Ullibarri-Gamboa Reservoir North Route

Komoot classifies this route as moderate for mountain biking, suggesting good fitness is required but it's suitable for all skill levels. It's largely considered low to moderate difficulty, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists, including families. The route has a relatively low elevation gain, with most of it being flat with good ground.

The trail offers a diverse range of surfaces. You'll primarily ride on well-trodden dirt paths, but also encounter singletrack (17.2 km), paved sections (18.7 km), cycleways (5.42 km), and some road sections (2.12 km). There are also wooden walkways and occasional stretches with loose stones, especially on the single notable ascent and descent.

The route offers continuous scenic views of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir. Key highlights include the Landa Lakeside Path, a View of Barracones Reservoir, and a View of the Ullibarri-Gamboa Reservoir and village. You'll also pass through diverse ecosystems, including open fields and dense wooded areas, and skirt the Mendixur Ornithological Park and the inland beaches of Álava.

Yes, this route is highly recommended for families. Its generally low difficulty, well-marked, and circular nature make it very accessible. Shorter, more family-oriented options exist, such as the 13 km "Vuelta al humedal de las colas del embalse." However, be aware that it can get busy on good weather weekends, making some narrower sections challenging with children.

The trail is easily accessible, particularly from Vitoria-Gasteiz. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, it's common for popular reservoir routes to have designated parking areas near access points, especially around the Landa and Garaio Provincial Parks. You can also extend your ride from Vitoria-Gasteiz via a greenway.

Yes, the Vuelta al embalse de Ullíbarri-Gamboa is generally dog-friendly. However, due to its popularity, especially on weekends, you might encounter many pedestrians, children, and other dogs. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash to ensure safety and respect for other trail users and wildlife, particularly near the Mendixur Ornithological Park.

The trail is enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for combining biking with swimming in the reservoir. Weekends, particularly in good weather, can be very busy, so consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning to avoid crowds.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and mountain bike the Vuelta al embalse de Ullíbarri-Gamboa trail. It's a publicly accessible route around the reservoir.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers 97% of the "Ruta Norte del embalse Ullibarri-Gamboa" and 97% of the "Vuelta completa al embalse Ullibarri-Gamboa." It also briefly touches sections of the "Ardoaren eta arrainaren bidea" and the "Lautadako Bira," among others.

While specific cafes or accommodation directly on the trail aren't detailed, the route is easily accessible from Vitoria-Gasteiz, which offers a full range of amenities. The Landa and Garaio Provincial Parks, which the trail skirts, are popular recreational areas and likely have facilities or are close to villages with services.

The majority of the route is flat with good ground. However, there is one significant climb where riders might need to exert considerable effort to avoid dismounting. This is the most challenging part of an otherwise generally easy to moderate ride.