The best road cycling routes in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa
4.4
(7)
456
riders
11
rides
Road cycling routes in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa are located within the pre-Pyrenean region of Navarra, Spain, offering diverse terrain. The area features a gorge carved through limestone walls by the Benasa stream, surrounded by forests of holm oaks, pines, and beeches. This setting provides varied landscapes, from dramatic rock faces to undulating hills and significant elevation gains in the broader region. Road cyclists can expect challenging climbs and scenic descents across this varied topography.
Best road…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
5.0
(2)
232
riders
81.3km
03:56
1,130m
1,120m
This difficult 50.5-mile (81.3 km) road cycling route through the Salazar Valley offers panoramic views and a challenging climb to Laza Pass
11
riders
49.0km
02:35
950m
950m
This difficult 30.5-mile road cycling route from Navascués through Foz de Burgui offers challenging climbs and stunning gorge views.
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2.0
(1)
23
riders
59.5km
02:26
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
162km
08:22
2,690m
2,700m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
43
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa
Tips from the Community
Burgui is the starting point in the lower or southern part of the Roncal Valley, which ends in Belagua, at the foot of the Piedra de San Martín. It is a very pretty and peaceful village, with all kinds of services for staying for a few days and using it as a starting point for the various cycling excursions in the area. It is also highly recommended to reach Burgui via the road from Salvatierra de Esca, following the course of the Esca River through the Esca Gorge.
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Up to kilometer 12, the climb is gentle. From there, it becomes more difficult, and you'll face some slopes with a 10% gradient. The total climb is 26 kilometers, and the total ascent is 1,048 meters. During the climb, you'll find good road surfaces and beautiful scenery.
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Without a doubt, the Col de la Piedra de Saint Martin or Pierre Saint-Martin is one of the Top 10 in the whole of the Pyrenees. Without exceeding 2000 metres of altitude, it is a very long pass, with a lot of accumulated gradient (due to the innumerable French slopes, the gradient is 1,450 metres), with very hard slopes and several kilometres above 10%, with wonderful landscapes and panoramic views and with little traffic, except for the slopes crossed by the main road (D132 in France, the NA 137 in Spain). It is a pass with many slopes; in Europe there are few other passes that have as many slopes as this one (col de Turini, Passo delle Erbe, would be comparable in number of slopes approximately). I have only climbed it by 2 slopes: (i) my first time was from Lourdios Ichère, crossing the col de Labays and the col de Soudet. Simply spectacular; (ii) I have subsequently climbed the Spanish side on several occasions, which is unique, and which starts from Belagua and crosses the Belagua cross-country ski resort to reach the mountain pass. It is also very beautiful, with a landscape and views different from the north-east side. If I had to choose one of the two, I liked the north-west side better because it is more remote, harder and in my opinion more authentic. It is also a culturally special mountain pass because the Tribute of the 3 cows takes place on its summit every 13th of July, which is considered the oldest treaty in force in Europe. So... you know... you cannot miss the opportunity to come here and enjoy this wonderful jewel of the Pyrenees!!!!
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It is a beautiful mountain pass that links the Roncal Valley (Navarra) with the Ansó Valley (Aragon). It is a mountain pass that I am very fond of for several reasons: (i) the road is very winding, with many curves and hairpin bends, especially on the Navarre side (ii) it is a mountain pass with no steep slopes on either side (iii) there is hardly any car or motorcycle traffic. It is very peaceful and you can fully concentrate on the climb, on your pace, on your sensations. The asphalt on the Aragonese side is in very poor condition, although that also makes it attractive because you can imagine what the roads were like that professionals used in the 90s and before. It can be linked to other ports and is a beautiful gateway to the Pyrenees.
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It is a very pleasant straight of slides... by car... because by bike you notice them in your legs.
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Isaba, also known as Izaba in Basque, is a picturesque village located in the Roncal Valley in the Navarrese Pyrenees, northern Spain. This charming village is known for its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was a strategic outpost for the Kingdom of Navarre. Isaba offers breathtaking scenery with lush green meadows in spring, colorful autumn leaves and snow-capped mountains in winter.
