Mesola

Overview

Mesola is a small two-thousander of the spanish Pyrenees. In summer time its climb is only a nice hike on grassy hills, but in winter time it can offer good terrain to practice with your ice axe and crampons. If you choose a good weather, great sights over Bisaurín, Llana del Bozo or Aspe are guaranteed.

Getting There

There are two main trailheads for a climb to Mesola, already seen in other mountains of SP (such as Bisaurín or Llana del Bozo): the mountain hut of Lizara and the road to El Rigüelo.

To approach the Lizara Hut
Start from Huesca or Pamplona, in northern Spain. From any one of both towns, follow road N-240 towards the other one. At Puente la Reina (88 km away from Pamplona, or 72 km away from Huesca) you will have to turn north by road A176. This is the road running alongside the river Aragón Subordán, entering the Valley of Hecho. After 16 km, turn right once again to take road HU212 into the valley of Aragüés. This is a narrow and not-too-good road that will take you to the village of Aragüés del Puerto. Keep going after the village, in 7 km more you will find the Restaurant "Los Corralones" (in a beautiful pine forest), and 3 km farther the parking of the Lizara Mountain Hut, at the base of Bisaurín.

To approach El Rigüelo
You will need to start from the city of Jaca, driving northwards on road N-330 towards the french border and the ski resorts of Candanchú and Astún. Some 12 km north of Jaca, turn left on the crossroads towards Borau /Aísa. Drive across the village of Aísa and turn right, along the valley, to reach the parking area of El Rigüelo, placed six to seven kilometers north of the village. I'm talking about a parking area, but it's quite a narrow place. Scarcely a cul-de-sac of the road. Bear this in mind and try to be on the spot rather early, that way you should have no parking problems.
Another possibility to reach Aísa (not properly indicated by road signs, you'd better ask people in Jaca) is a road startíng from the farther end of the gardens placed by the Gran Hotel, and offers a little better road (road design and floor quality) to get to Aísa, even if a little longer

Closer train station: Jaca.
Closer airports: Zaragoza, Pamplona. They have no regular international flights, therefore you might have to catch a connection flight if getting in Spain through Barcelona or Madrid.

Red Tape

No special remarks to be done, just be sensible and respect nature as you would anywhere else. And always carry the proper equipment, including ice axe and crampons if you are going to make a winter attempt.

Camping and huts

As far as I know, there are no camping restrictions. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to put your tent down in daylight. The Lizara Hut offers good lodging and is easily reached by car.

External Links

Lizara Hut

Images

View Mesola Image Gallery - 40 Images