Joar, Mountain summit between Álava and Navarre, Spain
Joar is a mountain sitting on the border between Álava and Navarre with a height of about 1400 meters. Its northern face drops sharply while dense forests line the hiking routes that cross its slopes.
The mountain sits near the Sanctuary of Codés, built in the 16th century and damaged during French occupation in the War of Independence. The sanctuary and mountain have been linked in the region's history ever since.
Local stories connect the rock formations here to people who vanished in the area over the centuries. These tales shape how residents today view and talk about this mountain.
The climb from the Sanctuary of Codés takes about three hours on marked trails of moderate difficulty. The route suits hikers with average fitness, but you will need sturdy footwear and caution on the steeper sections.
Multiple needle-like rock formations rise across the mountain and surrounding ridge, serving hikers as natural landmarks for navigation between provinces. These sharp outcrops catch the eye immediately and help people orient themselves on the walking routes.
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