logo
ic_menu

Picos de Europa - Pico Gilbo hike

Avenida de Valcayo, Riaño, Castilla y León

Description

The Gilbo Peak (1679m) is part of the Cantabrian mountain range, within the Regional Park of the Picos de Europa, in the province of León. When viewed from the town of Riaño, it has a slender pyramidal shape which lends it the nickname of the Leonese Matterhorn. From the summit there are excellent views over the surrounding mountains and the Riaño Reservoir. The easiest route is about 8km return (option of out-and-back or loop) and goes through beech forests and limestone ridges. Total ascent is 600m and the trail has a few mildly technical sections, making it best suited to hikers with at least a little experience.

Access & Transport

The trail head is on the left of the main road, just before crossing the bridge leading to the village of Riaño. There is only a small parking area not meant for extended use so you will need to park in the village. Riaño is 90km northeast of León and 110km southeast of Oviedo.

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to bring proper footwear and avoid doing this route in rainy weather as the rocks can be slippery. Take some snacks, plenty of water, sun protection, and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast.

Meta review

The online reviews on specialized websites describe this as one of the best hikes on the Leonese side of the Picos de Europa on the basis of the views from the top but also the slightly fun scramble up the final third of the hike - yes, you may need to use your hands a little bit, hence the recurring advice about checking the weather forecast and recommending this climb to hikers with proper experience.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity. Marginally positive for the community as it brings some revenues to the villages in the area

Conclusion

Hiking up Pico Gilbo will give you impressive 360° views of the Cantabrian mountain chain and the Riaño Reservoir down below. It is quite a steep climb but worth the effort (of getting there and going up) if the weather is on your side

Key positive

Fantastic views from the top

The peak itself is very scenic from a distance

Key negative

Can be slippery / dangerous in wet weather

Suitability

Suitable for anybody with a decent fitness level and prior hiking experience (best for children > 10yrs old).

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Seasonality reflects the risk of snow/mud on the trail but it is open year-round

av. transport time:1h 20m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.