The Provincial Council of Zaragoza has created 13 new hiking trails throughout the province, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region on foot. Here’s a look at some of the routes available:
Route 1: “Hoz Seca and Hoz del río Mesa”. The towns of Jaraba and Calmarza offer a natural environment that is ideal for hiking. This route is a great example of the possibilities this area has to offer. The section that passes through the Hoz Seca is marked with several informational boards that help visitors learn about traditional ways of life from past eras and the area’s natural heritage. Visitors can also visit the “Roca Benedí” cave paintings, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Route 2: “The Hidden Side of Moncayo: Barrancos in Purujosa”. This route allows visitors to explore the landscapes on the southern side of Moncayo, dominated by the limestone hills that rise between the ravines carved out by water. This circular route connects the Cuartún ravine with the Virgen ravine via the Barrevinoso pass.
Route 3: “The Aguasvivas River in Belchite and the Almonacid Dam”. This linear route starts at the old town of Belchite and follows the PR-Z 80 trail to Almonacid de la Cuba, culminating at the Roman dam, which is over 2,000 years old. The route follows the course of the Aguasvivas River, one of the rivers that runs through the Campo de Belchite region.
Route 4: “The Hoces del Piedra from Aldehuela de Liestos”. Aldehuela de Liestos is a small town in the Campo de Daroca region, with quiet streets and surprising landscapes, including the Hoces del río Piedra, a spectacular area characterized by steep limestone walls eroded by water and wind over millions of years.
Route 5: “Route through the Bal de Luesia and ascent to Puy Fonguera”. This circular route passes through the Bal mountain, an area of great ecological and geological value. It is part of the protected landscape of the Sierra de Santo Domingo. The route allows visitors to enjoy a variety of vegetation, including natural woodland formations, pine forests, shrubland, and pastureland, with beech forests and oak forests that are home to holly and boxwood.
Route 6: “Ascent to Cabezo de la Mata. Añón de Moncayo”. This linear route allows visitors to explore a part of Moncayo that is off the beaten path, with one of the best oak forests in Aragon located on its shady slopes. This is a native forest and relic of wetter times.
Route 7: “Alto de la Nevera in the Sierra de Algairén”. This circular route, with some elevation gain and a simple path, offers spectacular views of the Sierra de Algairén region, with the highlight being the Falaguera viewpoint. This mountain range in the Ibérico System is characterized by a rocky terrain, with juniper and scrubland covering the lower slopes.
These are just a few of the routes available for hikers in the province of Zaragoza. The Provincial Council has worked hard to create these routes and provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for you to enjoy.
