Summary:
A hard climb to a high lake amidst dramatic mountain scenery.

From the parking area by the Rio (river) Cinca, head along a wide stony track, past a trail sign. The track climbs gently away from the river towards the massive peaks of the cirque at the head of Pineta Valley, and waterfalls tumble from huge cliff faces.

After about 1.25 miles/2 km, the track meets up with the river and you cross the first bridge. Shortly after, you reach a trail junction. The wide track ahead leads to Llanos de la Larri, but you turn sharp left along the narrower path signed for Cascada del Cinca and Lago de Marbore.

Now starts your climb at the head of the valley, up switchbacks to the high country. An ascent of 650 ft/200 m in 0.5 mile/0.75 km takes you to a signed junction, where you detour left to Cascada del Cinca (‘Cascade de Marbore’ on the National Park topographic map). It is only a few minutes to a bridge overlooking the waterfall.

Return to the main trail and turn left to continue heading up the cliff. If you thought the climb so far was bad, be warned – it is about to get worse! You now face an ascent of 2,985 ft/910 m in just 1.1 mile/1.75 km to the top, Balcon de Pineta. The final section is particularly punishing, and you need to take care if there is snow.

Haul yourself to the top and savor the truly impressive reward: to the south-east are sweeping views down Pineta Valley, and all around are majestic peaks, including the north face of Monte Perdido (3,355 m) and its glacier.

The final 0.5 mile/0.8 km to Lago de Marbore (‘Lago de Pineta’ on the map) is much, much easier, rising just 200 ft/60 m. Enjoy the feeling of isolation as you cross this high mountain country, surrounded by the high peaks of the Pyrenees.

Directions: From France, the most convenient border crossing is through the Bielsa Tunnel on the D929, which becomes the 138 once inside Spain. Turn off the 138 into the town of Bielsa, 10 km south of the tunnel and 30 km north of Ainsa. After 0.5 km, before you enter the town center, turn right along the signed road that runs for 14 km through the Pineta Valley.

Trailhead: Car park on the left, about 0.5 km before the end of the road.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 4,307 ft / 1,313 m

Duration: 7 hours

Trail Condition: Signed junctions. Extremely steep switchbacks to the top of Balcon de Pineta.

Features: Mountains, glacier, lake, extensive valley views.

Climate: Hiking season generally runs June through September, but be prepared for changeable conditions and summer thunderstorms. Snow may remain on the trail early in the season.

Accommodation: Tent camping (poor facilities) and a luxury Parador at the end of Pineta Valley road near the trailhead. Tent and RV campsite (open April through September), plus a refugio, further along the road towards Bielsa. Hotels in Bielsa.

Trail Notes: Visit the National Park office in the center of Bielsa for trail information and weather forecast. Topographic maps available at shops in Bielsa. There is no shade on the steep, arduous climb so advised to start early.