Easy circular route in the Selva de Oza

Landscape from the circular trail to Selva de Oza

Family vacation in the Aragonese Pyrenees?

Here’s an easy, kid-friendly route to immerse yourself in the Selva de Oza.

Technical details

Difficulty: easy.
Length: 2.8 km (circular).
Elevation gain: 80 m.
Hiking time: 30 minutes (1.5 hours with young kids).
Start: Selva de Oza Campsite.
End: Selva de Oza Mountain Refuge.
Date completed (photos): August, 2020.

Family hiking through the Selva de Oza

Start of the route

If you're arriving by car, you can park in a huge parking lot right by the Refugio de Oza.

Refugio de Oza in the Aragonese Pyrenees

Quick note: the building next to the parking lot was closed and in ruins in August 2020, so don't count on spending the night inside or finding the typical amenities of a well-serviced mountain refuge.
If you need a place to stay in the area, there's a campsite just a few steps further up, right where this trail begins. 😉

There is also some parking near the campsite (without having to enter it), so you can leave your vehicle there too.

In fact, the trail kicks off from this point (you can check out the exact location on the map at the bottom of the page).

First section of the trail

The initial dirt and gravel track is wide enough for vehicles to drive on (it wouldn't surprise me if forest rangers use it).

It climbs on a gentle slope protected from the sun thanks to the trees.

After just over 1 km, the forest opens up to the right, giving you a glimpse of the peaks of the Valles Occidentales Natural Park in the distance.

Landscape from the circular route to the Selva de Oza

Junction with the trail to Castillo de Acher

About 200 meters ahead, you'll hit a fork in the path:

The gravel track keeps going straight ahead, but don't ask me where it leads because I haven't found its destination (and there was no signage pointing the way). Spoiler: this isn't the option you want to take, even if it looks like the easiest path. 😉
To the left, a small trail climbs up the mountain toward Castillo de Acher (already on my bucket list for my next trip back to the Selva de Oza).
To the right, next to a super photogenic wooden bench, the trail heads down—this is the one you need to follow if you want to complete this circular route.

Castillo de Acher seen from the Selva de Oza

Diving into the pine forest

The trail winds deep into the greenery, weaving around pine trees along a narrow, uneven path.

It's easy to hike, but you'll want to watch your step so you don't trip over roots or slip on the carpet of pine needles and pine cones.

GR-11 intersection

500 meters later, you're back on a wide gravel and dirt road, which is where the GR-11 long-distance trail runs from Oza to the Lizara refuge.

Here, the choice is easy:

Return to Oza

By easily following the trail, you'll reach the zipline park nestled in the Oza forest, where you can make a pit stop to cool off your feet in the river before heading back to your car.

Wikiloc Itinerary

Want to follow this route on Wikiloc?

You can view the trail on the map at this link.

What to bring

Food: pack whatever snacks you feel like enjoying along the way. Need some inspiration? Fresh fruit or nuts make great hiking bites.
Water: even though it's a short hike, carry at least half a liter of water per person.
Sun protection: most of the trail is in the shade, but in the height of summer it's always smart to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Clothing: lightweight clothes and hiking shoes or sneakers.
Travel insurance: if you don't live in Europe and want to travel worry-free, book your IATI travel insurance through this link and get a 5% discount. They offer customizable coverage to suit your needs and take care of paying all medical expenses upfront if you notify them beforehand. I never travel outside Europe without them anymore.

Where to Eat

Right by the trailhead, you'll find the Camping de Oza restaurant, where they serve a hearty, delicious set menu for 16–17 euros.

Be careful about wolfing it down right before the hike, though—that amount of food calls for a serious siesta afterwards! 😉

You'll also find Bar Costeros just a few steps from the campsite, serving lunch during the day.

View of the mountain peaks from the circular route to the Selva de Oza

Where to sleep

Back in 2019, we took our first family trip to the Aragonese Pyrenees, so we needed a spacious house with 4 bedrooms.

We were looking for a quiet spot with great views and plenty of outdoor space so our nephew could run around freely and safely.

Accommodation in Aragüés del Puerto - Casa rural Borda Mateu

And guess what I found? The country house Borda Mateu, just a few kilometers from Aragüés del Puerto.

I could write a whole post telling you about all the hours we spent chatting and playing on its scenic porch, the freezing, crystal-clear natural pool with its own waterfall just two steps from the door, or the warm hospitality of Carmen, our host.

But I think it says much more that the very next year, when we needed to recharge our batteries—craving nature and open spaces after a 2-month lockdown—the first thing we did was head right back to Borda Mateu.

And it won't be our last time! 🙂