Ruta del Auseva — Hiking the Sacred Mountain
Monte Auseva is the limestone massif that cradles Covadonga, and its network of waymarked trails lets you explore the same forested slopes where Pelayo's warriors hid from Moorish forces in 722. The paths wind through moss-draped oak and chestnut woodland, past hidden waterfalls and ruined shepherd huts.
The Trail Network
The most popular loop is the Senda del Oso-adjacent Ruta del Auseva, a moderate 7 km circuit starting from the Covadonga car park. It climbs through mixed Atlantic forest to a ridgeline with open views over the Picos foothills before looping back past the waterfall that feeds the Santa Cueva pool.
A shorter variant (3 km) follows the Río Reinazo upstream from the basilica esplanade, staying low in the valley and passing several natural springs. This flat riverside path is ideal for families and rewards walkers with close-up views of the cliff face and cave from below — an angle most visitors never see.
Wildlife & Seasons
The forest is home to roe deer, red squirrels and, with luck, the endangered Cantabrian brown bear — though sightings near Covadonga itself are rare. More reliably, griffon vultures and golden eagles circle the limestone crags above the treeline throughout the year.
Spring (April–June) is the finest season: the woodland floor is carpeted in wild garlic and bluebells, waterfalls are at full roar from snowmelt, and the air smells of wet earth and fern. Autumn turns the chestnut canopy amber and gold, making October an equally rewarding month.
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