The canyon of the Oscuros de Balced is one of the prettiest and most popular in the Sierra de Guara. It is a relatively short but comprehensive in terms of attractions, offering jumps, drops and “chaos” (piles of large blocks of fallen rocks) as well as narrow passageways, siphons and pools of turquoise water. It is ideal for newcomers to the sport of canyoning although always taking the necessary security precautions and evaluating the strength and height of the water flow.
As this is one of the most popular routes in Guara, you should also take into consideration the amount of people in the canyon, especially in summer.
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Technical information
Approach: 1 hour. Arriving by car, the exit is signposted as “Collado Fondo” around the 9-10km mark on the road from Bierge to Rodellar. Follow the forest track that leaves from a small hillock (at the side of a rubbish bin covered with wood) and follow it for around 2.5km until arriving at the “Collado de Colmenares.” This is a small knoll with ruins to the right. You will see a footpath signposted to “Tranco de las Olas” which is the path used at the end of the descent. Continue on foot by following the path to the fence. Once you arrive at a curve in the path (which is closed off to the left) there is a well marked path to the right, which goes to the start of the descent. Nearest village: Las Almunias de Rodellar
Descent: 2 - 3 hour KM: 1500m
Retour: 45 minutos. From “Tranco de las Olas” take the return footpath to the forest track where you left your car.
Escape routes: None. During rainy periods, be vigilant regarding the water flow in the “Oscuros” as there are stretches that can become very dangerous with high water levels, especially the first rappel. Be prepared to make this descent under a flow of water.
Car combination n/a
Difficulty level: Medium in summer. Very high during and after heavy rain as this canyon is very susceptible to change after storms and the water flow can increase considerably.
Minimum equipment requirements:
- Full wetsuit and neoprene socks or canyoning shoes.
- Helmet
- Harness
- Double anchor lanyard
- Ropes
- Equipment for abseiling (figure-of-eight descender)
- 2 ropes of at least 15m in length.
- Waterproof canyoning backpack
- Watertight barrel
- Picnic and water
Points of interest
- Las Almunias de Rodellar
- Tranco de las Olas
- Somontano Natural Route
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