Top 6 Gorges around Les Preses

For easily accessible natural water features, consider visiting La Plana Pool. It's formed by two waterfalls and is known for being one of the easiest pools to reach in the Planes d'Hostoles area, making it ideal for families. Another beautiful spot is Molí dels Murris Pool, where the Cogolls stream creates stunning travertines.

Yes, the Gurn Canyon in Vall d'en Bas, within La Garrotxa, is an excellent choice for beginners and families. It offers a fun aquatic descent with abseils, crystal-clear pools, and natural slides, providing a great introduction to canyoning in a picturesque setting.

The best time to visit for canyoning is generally from spring to early summer when water levels are optimal. For hiking and general exploration of the gorges, spring offers blooming flowers and fewer crowds, while autumn provides pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be crowded, and some popular spots like La Plana Pool may require reservations.

Absolutely. For those with prior canyoning experience, the Sant Aniol Canyon in Alta Garrotxa is highly recommended. It features striking turquoise waters, jumps up to 7 meters, natural slides, and abseils reaching 30-40 meters. It's considered an advanced canyon, offering a challenging and unforgettable adventure.

The gorges and canyons in the area showcase diverse natural features. You'll find impressive limestone walls, natural pools, waterfalls, and geological crevices. Highlights like Escletxes de la Freixeneda offer magical corners, especially in spring and autumn, while the Green Walls on the Olot-Girona Greenway provide a scenic passage through rocks with ample shade.

Yes, you can explore Bandoleros' Mine, a crevice about 50 meters long. Local stories suggest it was once a hiding place for bandits due to its strategic location near the old Camino Real from Vic to Olot.

Beyond canyoning and exploring gorges, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, gravel biking routes, and road cycling routes. For example, explore the MTB Trails around Les Preses or enjoy scenic rides on the Gravel biking around Les Preses. There are also many Road Cycling Routes around Les Preses.

Yes, the Catalan Pyrenees offer several options. The Gurp Canyon in the Lleida Pyrenees is a highly recommended medium-level canyon, featuring around 1,500 meters of route with stunning limestone formations and turquoise pools. It's suitable for those with some experience or adventurous beginners in good physical condition.

For canyoning, it's essential to wear appropriate gear. This typically includes a wetsuit (often provided by tour operators), a helmet, and sturdy shoes with good grip that can get wet. Layers of quick-drying clothing underneath the wetsuit are also advisable, along with a waterproof bag for essentials.

While many hiking trails are freely accessible, some popular natural pools and gorges, especially during peak summer months, may require reservations or day passes to manage visitor numbers. For example, the local government may require reservations for the gorges in the Planes d'Hostoles area during summer. It's advisable to check the official website of the protected area, such as espaiprotegitdelbrugent.cat, for the latest information on permits and access requirements.

Yes, the natural pools formed by the Cogolls stream, such as Molí dels Murris Pool and La Plana Pool, are popular spots for wild swimming. These clear, refreshing waters offer a perfect way to cool down during warmer months, surrounded by natural beauty.