Ibones de Anayet
Spectacular glacial lakes at the foot of Pico de Anayet, offering breathtaking Pyrenean vistas and a magical camping experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Ibones de Anayet
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spectacular glacial lakes at the foot of Pico de Anayet, offering breathtaking Pyrenean vistas and a magical camping experience.
"Amazing landscapes and the perfect place to spend the night camping gazing at the stars."
Choose Your Starting Point
Opt for the Parking de Anglasé for a more scenic 12km route, or Formigal for a shorter option .
Pack for All Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ibon de Anayet Lakes
Foot of Pico de Anayet
Stunning mountain lakes reflecting the majestic Anayet peak. A truly magical sight.
Pico de Anayet Summit
Above the lakes
For the adventurous, ascend to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
Midi d'Ossau Views
From the plateau
Gaze upon the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau and parts of the French Pyrenees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Hike Ibones de Anayet
Camping & Leave No Trace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Starting Point
Opt for the Parking de Anglasé for a more scenic 12km route, or Formigal for a shorter option.
Pack for All Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Respect Nature
Practice Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash and minimize your impact on this beautiful area.
Camping Etiquette
If camping, stick to designated times (7 PM - 8 AM) and be mindful of other campers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Starting Point
Opt for the Parking de Anglasé for a more scenic 12km route, or Formigal for a shorter option.
Pack for All Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Respect Nature
Practice Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash and minimize your impact on this beautiful area.
Camping Etiquette
If camping, stick to designated times (7 PM - 8 AM) and be mindful of other campers.
Scramble Sections
Be prepared for some scrambling sections on the trail; sturdy footwear is essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely stunning, magical landscapes and the incredible opportunity for stargazing while camping. The effort of the hike is consistently described as minimal compared to the breathtaking views of Anayet, Midi d'Ossau, and the surrounding Pyrenees. However, some note that the trails can be quite scrambled in places and that clouds can obscure the views.
"Amazing landscapes and the perfect place to spend the night camping gazing at the stars, not the mention the so many hiking routes you can make from there. The effort from the parking is minimal compared to the views you will have on the Anayet, Pic du Midi d’Ossau and part of the French Pyrenees.
Please be mindful of the environment and leave no trace behind you!"
Alexia Ursache
"Once you get to the Anayet car park-you have to park just off the road and walk 1.5km along the gated road. From the foot of the ski slopes you follow the little red and white signs, up, up, up. It's quite a scramble in places, but well-worn the effort; even if when you get to the ibones (mountain lakes) the mountains are covered in clouds. The glimpses we did have of Anayet and the Midi d'Ossau were exciting. Wonderful views on the way down, too."
Sally Bracher
"Ibones de Anayet are a series of lakes in the Province of Huesca, northeastern Spain. They lie at the foot of Pico de Anayet."
Ngo Hai Anh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can start your hike from the Formigal ski resort parking or the Parking de Anglasé (Candanchú). The route from Formigal involves parking at the ski resort and walking along a gated road for about 1.5km before hitting the trails.
+1 The Anglasé route is often preferred for its scenic beauty.
Yes, there are parking areas at the Formigal ski resort and at Anglasé. Be aware that you might need to park just off the road near the ski resort and walk a bit to the trailhead.
The hike is approximately 12km each way from the Parking de Anglasé, making it a 24km round trip. Routes from Formigal can vary in length.
The hike is generally considered moderate and can take around 5 to 6 hours round trip, though this can vary depending on your pace and the chosen route.
Yes, there are options for different fitness levels. You can hike to the Ibones de Anayet or continue to the summit of Pico de Anayet for more challenging climbs.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the Ibones de Anayet. It's a natural park area.
The area is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, the hiking trails are best enjoyed when snow-free, typically from June to September.
Parking fees may apply at the ski resort parking lots, especially during peak season. Check with the resort for current pricing.
Winter visits are possible but require appropriate winter hiking and avalanche safety gear, as trails can be covered in snow and ice. It's a more advanced undertaking.
The area can get quite crowded, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays, due to its popularity.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find stunning glacial lakes (ibones) at the foot of Pico de Anayet, offering spectacular mountain scenery, reflections, and views of surrounding peaks like the Midi d'Ossau.
Yes, overnight camping is permitted between 7 PM and 8 AM.+2 It's a popular spot for stargazing.
The trail involves ascents and some rocky, scramble-like sections. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the Ibones de Anayet. You need to be self-sufficient.
The hike to the lakes is considered moderate and doable for most with good fitness. Reaching the summit of Pico de Anayet is more challenging.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The reflections of Pico de Anayet in the lakes are iconic. The plateau offers panoramic views, especially towards the Midi d'Ossau.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Sunsets can be spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the lake's colors and reduce glare. A drone can capture stunning aerial views.
Always check local regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks before flying. Respect wildlife and other visitors.
If you camp overnight, the dark skies offer incredible opportunities for astrophotography. A tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers & Backpackers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Ibones de Anayet
This moderate hike typically takes 5-6 hours round trip,
Camping Under the Stars
When camping, it's crucial to adhere to 'Leave No Trace' principles. This means packing out all your waste, minimizing campfire impact (if allowed and safe), and respecting the natural environment. The pristine beauty of the Ibones de Anayet is a treasure, and responsible camping ensures it remains so for future visitors. Many visitors describe the experience of waking up to such incredible views as unforgettable.
Geological and Scenic Significance
The plateau surrounding the ibones provides a stunning vantage point. On clear days, the panoramic vistas extend across the French Pyrenees, making it a photographer's and nature lover's paradise.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit