The hike to the refuge is one of the most scenic and accessible high-mountain hikes in the area and starts at La Sarra Parking (1,630m).

It's a big day though with 17km round trip and 520m ascent in a steady climb with rocky sections follow the GR-11 trail along the Caldarés River, passing the Cascada de Panticosa and the Puente de Coronas. You enter the Valle de los Ibones, with glacial lakes and the trail steepens near Piedras Blancas. There is a final climb to the Respomuso Reservoir. The refuge sits just above the dam.

It was a good introduction to the area but we knew this June we would have to deal with high temperatures, afternoon storms and lots of water running off the mountains possibly causing difficulties crossing rivers.