Climbs 4
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 2596m a.s.l
Faces all
Torre Santa on a beautiful August evening in 2011. © lordyosch
Crag features
Highest summit in the Western Massif of Picos de Europa.
Peña Santa is the "biggest" mountain in Picos de Europa, the most alpine in character.
With approaches from any trailhead on the four-hour mark, routes exceeding 500 m. in length, a long and complex descent... you are a long way from anywhere on Peña Santa.
The South face is renowned for its summer rock routes, with revered classics such as: Sur Directa, Canal del Pájaro Negro, Manantial de la Noche, Reino de León etc.
The North face is locally dubbed as "The theatre of dreams" of Picos winter climbing; to climb Peña Santa in winter is to degree with honours! In addition, it hosts the easiest, normal routes to the summit with Canal Ancha and Canal Estrecha.
DESCENT
Descending the mountain onsight is complex and time-consuming. Independent research is recommended.
Canal Estrecha is the standard descent route.
Approach notes
North face approach: From Pandecarmen car park. Walk to refugio Vegarredonda (hut and fountain here). Continue up (South) along the Llampa Cimera path to a big junction of paths: La Fragua. From La Fragua veer East to follow the route known as Las Barrastrosas. Cross Jou de los Asturianos to reach the north end of Jou Santo (massive doline (karst depression)). Skirt this along the West without losing height to reach Collado del Jou Santo. From here to the base of the North face the terrain is extremely chaotic, without the possibility of the faintest path, the only option is to follow cairns.
South face approach: Either from Soto de Valdeón via Vega de Llós or from Soto de Sajambre via Vegabaño (hut), both options converge at Collado del Frade. From there, up Canal del Burro to Vega Huerta: bothy and fountain (crucial!) here.
Access Advice
For North approach
Private car access from Covadonga to Lagos de Covadonga is not allowed during the following dates: June to October, Easter and bank holiday weekends during the rest of the year.
To get to the trail head within those periods by privste car, it is necessary to have a reservation at any of the mountain huts, or use public bus service or hire a taxi.
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Climbs at this crag
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