Ubales lake

Ubales Lake is a small glacial mountain lake in the municipality of Caso, in Asturias, northern Spain. It sits at around 1,690 m above sea level, on the northern slope of Pico Cascayón in the Cantabrian Mountains, within Redes Natural Park.

Where is Ubales Lake located?

The lake lies at the heart of Redes Natural Park, one of the best-preserved mountain areas in Asturias. Its coordinates are roughly 43.1027 N, -5.3533 W. The water body itself is modest in size — the surface area is about 10,546 m², with a perimeter of 409 metres. The maximum depth, recorded during periods of high water, reaches 4 metres. That makes Ubales one of the smaller glacial lakes in the region, though its high mountain setting and the rocky peaks surrounding it give it a striking presence regardless of size.

How do you get to Ubales Lake?

The lake can only be reached on foot — no road leads directly to it. Trailheads for the hike start from several villages within the municipality of Caso: Caleao, La Felguerina, La Infiesta, or Bezanes. Each of these hamlets is a natural starting point for anyone heading into Redes Natural Park. Which route to take depends on the hiker's experience and how much time they want to spend on the trail — the terrain is mountainous, so it's worth planning the trip with enough time in hand and gear suited to the changeable weather typical of the high Cantabrian ranges.

What is a glacial lake, and why does Ubales look this way?

Glacial lakes form in basins carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. Once the ice retreated, these hollows filled with water from rainfall, snowmelt, and underground sources. That's exactly the character of Ubales: perched high up, ringed by the rocky slopes of Pico Cascayón, with water levels and depth that shift with the seasons.

What should you know before visiting?

Given the altitude (nearly 1,700 m) and the mountainous terrain, the best time to visit is late spring, summer, and early autumn, when trails are generally free of snow. The route runs through Redes Natural Park, so the usual rules for protected areas apply: stay on marked trails, carry out any rubbish, and respect the local flora and fauna. The lake has no developed tourist infrastructure — it's a destination for people looking for genuine contact with wild mountain nature, not an organised resort setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to Ubales Lake? No. The lake is only accessible on foot, via trails starting from the villages of Caleao, La Felguerina, La Infiesta, or Bezanes.

How big is Ubales Lake? It's small — the surface area is around 10,546 m², the perimeter is 409 metres, and the maximum depth during high water is 4 metres.

At what altitude is the lake located? The lake sits at roughly 1,690 m above sea level, on the northern slope of Pico Cascayón in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Is the lake inside a protected area? Yes, it lies within Redes Natural Park, one of the key protected areas in Asturias.