Glacial Lakes Trail (SO6): From the Laguna Negra to the Pico de Urbión

The SO6 is the park's great route: 13 km in a circuit and 480 metres of ascent, about four hours, of high difficulty. It links the Laguna Negra, at about 1,800 metres among pine forests, with the Pico de Urbión, at 2,228 metres, on whose slopes the River Duero rises. On the way you see the other lakes that the glaciers left in the cirques of the sierra.

The route

It begins by skirting the Laguna Negra on the left, along the walkway and the improved path, passes the rocky cliffs that enclose it and comes out onto open ground, with no more trees. From there you climb to the Pico de Urbión passing the Laguna Helada and return by the Laguna Larga, closing the circle again at the Laguna Negra.

The Covaleda municipal sheet describes the same descent from the peak: by the GR 86 towards the Laguna Larga, then to the Zurraquín pass and the Laguna Helada, and from there to the Laguna Negra viewpoint, which it considers the best view over the lake.

Difficulty and when to go

The Junta rates it as high difficulty: it is a good four hours and a serious climb over open terrain. There is no shade or reliable water at the top: take drink, warm clothing and a map. The good season runs from June to October, without snow; in fog, landmarks disappear on the open ground. At the Casa del Parque they give you the details and the state of the path; in July and August it is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00.

Reaching the starting point

The start is at the Laguna Negra itself. On the busiest days, such as Easter, long weekends and summer, car access stops at the Paso de la Serrá car park, and from there you go up on the shuttle or on foot by the Senda del Arroyo, 1.7 km more with 218 metres of ascent. Count it in your timings: it is the difference between coming down in daylight or not.

Other options

Anyone who wants Urbión from the other side has the climb from Covaleda on the GR 86.1, longer and through pine forests. For a gentler day, the walk round the Laguna Negra on the walkway and a visit to the Casa del Parque are enough, and are suitable for children. If you do the SO6, it is worth sleeping nearby to start early: in Vinuesa is the Villa de Vinuesa rural hotel.