As it is linear it does need the benefit of a friendly driver to help with the transport. It utilises a high vehicle track and a direct climb to gain height rapidly. Then comes a delightful descent down through pine trees and crossing streams before meeting a forest track above Puente Palo.
The Rio Chico
This is a 10.81 km Walk in Capileira, Spain. The walk has a total ascent of 402m and has a maximum elevation of 2,699m. Descent of nearly 1000m.
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Drop off is on the high road to the La Piuca refuge on the western side of the Poqueira valley high above Capileira
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Ascend dry barranco to it's head and eventual meeting with the south ridge of Las Alegas
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Follow the ridge north to the summit of Las Alegas (2700m)
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Walk north for 300m before dropping down left on pathless terrain to join a rough track
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Follow the intermittent track SW alongside the mountain dropping gradually to the Refugio Cebollar (ruin)
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Follow the nearly level trail towards the prominent rocks
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A track goes back alongside the upper edge of the forest. This enters the forest and takes care to follow.
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Emerge from the forest, drop height and pick up a good path that leads to the junction of rivers
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Cross the river (slightly easier upstream if in spate) and pick up good track on far side
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This leads easily down to join the forest tracks that lead to Puente Palo
Enjoying the view on Las Alegas
Junction of upper Rio Chico rivers