Saliencia Lakes: a circular hike from Alto de la Farrapona

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The Saliencia Lakes are a group of high-mountain glacial lakes in Somiedo Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve in Asturias, northern Spain. The circular hike starts at Alto de la Farrapona (1,708 m), a pass on the border between Somiedo and the Babia district of León, and takes in all four lakes: La Cueva, Almagrera, Cerveriz and Calabazosa, also known as Lago Negro.

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Trail facts

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• Distance: 7.6 km, circular

• Difficulty: moderate

• Total ascent and descent: +318 m / −318 m

• Altitude: between 1,602 and 1,738 m

• Estimated time: 3 to 5 hours

• Start and finish: car park at Alto de la Farrapona

• Best seasons: spring, summer and autumn

• Waymarked trail: partly follows the PR-AS 15

Figures from the official Asturias Tourism trail guide, where you can also download the GPX, KML or KMZ track.

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The four lakes, in walking order

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Lago de la Cueva. The first lake, about 15 minutes from the car park, sits in a glacial basin ringed by mountains. The path then zigzags up an old mining track to a viewpoint over it.

Lago Almagrera. Reached without leaving the PR-AS 15, deep in high-mountain country. At the top of the climb the path forks: the route takes the branch towards Lago Cerveriz.

Lago Cerveriz. Surrounded by grassy slopes; a path follows its shore to the last lake.

Lago Calabazosa (Lago Negro). The largest and deepest of the Saliencia lakes, up to 60 metres deep. From its dam, a path runs along the far side of Lago de la Cueva and closes the loop back to La Farrapona.

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Before you set off

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Advice from the official guide: keep dogs on a lead at all times; keep away from livestock and from the mastiffs that guard them, and don't stroke or feed them; take all your rubbish home, including food waste; and plan the route to suit your fitness. Above 1,600 m the weather can change quickly, even in summer, so bring walking boots, water, sun protection and warm layers.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the Saliencia Lakes hike take?

The official Asturias Tourism trail guide estimates 3 to 5 hours for the 7.6 km loop, with 318 m of total ascent.

Where do you park for the Saliencia Lakes hike?

The loop starts and finishes at the car park on Alto de la Farrapona, a mountain pass at 1,708 m on the border between Somiedo and the Babia district of León.

What are the Saliencia lakes called?

There are four: Lago de la Cueva, Lago Almagrera, Lago Cerveriz and Lago Calabazosa, also known as Lago Negro (the Black Lake), the largest and deepest.

Is the Saliencia Lakes hike difficult?

Asturias Tourism grades it as moderate. It is a high-mountain route between 1,602 and 1,738 m, on a wide, well-defined path for much of the way.

When is the best time to visit the Saliencia Lakes?

The official guide recommends spring, summer and autumn. At other times of year, check the road conditions and the weather before driving up to the pass.

More nearby: the trailhead, Alto de la Farrapona; another lake walk in Somiedo, Valle del Lago; and every route in our Somiedo hiking guide.