Untxillaitz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Untxillatx |
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Mount Untxillatx
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 934 m (3,064 ft) |
| Prominence | 375 m (1,230 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Basque |
| Geography | |
 Untxillatx
Location in Spain
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| Location | Biscay, Spain |
| Parent range | Basque mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Mañaria and the col of Oraieta. |
Untxillatx, also known as Untxillaitz or Untzillaitz, is a mountain in the Basque Country, Spain. It stands 934 meters (about 3,064 feet) tall. Its name might mean "Rabbit's Peak" in the Basque language.
This mountain is part of the Urkiola mountain range. Even though it's not on the main ridge of Anboto, it is still part of the same group of mountains made of limestone. Limestone is a type of rock that often forms cliffs and caves.
Untxillatx helps form a mountain pass called Atxarte with the nearby mountain Aitz Txiki. A mountain pass is a low point between mountains, often used as a route. Untxillatx is located in the valleys of Mendiola and Mañaria.
In the past, there were quarries on both sides of the mountain. Quarries are places where stone is dug out of the ground. The quarry at Atxarte is now closed. The town of Mañaria is also the starting point for the Urkiola pass, which separates Untxillatx from another mountain called Mugarra.
A special part of Untxillatx is a large rock sticking out on its north side, called Urresti. This rock is popular for rock climbing. Many vultures also build their nests there.
Climbing Untxillatx
There are a few ways to climb to the top of Untxillatx. These routes offer different challenges and views.
From Atxarte Pass
This climb usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You start from the Zelaieta neighborhood in Abadiano. The path leads to the Atxarte pass. Here, you cross a river.
Then, a path turns right and goes steeply uphill next to the Urresti rock. At the top of Urresti, there's a difficult rock climb. This leads to the Elosua mountain pass. After this, you follow the mountain ridge until you reach the summit.
From Mañaria by Elosua
This route takes about 2 hours. You begin from the old quarry on the Mañaria side of the mountain. A path from here leads you to the Elosua mountain pass. From the pass, you follow the mountain ridge all the way to the top of Untxillatx.
