This option is longer (approx. 7 hours) but avoids the technical climbing steps required by going via Tiro Callejo. Remember that in any case it is still a route through high mountain terrain, subject to imponderables that may appear at any time
- Time: 7 hours.
- Level: +1,050 m / -950 m.
- Difficulty: High (No technical climbing, but steep terrain).
Part 1: From Urriellu to Caba帽a Ver贸nica (Common Section) We leave the Refugio de Vega de Urriellu on the well-marked trail heading south towards the Garganta del Jou sin Tierre. From there, after enjoying the view of the valley, we continue on stony terrain with slight ups and downs until we reach the foot of the Torre de los Horcados Rojos. Here we have two options to climb the Collado de Horcados Rojos:
- Por Los Boches: It is the most direct route, but more complicated. There is a cable installed to help in the ascent. Warning: There is a risk of falling stones and it is not recommended in winter because of the ice.
- Por Los Urrieles: It is the easiest option, although longer. We leave the Boches path to the left, cross the rocky area and border the wall to a small pass, from where we finally descend to the Collado de Horcados Rojos.
From the pass, we descend by a clear path to the crossroads and take the branch to the right. After a short climb, we reach the Refugio de Caba帽a Ver贸nica.
Part 2: The Tiro Casares Pass (Specific Section) From Caba帽a Ver贸nica we leave towards Collada Blanca, but immediately turn to the South following a terrain marked by stone milestones. Here we will find a characteristic and delicate step: a quite narrow rock bridge that separates two small holes. Extreme caution should be taken when crossing it (if it is not clear, it can be avoided by skirting the holes, although it is longer and the path is less marked).
We continue crossing the boulders (canchales) under the Madejuno peak until we reach the Tiro Casares pass. From here, the terrain improves. We descend towards the area known as Las Colladinas, where our path connects with the PR-PNPE-32 trail. Following this comfortable path, we will soon arrive at the spectacular Refuge of Collado Jermoso.