Route 8: ARTAZA CAMPING
LOKIZ AND UIARRA
Type: MTB

We can divide the route into two parts: on the one hand a shorter first part but full of trails and a second longer one where the old roads take center stage.

In the aforementioned first part we walk along the paths of the Artaza area until we reach the NA-7187. After a short ride on asphalt, we reach the town of Baríndano. From here, we head for the Calderas de Argonga.

In this area we can cross the Uiarra River by the existing bridge or by the riverbed, which runs dry most of the year. Once we have passed this point, we start the ascent on a track in very good condition. At kilometer 14.5 we have the option to start the return or continue ascending until we reach the highest part of the Sierra de Lokiz. It is worth the effort because at the top we will be able to enjoy a path very close to the edge of the cut (without any danger) with spectacular views.

The descent is made by a fast track that leaves us on the path of Itxako. Here we must be careful with the slope on the left side of the trail to avoid scares. After 2 km of road, we face part of the beautiful trail that we have descended at the beginning before finishing the route.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Type: MTB
Distance: 32.2 km.
Accumulated positive elevation gain (according to IBP index): 1168 m.
Difficulty (IBP index): 111

DIFFICULTY

Ruta en MTB dificultad física alta y técnica media

Physical difficulty: HARD
To define the physical difficulty of the routes we have used the IBP index.
IBP index is an automatic rating system that scores the physical difficulty of a route ridden on a mountain bike, road bike or gravel bike. This index is very useful to know the degree of physical difficulty of different routes by comparing them with each other.
It is important not to confuse the degree of physical difficulty of a route with the effort it will take to complete it: an IBP index of 60 will be a very hard route for an uninitiated person, normal for someone with average preparation and very easy for a professional.
In our case, we have taken as a reference a normal physical preparation to assess the physical difficulty of the routes.

Technical difficulty: MEDIUM
For this section there is no mathematical formula that gives us a number, so the assessment is based on knowledge gained from experience.

We have defined the technical difficulty in 3 levels:
Green color: simple. There is no notable technical difficulty on the route.
Blue color: medium. We can find areas that present some technical difficulties. In the case of gravel routes, these will be areas with steep uphill or downhill slopes on non-compacted soil, sections of trail or soil in poor condition. In the case of MTB routes, they may be uphill or downhill sections of trail with some complicated passages, due to the state of the terrain or because they are natural trails with a very damaged floor. In both cases, these sections represent a small percentage of the total length of the route.
Red color: difficult. In both gravel and MTB we find complicated areas such as those defined in the blue color, but with greater frequency and intensity.
On road routes the technical difficulty will always be green, but if the ground is wet or there are ice slabs present, the situation will change completely.

MAP

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • The Navarre Campsites Association does not guarantee the maintenance of the routes, so it is possible to encounter obstacles on the routes. However, if this should happen, we would appreciate it if visitors would let us know so that we can take this into account for the future passage of other people.
  • It is highly recommended to carry the tracks in the GPS. In some remote areas it is easy to become disoriented.
  • It is essential to carry plenty of water for all routes, especially in summer.
  • The use of helmets is mandatory.
  • Practice low-impact driving to avoid erosion.
  • If you are going out unaccompanied, leave notice of the route you are going to take.
  • The trails are shared with hikers and horseback riders. Always yield the right of way, these people have priority.
  • If you find a livestock closure, leave it as you found it after your passage.
  • Facilitates the passage of livestock on all roads.
  • Avoid leaving the marked road and accessing private properties.
  • Respect the environment and do not leave waste.
  • Avoid shouting and disturbing wildlife.
  • If you see a hunting sign, turn around and choose another road.
  • Respect traffic regulations.
  • Be respectful of people on village crossings.

And enjoy the routes of our campsites in Navarra!