What to do · Laguna Negra and Picos de Urbión
The Laguna Negra de Urbión
Information
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- All year; in winter, with snow or ice on the track
- Who it's for
- Everyone
The Laguna Negra is a glacial lake at the bottom of a cirque in the Sierra de Urbión, with a rock wall that drops onto the dark water and gives it its name. Antonio Machado took it into "La tierra de Alvargonzález", and it is the best-known visit in the Laguna Negra y Circos Glaciares de Urbión Natural Park, in the municipality of Vinuesa (Soria). From the upper car park it is about 200 metres on foot to the shore, so anyone can see it, small children included.
Three ways to reach the shore
- By car all the way up. Outside the regulated days, the road from Vinuesa climbs to the upper car park, and from there it is about 200 metres.
- On the shuttle. At Easter, on long weekends and in summer, the Junta closes the upper car park to private cars. You leave the car in the Paso de la Serrá car park, paid on those days, and take the shuttle bus for the last kilometres. In recent seasons the car paid €4, the motorbike €2 and the motorhome €5, and the ticket gave free entry to the Casa del Parque for five people.
- On foot by the Senda del Arroyo. From the same Paso de la Serrá, 1.7 km through the pine forest and over wooden bridges, about 45 minutes uphill.
The regulated dates and rates change every year: confirm them first at the Casa del Parque.
The Casa del Parque, open depending on the month
The Casa del Parque, on the Vinuesa road, explains the park's glacial geology and gives the state of the access roads. Its 2026 hours vary a lot: in July and August it is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00; in November, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday mornings; in December, only from the 1st to the 8th; in January, closed. Phone numbers: 975 18 22 68 and 975 37 74 90.
Further up: Urbión
The lake is the starting point of the Glacial Lakes Trail, a 13 km circular route of about four hours, of high difficulty, which climbs by the Laguna Helada to the Pico de Urbión and returns by the Laguna Larga. If you only want the lake, allow an hour to go up, look and come down.
When to go and when not to
You can go all year, but in winter the track and the last stretch can have snow or ice. In autumn the beeches along the way change colour. By the lake it is cool even if it is hot below.
For eating in the area, Los Ranchales is on the road to the lake, in Vinuesa.
Tips
- Walk up, shuttle down Or the other way round: the Senda del Arroyo and the bus combine well with children.
- Keep a coat in the rucksack At the water's edge, under the rock wall, the temperature drops.
- Confirm the restrictions Before a long weekend, call the Casa del Parque to find out whether the upper car park is open.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to the lake?
Outside the regulated days, to the upper car park, 200 metres away. At Easter, on long weekends and in summer, no: car to the Paso de la Serrá and then the shuttle or on foot.
How much does the Laguna Negra cost?
The lake itself is free. On regulated days you pay for the Paso de la Serrá car park; in recent seasons, €4 for a car.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes: from the upper car park it is 200 metres.
How much time do you need?
An hour to see it; a whole day if you climb Urbión.
Is there snow in winter?
There may be, and ice on the track: ask first at the Casa del Parque.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagers
