Laguna de Las Verdes

Laguna de Las Verdes is a glacial lake in the municipality of Cabrillanes, in the Babia region of León province, Castile and León.

Where is Laguna de Las Verdes located?

The lake sits roughly 5 km north of the village of Torre de Babia, inside a glacial cirque enclosed by limestone peaks. Its water comes from snowmelt running off the cirque walls and from the Torre stream, which feeds the lake for most of the year.

How do you get there?

The hike starts in Torre de Babia. The route follows the Torre stream valley up toward Majada de Merinas, a highland pasture where the wide track narrows into a footpath. From there the path climbs directly to the lake basin. It's a typical high-mountain approach — no paved surfaces, but a clearly worn shepherd's trail.

What makes this lake distinctive?

Unlike most glacial lakes, which tend to be deep, Laguna de Las Verdes is shallow. The reason is sediment buildup on the lakebed — rock and debris washed down from the surrounding slopes, especially from the foot of Montihuero. In summer, aquatic vegetation spreads across the bottom and edges, tinting the water green — which is exactly where the lake gets its name ("Verdes" means "greens").

Which peaks surround the lake?

The basin is enclosed by limestone summits typical of the Babia range: Montihuero (2,187 m), Aguja de las Coloradas (2,006 m), Peña Los Años (2,157 m), and Peña Chana (2,068 m). Their steep, rocky flanks form the natural amphitheater holding the lake, and most of its meltwater runoff comes from these same slopes during the thaw.

Who is this hike suited for?

Given its altitude — the lake sits above 1,700 m — and the rugged terrain, the route suits hikers already comfortable with mountain ascents. The payoff is a view of one of the few glacial lakes in the Babia region, set in an unspoiled, lightly visited high-mountain landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laguna de Las Verdes deep? No. Despite its glacial origin, it's a shallow lake because its bed has filled with sediment and rock carried down from the slopes, mainly from the base of Montihuero.

Where does the lake's name come from? The name refers to the green color the water takes on in summer, caused by aquatic vegetation growing across the lakebed.

Where does the trail to the lake begin? The trailhead is in Torre de Babia. The route follows the Torre stream valley, passes Majada de Merinas, and then climbs a shepherd's path to the lake itself.

What peaks can be seen from the lake? Montihuero, Aguja de las Coloradas, Peña Los Años, and Peña Chana — the limestone summits ringing the glacial cirque — are all visible from around the lagoon.