ESPOLÓN ROJIZO. PICO OESTE DE SANTA ANA

Climbing routes Directory Fuente Dé area

The climb of the Espolón Rojizo in Santa Ana combines a nice approach walk with an easy climb in a beautiful environment. Moreover, it is located in a privileged location, right in the centre of the Central Massif of Picos de Europa, overlooking the deep Jou de los Boches. The route has many variants but can be followed without too many problems, and is always along the marked incrustation of orange rock in the centre of the wall. A beautiful and peaceful activity ideal for beginners in mountain climbing.

The easiest way to get to the bottom of the route is from Fuente Dé and accessing via the Canalona and Santa Ana passes. Another way is to access from the Refuge of Urriellu via the Jou Sin Tierre and the Jou de Los Boches.

The route has many variants, and it is possible to lengthen or shorten some of the pitches. Here's an overview:

  • The first pitch is about 60 m long. The best belay station is the one marked on the left side of the topo (a large but not very compact rock tunnel), the one on the right consists of two small rock tunnels in a more awkward location.
  • The second pitch concentrates its difficulty on a small roof with good holds, but you still need have to be careful. Belay station using two rock tunnels.
  • The third pitch exits from the belay station to the right over a marked rock tunnel, and crosses a beautiful rock wall that is generally very good, and well-protected by rock tunnels and friends before finally turning off to the left of a little spur where the belay station is located on a ledge (two pitons). There is a belay station beforehand, but it is not necessary. It can also be climbed by initially leaving to the left of the belay station, but it is less beautiful.
  • The fourth pitch is an easy climb to the top from where you can walk to the summit.

FACT SHEET

LENGTH

200 m

DIFFICULTY

IVº

DURATION

2-3 h

EQUIPMENT

A complete set of friends. Bring cordelettes or runners for the numerous rock tunnels.

DESCENT

Get down to the north side in the direction of the other Pico de Santa Ana, and then look for small ledges to downclimb (IIIº). It is also possible to rappel down using an old installation a few metres below the summit.

FIRST ASCENT

Ángel Benito, Rafael Fernández and Pedro Udaondo 7/10/1965

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