The main access points are in the villages at the foot of the mountain, i.e. Gaintza (388 m) and Azkarate (460 m) on the Navarrese side. The trail rises west in a zigzag to the pass of Astunalde (1,203 m), the ascent being steep. It takes no more than to 2 hours on foot. Another approach starts in the Gipuzkoan town of Amezketa and leads through the highland valley of the quarries (Minak). It takes 2½ hours to reach the top of Balerdi from there and the paths are signposted clearly all along.