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The Puerto de Laza is a small and beautiful hill that joins the valleys of Roncal (starting from Isaba) and Salazar (starting from Ochagavía) in the Navarrese Pyrenees. Both sides are very similar: a very easy start on a winding road, in perfect condition but without a hard shoulder, passing through small towns and going up the course of the respective rivers Anduña (Salazar valley) and Urbi (Roncal valley); a final stretch of 2 - 3 kms that is harder without being too much so, although there are some slopes above 10%. The Salazar valley side becomes harder when leaving behind the detour to the Larrau port. From here to the port there are 3 km with an average gradient of 7%. On the other hand, the Roncal valley side becomes harder when overcoming a bridge over the river that has been with us since we left Isaba behind. From here it is barely 2 km with an average gradient of 7%. From a landscape perspective, it is a port that I love because you can enjoy the exuberance of the vegetation of the Pyrenees, crossing narrow valleys and only with panoramic views when you reach the top, where there is a viewing point that is worth looking out at. A port that I always recommend for enjoying cycle tourism. I leave you the profile of both sides produced by the website www.cyclingcols.com --> http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/Laza
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa?
The region offers a diverse range of terrain, characteristic of the pre-Pyrenean area of Navarra. You'll encounter undulating landscapes, significant elevation gains, and challenging climbs, especially in the foothills. The routes traverse picturesque scenery, including majestic mountains, lush forests, rolling hills, and even ancient vineyards, providing a varied and engaging experience for road cyclists.
How many road cycling routes are available in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa?
There are over a dozen road cycling routes available in and around Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of moderate and difficult options to explore the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there challenging routes for experienced road cyclists?
Yes, the region is well-suited for experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge. Many routes feature significant elevation gains and technical climbs. For example, the Laza Pass (1,129 m) – Ochagavía loop from Gallués / Galoze covers over 160 km with nearly 2,700 meters of ascent, offering a demanding ride through the pre-Pyrenean landscape.
What are some notable natural features I might see while cycling?
While cycling in the broader region, you'll be surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Navarra. The area is known for its dramatic limestone gorges, such as the Foz de Benasa itself, carved by the Benasa stream. You'll also pass through extensive forests of holm oaks, pines, and beeches, and might even spot diverse wildlife like griffon vultures or roe deer. Clear water pools and small waterfalls are also characteristic features of the landscape.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the routes here?
The road cycling routes in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Cyclists often praise the breathtaking scenery, the varied and challenging terrain, and the well-maintained secondary roads that make for an enjoyable and safe riding experience.
Are there any moderate road cycling routes suitable for intermediate riders?
Absolutely. While many routes are challenging, there are also excellent moderate options. The Ochagavía – Ochagavía loop from Aspurz Cruce is a popular moderate route, covering nearly 60 km with around 370 meters of ascent, perfect for those looking for a rewarding ride without extreme difficulty.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa?
The pre-Pyrenean region of Navarra generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through autumn. Spring brings lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer can be warm, but higher elevations offer cooler air. It's always advisable to check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Is the region suitable for family-friendly road cycling?
While many routes in the immediate vicinity of Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa feature significant climbs, the broader Navarra region offers diverse options, including easier cycling paths and greenways. For families, it's recommended to look for routes specifically designated as easy or family-friendly, which might be found slightly outside the most mountainous areas, to ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels.
Where can I find more information about road cycling in the wider Navarra region?
For additional information on road cycling opportunities and infrastructure across the broader Navarra region, you can visit the official tourism website: visitnavarra.es. This resource provides valuable context on the cycling culture and diverse terrains available.
Are there any loop routes available for road cyclists?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A notable example is the Roncal Valley and Laza Pass Loop, which offers a challenging circular ride through mountainous terrain.
What kind of elevation changes can I expect on these routes?
Road cycling in this pre-Pyrenean region is characterized by significant elevation changes. Routes often feature substantial ascents, with some difficult tours like the Pierre Saint-Martin Pass – Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin loop from Salvatierra de Esca including over 1,600 meters of climbing. Even moderate routes will have noticeable gradients, providing a good workout.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots along the road cycling routes?
The entire region is rich in breathtaking scenery. As you cycle, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Pyrenean foothills, dramatic limestone formations, and lush forests. While specific named viewpoints might vary by route, the natural beauty of the landscape itself, with its green valleys, silent ravines, and ancient villages, ensures a constantly evolving scenic experience.
Most popular routes in Reserva Natural De La Foz De Benasa
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