Rodellar rock climbing

Rodellar village is situated above the beautiful Muscan gorge in the Sierra de Guara National Park. This limestone gorge is one of Europe’s famous climbing areas and provides many steep routes at F6b and above, with many routes in the F8's. The climbing style is powerful and athletic requiring plenty of stamina. There are more than 800 routes that find their way out of overhanging caves, arches, roofs, tufas and pinnacles. 

The climbing sectors are split into small areas either side of the gorge, meaning it is possible to climb in the sun or shade depending upon the time of day. All the climbing is reached after a 10 minute walk from Rodellar village. The majority of the routes are single pitch sport routes that vary in length from 15m through to 40m long. There are also some multi-pitch routes further into the gorge though some of these routes require Trad gear and have bird restrictions from 1st December through to 1st June. Fortunately the vast majority of the single pitch routes are not affected by the bird restrictions. 

The climbing at Alquezar is located just to the south of the Sierra de Guara National Park. There are around 170 routes at Alquezar on limestone rock, with a better spread of grades than Rodellar. Hence there are many easier routes from F5 upwards, and is an ideal place to visit if Rodellar is cold or looking for some easier routes.

What climbing guidebooks are available for Rodellar? The definitive guidebook for Rodellar and Alquezar, printed in 2019, is called Rodellar Escalada Deportiva Y Boulder.  It details many 100's of sport and bouldering routes found at Rodellar and Alquezar.  The Roca Espana Pyrenees rock climbing guidebook covers selective routes at Rodellar and Alquezar.  Both of these guidebooks for Rodellar are available to buy from our shop.

When to go – The best time to rock climb at Rodellar is from late April to mid-June and from September to November, when the temperature is perfect for climbing. Mid-summer is too hot and the area is usually busy with other tourists, and the winter is usually wet. Fortunately the gorge runs north to south with climbing on both sides, meaning it is possible to climb in the sun or shade depending upon the time of day. 

Getting there – There are a number of airports close by including Zaragoza (1 hour), Barcelona (2 hours) and Rues (1.45 hours). A car is required to get to Rodellar from the airport, and whilst there are a few small shops in the village, the main place for food shopping is Huesca.

Gear – It is recommended that you take at least 70m long rope and possibly even an 80m rope if you want to do the very long routes, plus 15 quickdraws for the sport routes. The multi-pitch routes will require twin 60m ropes plus some Trad gear. 

Accommodation – There are a number of options regarding accommodation in Rodellar, including two campsites both of which have self-catering bungalows. These are Camping Mascun and Camping El Puente.