Naranjo de Bulnes , or Picu Urriellu , is a perfectly contoured silhouette in the physical center of the Picos de Europa. It has an altitude of 2.519 meters and is one of the iconic peaks of Spanish mountaineering, especially due to the 550-meter vertical wall of its West Face.
But besides the views, up there we'll experience the comforting pride of a mission accomplished, and we can always boast about having dared to pursue a dream. The south face , the easier one, offers about 150 meters of climbing within reach of almost everyone.
Currently climbed from all its faces and ridges, Naranjo de Bulnes is the quintessential peak, the crowning summit of Asturian mountains. All its faces offer routes of moderate difficulty and relative accessibility, except for the West Face . Climbing the West Face requires a high level of preparation.
Since Luis Martínez, "el Cuco", died on this wall the 2 of September of 1928, many have been mountaineers who have lost their lives when trying to climb it. But this extremely smooth wall is one of the most tempting in the peninsula. Overcoming it is an authentic conquest, especially in winter and despite the risk.
To admire the Picu in all its splendor, we can do so after a long walk that places us on the very foot of the Naranjo , in the popular Vega de Urriellu, with a refuge included.
Vega de Urriellu
Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes, exerts a strong magnetic pull from long and medium distances, but… Read more
Who climbed the Naranjo de Bulnes?
On August 5, 1904, Don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, and "Cainejo," a shepherd from Cabrales, inaugurated the ascents of Naranjo de Bulnes . The climb was arduous, but they managed to reach the summit via the north face, known ever since as the Pidal Route. The German geologist and experienced mountaineer Gustav Schulze made the second ascent of Naranjo de Bulnes on October 1, 1906, also via the north face. This was the first solo ascent of the peak.
On March 8, 1956, Angel Landa of the Baracaldo Tourist Alpine Group and Pedro Udaondo of the Bilbao Juventus Mountain Group reached the summit of the peak for the first time in winter conditions . On August 21, 1962, Aragonese mountaineers Alberto Rabada and Ernesto Navarro ascended the peak for the first time via the difficult west face.
In the winter of 1969 , Ortiz and Berrio, from Gipuzkoa, died in the first attempt at a winter ascent of the West Face. They had come very close to reaching the summit. The media focused intensely on this tragedy. In February 1970, another tragedy shocked the television media. Lastra and Arrabal were rescued from the mountain, but Arrabal died in the hospital.
Finally, in the winter of 1973 , César Pérez de Tudela and Pedro Antonio Ortega "El Ardilla", along with Miguel Ángel García Gallego, had all of Spain on tenterhooks, in what was the first winter ascent of the west face that earned them the recognition of heroes of Naranjo.
This great feat, along with the many failed attempts over the years and the tragic deaths on the west face, has bestowed upon Urriellu a mythical character . Beyond its unique shape, almost unbelievable in the typical mountain profiles, there are the individual stories behind each ascent. Therefore, admiring the peak, even from afar, carries with it that element of risk that is inextricably linked to its beauty.
Do you want to know the Naranjo de Bulnes and other areas of the Picos?
If you'd like to take guided hikes in the Picos de Europa mountains and experience firsthand the extraordinary surroundings , we offer several routes to help you fully enjoy the mountains. You can choose according to your fitness level, the number of days you have available, and whether you prefer to stay in mountain huts or hostels. Several trips are planned for this season ; check out the details of each one and have a great trip!
Great trekking of the Massif Central
On this trek we'll explore the massif, following part of the Extrem Ring route, and sleeping in its legendary mountain huts like Collado Jermoso, Naranjo de Bulnes, and Jou de Los Cabrones…. Read more
Great return to the Picos de Europa
A comprehensive tour with accommodation included through the Picos de Europa. Five days to explore the spectacular landscapes of this national park in depth… Read more
Vindio Picos de Europa ring with summits
Accommodation and half board in the mountain huts of Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño and the Diablo de la Peña Hostel, and ascent to summits… Read more
Trekking Picos de Europa 5 days
Explore the three mountain ranges, staying in small hotels and the legendary Collado Jermoso refuge, and savoring the region's delicious cuisine… Read more
Naranjo de Bulnes viewpoints
There are several locations that must be visited if we want to have the best views of Picu Urriellu. Here, in this link below, we provide you with some locations to have the most spectacular views of the mythical peak.
Naranjo de Bulnes viewpoints
From all its viewpoints, the Urriellu acts as a powerful magnet, compelling us to observe it with… Read more
Information:
Get to the base
The route will take us an average time of about six hours. It is a full-fledged tour through the central massif of the Picos de Europa.
The most classic crossing to approach the Vega de Urriellu part of the mountain village of Sotres, where we will leave the car. From there we walk along the track that leads to the Cabao winters; After crossing the river Duje and from there you ascend to the Pandébano pass where the track ends and the trail begins. Once on the path you have to go to La Tejada de la Tejada (where the refuge of the same name is located). From this area Vallejo Collado is reached, and the route turns south. We already spotted the Picu Urriellu. From there the path climbs zigzagging to the Vega de Urriellu, where the shelter of the same name is located at 1960 meters of altitude.
To return to Sotres we do it by the same path.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
![Route from Bulnes to Picu Urriellu [By Camburero]](http://asturias.com/asturiasbasica/imagenes/ruta-bulnes-picu-urriellu-1p.jpg)
