Escaleretas means little stairs, and the name probably describes the way the rock rises in short, stepped ledges. It is a common kind of name in these hills, where the cliffs are terraced by the layers of sandstone and limestone, and a path may follow a natural staircase up to a shelter.
Getting to a shelter like this usually means a walk, and that is part of the point. The paths are narrow, sometimes steep and loose, and they cross open slopes with little shade, so wear proper shoes rather than riding boots if you can, and take water. After rain, the clay can be treacherous, and in storms the gullies fill fast. If you are not sure of the way, ask at a local information office or take a guide, because the shelters are not marked on most maps, in order to protect them.
Etiquette matters. The paintings are fragile, and they have survived for thousands of years because they are protected from weather and from people. Do not touch them, do not wet them to improve the colour, a bad habit of earlier generations, and keep to the paths. A good camera and a bit of patience will reward you more than a hand on the wall.
The ride to the starting point is a pleasure in itself. Narrow lanes link farms and stone barns, climbing over low ridges and dropping into stream beds, with views over the valley. The surface is mixed, with gravel and the occasional bump, and traffic is light. The village of Alquézar, with its collegiate church, is the natural base, though it is too small for reliable fuel, so rely on Barbastro, twenty kilometres away, where you will find a good range of shops and restaurants.
Plan to arrive early, walk in the cool of the morning and be back for a long lunch.