Via Ferrata de Bolon

Elda, Alicante

August 20, 2023
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Home » Via Ferrata del Bolon

Rated Difficulty

Overall Difficulty

Moderately Hard

Total Distance

0 km

Elevation Gain

0 m

Bridges

Zipline

Rappels

Quick Overview

Via ferrata de Bolon is a complex of three via ferratas of different difficulty levels that are located on Mount Bolon, an emblematic peak of 650 meters above sea level in the municipality of Elda, in the province of Alicante, Valencian Community.

The via ferratas are inspired by an alpine style, combining assisted and unassisted passages, but always secured by the steel safety cable.

The total length of the via ferratas is 1,007 meters, with horizontal, vertical and inclined sections, 2 plank bridges, 5 cable bridges and a totally spectacular 130-meter zipline!

Warning: Mountain sports are inherently dangerous and a mistake can get you seriously hurt or worse! The information we post in this blog is only meant to be a guide, and should by no means be considered professional advice. If you lack the skills or are unsure about what you’re doing, hire a professional guiding service to teach you hands-on. We will do our best to provide links to trained professionals in the area wherever possible.

How To Get There

Files & Maps

Enhance your next outing with this compilation of free resources and downloadable files we’ve created. Check them out and see what might be useful for you.

GPX file

Put this file into your GPS device, navigation app or smartwatch to follow our track.

click to download GPX⬇︎

Wikiloc

Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the Wikiloc App and give us a follow while you’re at it!

AllTrails

Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the AllTrails App and give us a follow while you’re at it!

Gaia Topo map

Download this PDF map of the area and print (A3 scale) or save it to your smartphone.

click to download PDF⬇︎

Trailhead

Arrival by Car

To access the via ferratas, you have to park in a clearing near the entrance of Elda, where there are some recycling containers. There is plenty of space for several cars to park and you will see an info panel at the trailhead.

Arrival on Public Transport

Public transportation options are available that will get you fairly close and inside the town of Elda. Keep in mind, however, that you will most likely have to walk a bit to reach the trailhead.

Your feedback matters: Let us know if you have any suggestions for additional resources that would be helpful to you and others during future outings.

The Route

If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore the three via ferratas of El Bolon, you can follow this itinerary that we have put together to take you through the most challenging and rewarding sections of the complex.

We will do this by explaining the 3 via ferratas in the order we did them. It can be a bit confusing when you look at a map, because you can either start at the “end”, which is the K1 trail, or at the K2, which is the “start”, or at the K3, which is in the middle.

However, this is the order we will follow:

Via ferrata Cuentamontes (K2): This is a slightly difficult via ferrata, with some short vertical sections and a Tibetan bridge of 10 meters. It follows the essence of Bolon, with minimal supports for progression and an alpine character, while maintaining safety.
Via ferrata Bolon (K3): This is the longest and most challenging via ferrata with many attractive passages. It consists of a set of crests, traverses, three monkey bridges of 2.5, 10 and 9 meters, a Nepalese bridge of 25 meters, with spectacular views and the Great Zip Line “Vicente Soler” in an impressive flight of 130 meters.
Via ferrata Mirador de Elda (K1): This is a family-friendly and beginner-friendly via ferrata, with a variety of easy passages, such as crests, small walls and steps that combine rock with pegs and ladders. It has a Nepalese bridge of 23 meters and a Tibetan bridge, and ends at the Mirador de Elda, a privileged balcony over the valley if you start from the bottom. Keep in mind that although this via ferrata is rated K1, we will be descending it which increases the difficulty. We will also have to watch out for people ascending this trail as they have priority.

This way, you will make a counterclockwise loop around Mount Bolon, enjoying its beauty and diversity from different angles and heights. You can follow our GPX track or the step-by-step directions in our Wikiloc track to avoid confusion.

Important!

Before grabbing your gear and heading out to do these trails, you MUST first register with the town of Elda. The city hall has provided a simple online form that asks for your name and information, acceptance of a disclaimer and what time you plan to be at the complex. You can fill out the form here.

The use of specific equipment for via ferratas is mandatory, as well as having a federative license or equivalent sports insurance. If necessary, it is advisable to contact specialized guides that can take you on these via ferratas.

Via Ferrata Cuentamontes (K2)

This is a nice and easy via ferrata, with some short vertical sections and lots of natural holds to help yourself progress. It boasts a Tibetan bridge of 10 meters in length.

This via ferrata is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves and experience some adrenaline, but without getting too exhausted or scared. It is also a good option for those who want to practice their skills and techniques for more demanding routes.

The duration of this via ferrata is approximately 1 hour.

Via Ferrata Bolón (K3)

This is the flagship via ferrata section, with many attractive passages. Here are some of the highlights we enjoyed during this section:

the Great Zip Line “Vicente Soler” that crosses the ravine in an impressive flight of 130 meters to connect the sectors of Mirador de Elda with Cresta de la Cruz
the “Cave of the Window”– directly after the zipline, you follow the trail into a cave and out the top
Spur Master – the key step of the route with a slight overhang
The Little Rock and The Nest – consists of a set of crests and traverses
3 monkey bridges of 2.5, 10 and 9 meters
a Nepalese bridge of 25 meters, with spectacular views

This via ferrata is designed for those who are looking for a real adventure and a high level of difficulty. It requires strength, skill, experience and courage to complete it. It is also a very rewarding and satisfying route, as it offers amazing scenery and sensations. The duration of this via ferrata is of about 2 hours.

Via Ferrata Mirador de Elda (K1)

This is a family-friendly and beginner-friendly via ferrata, with a variety of easy passages, such as crests, small walls and steps that combine rock with pegs and staples. It has:

a Nepalese bridge of 23 meters and
a Tibetan bridge
the Mirador de Elda, a privileged natural balcony overlooking the valley

This via ferrata is ideal for those who want to enjoy the views and the nature without too much difficulty or risk. It is also suitable for children over 10 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The duration of this via ferrata is about 45 minutes ascending.

In our case, we descended on this trail. Be extra careful if you do this as it is usually more strenuous to do a via ferrata on descent than the normal way.

Overall Thoughts and Opinion

Overall, we enjoyed all 3 via ferratas and each one brings something different to the table. Obviously, the flagship via ferrata is the K3 variant with the variety of challenges it presents.

The zipline is long and loads of fun and has been designed to be used with this pulley. If you do not own or have access to a pulley like this one, you can hire a guide service that will provide all of the necessary equipment for you to do it safely.

Honestly, we would just do the first two via ferratas (K2 and K3) and call it a day. Doing the K1 going downhill felt long, tedious and unnecessarily risky with little reward at the end.

Pros

Hardware is new and well-equipped
Zipline is long and worth the climb
There are various types of bridges

Cons

The route is quite exposed to the midday sun
The zipline is very popular and you may have to wait in a queue, depending on time/day

Those are our thoughts on our experience at this awesome challenge called Via ferrata de Bolon. Have you done this route? If so, let us know below in the comment section what you liked and disliked about it.