Barranco de la Hoz
1 / 5
Barranco de la Hoz - by José Felipe Ortega (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Description
The Barranco de la Hoz is a canyon carved by the Gallo River in the Alto Tajo natural park in the Spanish Province of Guadalajara, roughly mid-way between Zaragoza and Madrid. The visible reddish rocks are mainly made of a conglomerate of stones and quartzite grains. The predominant vegetation is the pine forest followed by birches, poplars, and ash trees. The trail to the various viewpoints starts from the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Hoz, a Catholic temple built in Romanesque style in the 13th century.
Access & Transport
The sanctuary of the Virgen de la Hoz is located in the town of Ventosa, about 2km south from Corduente where the information center is located. The closest town is Molina de Aragón, about 10km away. Driving is the only practical way of getting there and it is a 2h journey to either Madrid or Zaragoza.
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend wearing proper footwear and taking some water with you. The activity can be combined with a visit to Molina de Aragón (reviewed separately)
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Socially neutral
Conclusion
The ravine with surrounding topology is striking and worth a journey as part of a road trip or in-depth visit of the region; however, we do not think it is so unique (even in Spain) that it warrants a dedicated trip (except for residents of Zaragoza or Madrid area). If you go there, make sure to check out the sanctuary that is carved into the rock.
Key positive
Unusual landscape and rock formations
Not crowded!
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
Suitability
Suitable for all for everybody but best for 6 to 75 years old. The path is not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo