Cares Gorge | Best Hike In the Picos de Europa Spain
The hike through the Cares Gorge may just be the most beautiful hike in the entire Picos de Europa National Park. Located in Northern Spain, the Cares Gorge hike connects the adorable villages of Caín de Valdeón (Leòn) and Poncebos (Asturias).
This day hike not only connects two picturesque mountain hamlets but also two autonomous regions found in one of Spain’s underrated National Parks, the Picos de Europa.
The stunning Cares Gorge hike is around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and can easily be completed in one day. Although the route is mostly flat, this epic trek is anything but dull. Soak in epic viewpoints of limestone peaks while walking through caves and across lovely, yet sturdy bridges. Along the way, appreciate trickling waterfalls and curious goats.
The path doesn’t have many guardrails, so it can be a little mind-boggling to look down at the steep river canyon. With so much diversity packed into the trail, yet still easily accessible, the Cares Gorge hike is one of the most scenic and best hikes in Picos de Europa National Park.
Here are all the details on how to hike the incredible Cares Gorge (Ruta del Cares), a popular and worthwhile day hike in the Picos de Europa National Park Spain.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Map & Overview: Cares Gorge Spain
- Cares Gorge Hike | Where to Start the Ruta del Cares?
- What to Expect on the Cares Gorge Hike
- Cares Gorge Sleeping Options
- Summary of Cares Gorge Hike
Cares Gorge Map & Overview
The Cares Gorge trail is known by many names, including Ruta del Cares and Senda del Cares.
⁉️ Be mindful that currently (2024) the Cares Gorge trail is having work being done to remove stones from landslides and improve trail conditions. Some sections of the route may require detours. Check the current up-to-date trail conditions and alerts from the official National Park website.
A Quick Overview of Cares Gorge Hike | Ruta del Cares
Always check the weather conditions and stay up to date with current data by visiting the official website of the Picos de Europa National Park.
- Out & Back Trail or Point to Point Trail
- Official Trail Route: PR-PNPE-3, Ruta del Cares
- Trail Markers: White and Yellow Rectangles, with useful signage scattered along the trail
- Mileage: Just under 7.5 miles (12 KM)
- Duration: 6 – 8 Hours if walking the Cares Gorge as an out-and-back trail, depending on fitness level and breaks
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Be mindful that many sections of the Cares Gorge trail have no guardrail and the river canyon is steep
- The trail is fairly easy and well-marked.
- Cares Gorge Hike Day Pack Essentials:
- Water Filter and a refillable water bottle
- Snacks
- Headlamp for some of the tunnels
- Trail runners or Hiking Boots
- Trekking Poles (optional)
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Cares Gorge Hike | Where to Start the Ruta del Cares?
There are two starting points for the Cares Gorge hike. The trail can be walked as an out-and-back trail or a point-to-point trail.
The trail runs between the tiny mountain hamlets of Caín de Valdeón and Poncebos. Most hikers choose to start this hike from Poncebos as it is easily accessible via the popular mountain village of Las Arenas de Cabrales.
Starting Ruta del Cares in Poncebos
If starting the Cares Gorge hike from Poncebos Asturias, it’s quite straightforward to access the trailhead from near the village. During the high season of the summer months, Poncebos is well-connected via hourly buses between Las Arenas de Cabrales and Poncebos.
There is parking near the Cares Gorge trailhead in Poncebos, but oftentimes during the summer season, the parking spaces are full. There is a free parking lot in Las Arenas de Cabrales, so people can opt to utilize the bus service run by Alsa bus company.
Poncebos is a great starting point option for traveling to the Picos de Europa to hike. There are numerous trailheads for hikes in the Picos de Europa from Poncebos Asturias.
Top hikes from Poncebos include the short hike to the nearby hamlet of Camarmeña, which offers stellar views from the Mirador del Urriellu. Poncebos is also the access point to ride the Bulnes Funicular, which carries visitors to Bulnes village, one of the more isolated villages in the mountain. Alternatively, hikers can take the 1.5-hour trail to Bulnes via the Ruta de la Canal del Texu.
There is also a spectacular Picos de Europa hiking circuit that showcases the best of the Asturias villages from Poncebos ➜ Bulnes ➜ Sotres ➜ Tielve.
Starting Ruta del Cares in Caín de Valdeón
If you do have a car, Caín de Valdeón has many perks as a starting point for the Ruta del Cares.
First off, it’s easier to find parking right next to the trailhead in Caín, since most people choose to start from Poncebos. Second, in my humble opinion, the first half of the Cares trail from Caín is much more adventurous. This means, that if you don’t make it all the way to Poncebos, you are still experiencing the “intrepid” and best section of the Cares Gorge hike. Finally, if coming from the mountain village of Potes, there are many incredible viewpoints and vistas to stop at en route to Caín.
If you are visiting the Picos de Europa with a car and aren’t interested in hiking multiple-day hikes, Caín de Valdeón is an ideal place to start the Cares Gorge hike.
☛ Travel Tip | A car is a major game changer when exploring the Picos de Europa National Park. Public transportation is limited and only runs from June to usually the end of September. If traveling to the Picos de Europa during the off-season, a car is essential.
What to Expect on the Cares Gorge Hike
The Cares Gorge hike follows along the impressive Rio Cares and is encircled by jagged limestone peaks. By far, the Cares Gorge trail is one of the most memorable trails in the Picos de Europa and is worth hiking.
If starting from Caín de Valdeón, find the more adventurous section of the trail with walkways through the cliffs and multiple bridges.
Pass through a large damp cave. Don’t worry! This area does have a guardrail, but you may wish to turn on your flashlight or headlamp. Next, literally, walk through small openings that have been blown out of the rocky gorge.
Soon after, cross the iconic green bridge, known as Puente de Los Rebecos. This beginning part of the trail is much more narrow than the later half. It’s especially dramatic with numerous waterfalls and steep drop-offs. It can be a little intimidating, considering a majority of the trail has no guardrails.
There are not a lot of people walking the trail, but your new hiking buddies will include silly and inquisitive goats.
As you move closer to Poncebos, the gorge widens and there are epic views of the towering limestone mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting rocks, including unusual arch formations. Right before Poncebos, notice the intriguing ruins near the river.
Finally, begin on the downhill path to arrive in the tiny village of Poncebos Asturias.
From here, return on the same route back to Caín de Valdeón, or explore the surrounding area of Poncebos. Poncebos has a few guesthouse hotels with outdoor terraces that serve coffee, beers, and snacks.
☛ Love the Cares Gorge Walk? From Las Arenas de Cabrales, it’s easy to access the hidden forest trail Ruta Rio Casaño with chestnut trees, waterfalls, and far fewer hikers.
Cares Gorge Spain Sleeping Options
For planning purposes, allow around 3.5 hours to walk the Cares Gorge hike one way. The trail is mostly flat, but as you approach Poncebos, the trail becomes a little more steep. Depending on your direction, it will either be a steep ascent or descent.
If doing this trek solely as a day trip, it will take anywhere from 6 – 8 hours. However, the Cares Gorge trek could be done over two days, for those looking to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty of this region of the Picos de Europa National Park.
Here are 3 different suggested itineraries for hiking the Cares Gorge Spain and sleeping options.
- From Caín de Valdeón, take the 7.5-mile hike to the tiny hamlet of Poncebos and spend the night at Hostal Poncebos. There are a few more places to sleep in Poncebos if Hostal Poncebos is booked. Or call a taxi or hop on the bus to sleep in Las Arenas de Cabrales, which has plenty of accommodation options.
- Out & Back hikers of the Cares trail may wish to come back to the cute village of Caín and sleep at La Casona de Palmira. Budget travelers will love Hostal La Ruta, which sits directly near the Ruta del Cares trailhead in Caín de Valdeón.
- If following along with my Picos de Europa road trip itinerary, move closer to Cangas de Onís by sleeping at Oseja de Sajambre at Hostal La Cuna del Sella.
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Sleep in the Picos de Europa
Summary of Cares Gorge Hike | Ruta del Cares
In short, this is a summary and overview of all you need to know to hike the stunning Cares Gorge in the Picos de Europa National Park. This beautiful trail is considered to be the Picos de Europa’s most popular and best day hike. The Ruta del Cares is worth it!
Wander along the picturesque trail that chases alongside the Rio Cares, awe at the distinct limestone peaks, and experience the divergent trail that is Cares Gorge Spain.
Have you visited the underrated Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain? Did you get to walk the worthwhile Cares Gorge Hike? What did you think of the Ruta del Cares? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi. I was a teacher for many years and was involved with taking groups of 16 year old to the Picos for hiking/ camping expeditions. We regularly walked the Cares Gorge. I’ve done it four times. It’s stunning.
We often wild camped near Bulnes.. which has changed a lot looking at the photos… In my day the “road” was a dirt track used by donkey trains to get supplies up from the valley and there was no direct access.. very primitive but all the better for it!
We camped at Cain before shipping the kids out back to Arenas, and one night we’re entertained by a massive thunderstorm with lightning dancing off the surrounding peaks. It’s an amazing place. Thanks for reminding me!
Wow that sounds super special! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I really do love the Picos, they are one of my favorite places in Spain (along with Galicia).