The ridges of Iparla

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Here is a possible route for hiking the Iparla ridges! Please note that this is a fairly strenuous hike, especially the final "ascent" of the ridges.

Details

n°48478747
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.91 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 809 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 816 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,046 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 289 m
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Photos

View of the ridges before the ascent.
View of the ridges at the summit.
Descent
peak

Description of the walk

The starting point is at the Bordazaharrea farm. Please note that parking is on the side of the road, so please do not disturb the farm with excessive noise or obstructive parking.
The hike is done in an anti-clockwise direction.

(S/E) Head north-west along the track

(1) Enter the forest and continue straight ahead. The path turns west and arrives at a fork at an elevation of 429 metres.

(2) Cross the stream and find a track that marks the start of the first climb. Reach a fork at elevation 604.

(3) Leave the wide track and turn left to begin the ascent.

(4) You can stop for a break at a refuge. Continue heading north.

(5) After this section along the mountainside, the ascent to the peak begins. The path curves westwards.

(6) This is the start of the final ascent with a 200 m elevation gain. Reach the border ridge and theGR®10at the border marker (elevation 960 m).

(7) Turn south on the ridge and reach the Pic d'Iparla at an altitude of 1049 metres.

(8) Continue along the ridge on theGR®10. Pass the pass at elevation 945 and continue for about 200 m to elevation 962.

(9) Leave theGR®10and descend to the right, heading south, to reach a fork at an elevation of 814 metres.

(10) Turn left, heading due east, and you will come to a track.

(11) Follow it to the left. Continue eastwards until you reach a road at elevation 327.

(12) Turn left and after 150 m, turn left again, heading due north, to rejoin the (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 307 m - Bordazaharrea Farm
  2. 1 : km 0.37 - alt. 344 m - Start of the forest section.
  3. 2 : km 1.84 - alt. 434 m - Start of the first climb
  4. 3 : km 2.95 - alt. 592 m - Turn left to begin the ascent.
  5. 4 : km 3.51 - alt. 716 m - Stop for a break at a refuge.
  6. 5 : km 4.03 - alt. 746 m - Start of the ascent to the peak.
  7. 6 : km 4.26 - alt. 825 m - Final ascent with a 200 m elevation gain.
  8. 7 : km 4.45 - alt. 948 m - Ridge. GR10
  9. 8 : km 4.98 - alt. 1,039 m - Pic d'Iparla
  10. 9 : km 6.38 - alt. 963 m - Start of the descent. Elevation 962
  11. 10 : km 7.13 - alt. 811 m - Fork in the road. Leave the ridge.
  12. 11 : km 7.94 - alt. 647 m - Fork in the road
  13. 12 : km 10.46 - alt. 331 m - Elevation 327
  14. S/E : km 10.91 - alt. 306 m - Bordazaharrea Farm

Notes

No water sources.
A few shelters available.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Marinaa
Marinaa

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We set off on a Saturday when the weather was fine, at around 11am. There were already lots of cars in the car park...
It took us 4 hours and 15 minutes, including breaks.
It is a very beautiful hike, with varied trails: forests, paths, ridges, etc. The scenery is magnificent, and we had views of the ridges throughout the hike. It is important to note that this hike is quite demanding, especially before the ascent of the Iparla Pass. The climb is quite steep and technical (with quite a few rocks, so don't hesitate to use your hands), but it is easily manageable for people in good physical condition.
Once you reach the summit, the Pic d'Iparla at 1,044 metres, you have a splendid view of the Basque coast and the other peaks in the surrounding area: Baigura, Artzamendi, La Rhune, etc.
I highly recommend this hike, but be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand as it can be very windy at the summit, and the trails can be slippery and dangerous in wet weather.

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User 26517440

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

For my first hike in the region, I was not disappointed by the scenery.
However, some sections are more physically demanding than others, particularly the descent down the chimney to get back down to earth.
I'd say it's intermediate level because I think you need to have done a bit of hiking before attempting it: the elevation gain is over 1,000 metres. For beginners, that's quite a lot 😊

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ayout
ayout

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This challenging hike must be done in the direction indicated, as the final climb to the ridge is particularly steep. Good weather is also essential. The view from the top of Iparla is exceptional, even if it was a little foggy on the day of the hike.
At the Harrietako pass, where you leave the ridge to begin the final descent, there is a water source 300 metres away on the Spanish side, continuing southwards.

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xiberotarra
xiberotarra

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

On Ascension Thursday, there were quite a few people on this hike. Then the GR10 hikers joined us on the ridges. Personally, at 70 years of age, the climb to the Iparla Pass was difficult. I'm glad I made it, probably for the last time. The beautiful weather on Thursday treated us to some stunning scenery. However, it's worth pointing out that the start of this hike is in the hamlet of Bastida, on the right-hand side of the road from Bayonne to Saint-Etienne de Baigorry.

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0vie0
0vie0

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This is a fairly technical hike and should not be attempted in wet weather as it is too dangerous, or if you are afraid of heights.
Passages 4 and 5 are very narrow and require caution, as there is a drop below.
Between 6 and 7, final ascent, climbing passage with only rock or stone that can be slippery even in dry weather, as it faces south.
On the ridges, take great care with the rocks and stones (ankles).
9: to leave the GR10, the markings no longer exist, so pay close attention to the trail.

Hike completed alone in 2 hours 58 minutes without poles.

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Loulou33
Loulou33

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike, taking around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete this route, stopping to enjoy the views along the way. Remember to bring your binoculars, as there are many birds of prey, including vultures.
There is a steep wall to climb, between 6 and 7, where you have to hold on tight and don't hesitate to use your hands. Once you've passed it, the path becomes an easy stroll.
Avoid in wet weather, as the end is particularly slippery.

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IHATZEKO LAGUNAK
IHATZEKO LAGUNAK

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Difficult end to the hike as there are no signposts or directions. Dangerous in rainy weather as the water flow can be significant. However, the views from the heights are magnificent.

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Gardien
Gardien

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The only problem is that it is no longer possible to return via the GR 10 at the end of the route, and the signposting is not really up to scratch.

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paille en queue
paille en queue

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

No problem.

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