ara.
By motorbike or bike
On a bike, remember that you have to go through the tunnel at the top: bring front and rear lights and high-visibility clothing. On a motorbike, take the same precautions in the tunnel.
With a motorhome
The tunnel is narrow: if you are in a large vehicle, the Petralba bypass, shorter and with less climbing, is more comfortable. In the Broto area, the Camping Oto motorhome area is a good base for Ordesa.
Tips
- Lights in the tunnel It is narrow and dates from 1935: go in with your lights on and don't overtake.
- Do the pass one way and come back by Petralba That way you see the old road and save time on the return.
- Check the road in winter With snow or ice, check the DGT before setting off for the pass.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Cotefablo pass?
1,423 m, on the N-260 between Biescas and Broto.
Is there an alternative to the pass?
Yes. Since 2012 the Petralba tunnel bypass, between Sabiñánigo and Fiscal, avoids the pass and cuts more than 20 km.
Can you cross it in winter?
It is a mountain road that can have snow or ice. Check road conditions before setting off.
