Pass classifications and difficulty levels
Pyrenean passes range from straightforward trail crossings to technical routes requiring scrambling skills and comfort with exposure. The elevation of passes varies from relatively low crossings around 1,500 meters to high alpine cols exceeding 2,800 meters. Elevation alone doesn’t determine difficulty—some high passes follow maintained trails, while lower routes may cross rough, unmarked terrain.
French and Spanish hiking guides use different rating systems for route
