Top 5 Mountain Passes around Oronz

Olotoki Peak rises in a wild and sparsely populated corner of the Salazar Valley, where mountaineers will find numerous peaks, some quite steep. Among them are Olagato, Beortea, Santa Cruz, Peñas de Bezea, the Arburúa hermitage, and others. All of these mountains are covered with boxwood and pine trees that occupy the sunny slopes, and beech trees on the higher elevations. The climb to the pass from Izal is tremendously difficult.

Up to kilometer 12, the climb is gentle. From there, it becomes more difficult, and you'll face some slopes with a 10% gradient. The total climb is 26 kilometers, and the total ascent is 1,048 meters. During the climb, you'll find good road surfaces and beautiful scenery.

The Puerto de Laza is a small and beautiful hill that joins the valleys of Roncal (starting from Isaba) and Salazar (starting from Ochagavía) in the Navarrese Pyrenees. Both sides are very similar: a very easy start on a winding road, in perfect condition but without a hard shoulder, passing through small towns and going up the course of the respective rivers Anduña (Salazar valley) and Urbi (Roncal valley); a final stretch of 2 - 3 kms that is harder without being too much so, although there are some slopes above 10%. The Salazar valley side becomes harder when leaving behind the detour to the Larrau port. From here to the port there are 3 km with an average gradient of 7%. On the other hand, the Roncal valley side becomes harder when overcoming a bridge over the river that has been with us since we left Isaba behind. From here it is barely 2 km with an average gradient of 7%. From a landscape perspective, it is a port that I love because you can enjoy the exuberance of the vegetation of the Pyrenees, crossing narrow valleys and only with panoramic views when you reach the top, where there is a viewing point that is worth looking out at. A port that I always recommend for enjoying cycle tourism. I leave you the profile of both sides produced by the website www.cyclingcols.com --> http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/Laza

The views from the top are wonderful. You have to stand quietly to enjoy the beauty, especially on sunny spring and summer days.

It is a beautiful port of about 8 - 9 km for each of its slopes that connects Ochagavía with the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves in the Irati Jungle, one of the entrances to the forest. It is highly recommended to try both slopes because, although similar in length and hardness, they are very different in terms of landscape. The southern slope of Ochagavía is very open, with views of the valley and the surrounding mountains at all times, crossing mountain meadows. On the other hand, on its northern slope, the climb runs through the Irati Forest surrounded by beech trees. The final part of this slope is clear, although you are inside a very charming gorge. The views from the top are simply wonderful. It is worth stopping carefully, observing the views and taking some photos. It is usually windy, so a windbreaker is essential.

Before reaching Irati there is this hill with a magnificent viewpoint. If you're lucky you'll see the area's semi-wild horses up close. It is a port with a constant slope, it is long and it is beautiful

The Col de Laza is located in Spain not far from the French border and the port of Larrau. Shorter than its neighbour, its ascent takes place in the middle of a beautiful forest which opens onto lovely views of the surrounding mountains.

Considered one of the access gates to the Selva de Irati, this viewpoint at 1,355 meters above sea level is quite a challenge, but one that will be highly rewarded by being able to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views.