Cola de Caballo Waterfall

Highlights

  • • 54-metre drop in the Soaso Circus
  • • Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (UNESCO)
  • • 8.5 km route passing 4 waterfalls
  • • Glacial canyon with 1,000 m walls
  • • Chamois, marmots and bearded vultures
AdventureEcotourismPhotography

Description

The Cola de Caballo (Horse's Tail) Waterfall is the most iconic waterfall in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. At 54 metres high, it crowns the Soaso Circus at the head of the Ordesa Valley, where the Arazas River fans out in a spray that resembles a horse's tail.

The classic route starts from the Pradera de Ordesa (1,300 m) and covers 8.5 km along the valley floor, following the GR-11. The trail passes the Estrecho, Cueva and Gradas de Soaso waterfalls before reaching Cola de Caballo (1,800 m). It's 500 m elevation gain on a well-marked trail with no technical difficulty — the most popular hiking route in the entire Pyrenees.

The Ordesa Valley is a glacial canyon with 1,000-metre vertical walls, beech and fir forests and alpine meadows. Wildlife includes chamois, marmots, golden eagle and bearded vulture.

In summer (15 June - 15 September) car access to the Pradera is restricted: park in Torla and take the shuttle bus. Outside the season you can drive in.

Key Information

Visit Duration

5-6 hours (return trip)

Recommended Seasons

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Pricing

Free

Accessibility

Low

Kid-Friendly

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting Cola de Caballo Waterfall

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport

In this area

HuescaProvincia
Practical Information
Pricing
Free
Visit Duration
5-6 hours (return trip)
Features & Services
  • Accessibility:Low
  • Kid-Friendly:Yes
Planning Information

Recommended Seasons

Spring · Summer · Autumn

Best Time to Visit

June (snowmelt + accessible) and September-October (autumn colours, no bus).

Visitor Tips

Start before 8:00 in summer. Bring a picnic for the Soaso Circus. The bus starts at 6:15 from Torla.

Things to do

Activities and experiences near Cola de Caballo Waterfall

20

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Cola de Caballo Waterfall

Moderate. 17 km return, 500 m elevation gain. No technical difficulty but long (5-6 hours). Suitable for children used to hiking.
No, but in summer (15 Jun - 15 Sep) you must take the shuttle bus from Torla (€7 return). Arrive early.
The Gradas de Soaso (at 6 km) are spectacular and more accessible. If you don't reach Cola de Caballo, they're still worth it.