Cola de Caballo from the Pradera de Ordesa

From the Pradera de Ordesa, the meadow at the road end, a broad path follows the north bank of the Río Arazas up through beech and fir. Short side paths lead to viewpoints over the Arripas, Cueva and Estrecho waterfalls. Above the beech wood the valley opens at the Gradas de Soaso, where the river comes down a long staircase of falls, and a level walk across the Circo de Soaso ends at the Cola de Caballo, the horsetail fall at the head of the valley. Return the same way.

It is 17.7 km there and back with 457 m of climbing; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Hard for the distance alone: the path is broad and well made, with one steeper stretch below the Gradas.

In 2026 the road to the Pradera is closed to cars at Easter, from 19 June to 20 September and on most weekends until early November. A bus then runs from the visitor-centre car park in Torla-Ordesa every 15 to 20 minutes; a return costs €6 and is bought on the day. On other days you may drive up until the car park fills. No more than 1,800 people are allowed in the valley at once.

Snow and ice lie on the path in winter and spring. Carry food and water for a full day.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.