Sierra de Guara

Sierra de Guara: A Returning Ground

For over a decade now, Sierra de Guara has been more than a summer escape — it’s become a ritual, a return to nature and to ourselves. What once began as a simple weekend getaway has evolved into an annual pilgrimage — a chance to reconnect with friends, celebrate the passing of seasons, and take stock of where we are in life.

Rodellar, perched on the edge of the Sierra de Guara Natural Park, proved to be the perfect base — a gateway to hidden canyons, ancient trails, and the quiet wisdom of stone and water. I still remember our first canyoning adventure. We started with Barrasil, a shimmering, water-carved path that demanded wetsuits and courage. Later, we explored a dry canyon, learning to move through space shaped by wind and time. That first journey lit a spark — not just for the thrill, but for the bond it created among us. There was laughter, challenge, and a quiet sense of becoming.

Sierra de Guara lies in the Pre-Pyrenees of Aragón, in the province of Huesca. Often overlooked for the loftier peaks of Monte Perdido or Aneto, it remains a treasure — quieter, but no less profound. It teaches you to notice what others pass by.

Each year, the land shifts slightly, like a living memory. I’ve seen the effects of climate change here — the water, once piercingly cold, now feels different. Subtle, but unmistakable. Time moves. Landscapes change. We change too.

But still, we return. Because some places aren’t just destinations — they are mirrors, reminding us of where we’ve been, and nudging us gently toward who we’re becoming.