There are several possible access points, from both the Leonese and Asturian sides . From the municipality of Caso, in Asturias, we can reach it from the villages of Caleao, La Felguerina, La Infiesta, or Bezanes. We can also reach it from the Arrudos gorge, continuing along this route once we reach the Fontona area. This last route, like the others starting from the Caso region, will take several hours to climb and is of moderate difficulty, involving an elevation gain of approximately 1000 meters.
Desfiladero de los Arrudos
The Arrudos Gorge is one of the great river canyons of Asturias and one of the most scenic routes… Read more
Go up to Lake Ubales from Fontona
This path begins shortly before La Fontona, ascends, and crosses the lush beech forest of Los Arrebellaos until reaching the Roxecu mountain pasture, a beautiful plateau where old, ruined huts can be seen. After crossing the river, a climb of just over a kilometer and a half begins , leading first to the Llede mountain pasture , and then to the Moyones pasture. Here, a short stop can be made to rest and drink water from a nearby spring. This pasture is completely surrounded by mountains in a kind of cirque, offering stunning panoramic views.
The path continues ascending through high mountain meadows and leads to the Collada de Ubales , the highest point of the route (1711 meters altitude), where we enjoy magnificent views of the Brañagallones valley, the Cantu l' Oso, the Tiatordos and even the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa.
At this mountain pass we take a detour to the right which, without losing altitude, reaches in a few minutes the secluded Lake Ubales: a small mountain lake that owes its origin to a glacial cirque.
We can return along the same path until we rejoin Fontona and the Arrudos trail, which ends in Caleao. The descent through Los Arrudos requires some caution if the flagstones are wet. The difficulty and danger increase in bad weather, so this hike is recommended from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
Another possible route from Lake Ubales is to continue to the town of Infiesta , where a support vehicle will pick you up. This hike adds over 22 kilometers to the route. From Colláu Ubales, you begin the descent to the Carbaza mountain pasture, where the trail joins the old Camín de Castilla, once frequently used by muleteers from the Caso district. The route continues to the left along this path, easily reaching the La Canalina pass and, beyond it, the Pandu Vallegu pass, where you might well spot one of the herds of chamois that frequent the area. From there, it's simply a matter of descending towards the Pasaoriu cabins along the wide path that leads to La Infiesta, a beautiful village and the final destination of this alternative route.
Lake Ubales from San Isidro
This is the most convenient option , as in just five kilometers each way we will have completed the hike and enjoyed the lake and its wonderful surroundings. In this case, we will access Ubales from León province, starting from the San Isidro Pass , after passing the housing development and the Venta de San Isidro inn, where the so-called " Wamba Trail " begins . There is good parking nearby. We travel along a good dirt track towards the Los Fornos stream and then towards the Collada Acebal pass, the border with Asturias. Here we find the hut of an old refuge and two alternative paths. One goes to the right towards Brañagallones , the other ascending leads to Lake Ubales along a narrow path in the foothills of Cascayón. After the Collada Acebal pass, a fabulous panorama opens up: Cantu del Oso, Tiatordos, Maciédome, the Picos de Europa mountains, Ten, and Pileñes. Below lies Mericueria, and beyond, Brañagallones.
The path continues along the hillside to Collado La Xara , where we begin our descent in a northwest direction. Once at the bottom, with a final turn to the west, we have the secluded glacier before us: Lake Ubales.
After enjoying the beauty and tranquility that the place transmits, we begin our way back along the same itinerary.
Information of interest
Route: Caleao- Lake Ubales – La Infiesta
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 8 hours
Slope: 1000 m.
Difficulty: medium-high
Note: support car necessary for pick-up at La Infiesta.
Route: San Isidro – Lake Ubales
Starting and finishing point: Wamba Bridge on the road before reaching the San Isidro Ski Resort.
Distance: 11,6 kilometers.
Slope: 300 m.
Difficulty: low-medium
Photographs: asturias.com and © Roberto Molero on Flickr
