Ordesa valley
Torla, Spain
A glacial canyon with beech woods and waterfalls. The walk to the Cola de Caballo falls takes a full day.
The Ordesa Valley lies in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, which was founded on 16 August 1918 with an area of 21 km² and enlarged to 156 km² in 1982. Since 1997 the area has been part of the "Pyrenees – Mont Perdu" World Heritage Site. Ice-age glaciers carved U-shaped valleys, and tectonic uplift created deep gorges. Beech and fir forests clothe the slopes. The wall of Tozal del Mallo is 300 m high.
The trail to the Cola de Caballo starts at the Pradera de Ordesa and is 17.5 km there and back (490 m of ascent, 5 to 6 hours). On the way you pass the Arripas and Estrecho falls and the Gradas de Soaso. Autumn is considered an especially beautiful time, when the beech trees turn reddish-brown. The approach is via Torla. During Holy Week and in summer, private cars cannot drive up to the Pradera (as of October 2026); park at the Torla visitor centre instead and take the bus.
- Nearest town
- Torla, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.6500, -0.0580
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping OrdesaCampsite4 km from Ordesa valleyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Río AraCampsite4 km from Ordesa valleyTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping San Nicolás de BujarueloCampsite6 km from Ordesa valleyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- La BergerieCampsite10 km from Ordesa valleyTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Le Pain de SucreCampsite13 km from Ordesa valleyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Les TilleulsCampsite16 km from Ordesa valley · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ordesa valley?
Ordesa valley is in Torla, Spain, at GPS 42.6500, -0.0580. It is about 4 km from Torla-Ordesa.
Can you camp near Ordesa valley?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Ordesa, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ordesa valley?
Ordesa valley is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa.
What is there to see near Ordesa valley?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cascada de Sorrosal (6 km), Cirque de Gavarnie (10 km), Pont d’Espagne (23 km) and Aínsa Old Town (31 km).
When is the best time to visit Ordesa valley?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)