Ordesa Valley
| Ordesa Valley | |
|---|---|
The Ordesa Valley | |
| Length | 11 kilometres (7 mi) |
| Geology | |
| Type | Glacial valley |
| Geography | |
| Location | Aragon, Spain |
| Rivers | Arazas River |
The Ordesa Valley is a glacial valley in Aragon, in the Spanish Pyrenees, forming part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The valley is approximately 11 kilometres (7 mi) long.[1]
History
The Ordesa Valley was first documented in 1820 and was later mapped in detail during the 1920s.[1] It became part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in 1918, making it one of Spain's earliest protected natural areas.[2]
Geography
The valley's east–west orientation, which is unusual in the Pyrenees, allows Atlantic Ocean influences, contributing to its moderate climate.[3]
The Arazas River flows through the valley, creating multiple waterfalls, such as the Cola de Caballo (Horsetail Waterfall).[4]
Ecology and conservation
The valley hosts diverse ecosystems, ranging from subalpine forests to high-mountain meadows. Notable tree species include Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Silver fir (Abies alba), and European beech (Fagus sylvatica).[5]
It also has one of Europe’s largest populations of the Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica).[6] Other wildlife includes griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos),[7] and brown bears (Ursus arctos),[8] though the latter are extremely rare.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the park implements measures to balance tourism with habitat protection, including restricted access zones.[9][10]
Geology
The valley's formation stems from the collision of the Iberian and Eurasian tectonic plates during the Alpine orogeny, creating folds and faults in its limestone and dolomite bedrock.[11] Erosional processes further shaped the terrain:
- Glacial activity carved the U-shaped Ordesa and Pineta valleys, while river erosion formed the Añisclo and Escuaín canyons.[9]
- Karstification produced features like underground drainage systems and sinkholes, contributing to the valley’s aridity at higher elevations.[11]
At the north-east end of the valley, several prominent peaks can be seen, including:
- Monte Perdido – 3,355 metres (11,007 ft) (third-highest peak in the Pyrenees)[9]
- Cilindro de Marboré – 3,328 metres (10,919 ft)
- Soum de Ramond – 3,263 metres (10,705 ft)
These three peaks form part of the Monte Perdido Massif, dominating the northeastern end of the valley.[12]
Tourism
The valley’s trails attract over 600,000 annual visitors:
- Cola de Caballo Route: A 17.5 km round-trip trail leads to the iconic "Horsetail" waterfall, passing landmarks like the Gradas de Soaso cascades and Circo de Soaso glacial cirque.[13]
- Faja de Pelay: A challenging 22 km loop offering cliffside views from the Senda de los Cazadores path.[9][13]
- Góriz Refuge: A key basecamp for ascents of Monte Perdido and adjacent peaks.[9]
Visitor management includes shuttle buses from Torla to reduce traffic and trail erosion.[10][13]
References
- ^ a b Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 282. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.
- ^ Council of Europe (1995). Protected Areas in Europe. IUCN. p. 74.
- ^ García-Ruiz, José M. (2011). "Climate and Hydrological Variability in the Pyrenees". Mountain Research and Development. 31 (4): 315–327. doi:10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00029.1.
- ^ Gutiérrez, F. (2018). Geological Heritage of the Ordesa National Park. Springer. p. 98. ISBN 978-3-319-99498-7.
- ^ Ninot, J.M., Ferré, A., Grau, O., Font, X., Pérez-Haase, A. & Carrillo, E. Environmental drivers and plant species diversity in the Catalan and Andorran Pyrenees. Lazaroa 34: 89-105 (2013).
- ^ Herrero, J. (2012). "Status and Conservation of the Pyrenean Chamois". Zoological Studies. 51: 727–736.
- ^ "Birds of the Pyrenees –". Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "Wildlife in the Spanish Pyrenees". www.responsiblevacation.com. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b c d e "Walking in the Ordesa National Park | Pyrenees". Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b Rogers, Will. "Ordesa National Park Pyrenees Spain". Holiday Centre. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b "Geomorphology of Ordesa and Monte Perdido: A Natural Heritage in Huesca, Spain". Ordesa and Monte Perdido. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park". Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b c "The Cola de Caballo Route in Ordesa: hiking in the Pyrenees". Spain.info. Retrieved 2025-02-07.