Hollowed out of conglomerate rock, the Lumos canyon boasts one of the narrowest passages in the whole of the Sierra de Guara. Although relatively dry and often stagnant in the summer (it should be avoided during the low water season) it is the perfect canyon to enjoy after rain or at the coldest and wettest times of the year.
The Lumos ravine offers one of the most unusual landscapes of the River Vero, revealing pleasant surprises to those who venture into its depths as well as beautiful vistas on the return journey.
Technical information
Approach: 20 minutes. Leave the car on the levelled area by the side of the Colungo to Arcusa road, between the 21 and 22km mark before and just before arriving at the San Capraiso hill. Continue on foot along the track that leaves towards the south (direction Colungo) for 100m and just before arriving at the knoll there is a coomb on the right and a small footpath that descends over loose terrain until reaching the start of the canyon descent. There is another option of entering the canyon via a tributary that runs parallel to the Lumos that also offers a number of rappels with deep pools of water. It merges with the Lumos canyon in the narrowest section; in this case carry on along the path and enter the canyon at the next suitable spot on the river bed. Nearest village: Asque
Descent: 2h:30 min - 3h:30min KM: 1.500 m
Return: 1 hour. Upon finishing, take the path on the right hand slope of the river, which follows the whole of the descent back upstream as far as the car park.
Escape routes: After the first 4 rappels and before entering the section with the narrowest channels, there is a small tributary to the right, which allows movement back up river to leave the canyon. It’s the perfect way out in the case of a storm. After the 6th rappel it is possible to avoid the narrow depths by using the ledges on the right hand bank.
Car combination n/a
Difficulty level: Medium level throughout the year. It is necessary to be vigilant and keep an eye on the water flow as the level will rise quickly in the case of storms and can be dangerous in the narrow stretches.
Minimum equipment requirements
- Neoprene bib in spring
- Full wetsuit in cold temperatures.
- Helmet
- Harness
- Double anchor lanyard
- Ropes
- Equipment for abseiling (figure-of-eight descender)
- 2 ropes of at least 25m in length.
- Waterproof canyoning backpack
- Watertight barrel
- It is advisable to take along drinking water and a picnic.
Points of interest
- Groups of specialised rupicolous plants such as Pyrenean violets and saxifraga.
- Peña Villacantal: on the return journey it is quick and easy to take a detour to Peña Villacantal, a spectacular vertical cliff, which rises steeply above the Vero.
Photo gallery
