Peñalara circular hike in Guadarrama NP
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Peñalara circular hike - from Alltrails
Description
The Peñalara circular hike (Ruta Circular Peñalara) is a 14km loop in the Lozoya Valley in the Guadarrama mountain range and up to the Peñalara Peak at 2,428m. The route is well marked, it has a cumulative ascent of 650m (same D-) and will take you through landscapes dotted with glacial lakes, the main one being the Laguna de los Pájaros
Access & Transport
The trail starts at the visitor center of Puerto de Cotos (Cotos Pass), 16km from Rascafría along the M-604. There is a car park. From Madrid it is a 100km drive on the A-6 / M-601 past Navacerrada or M-30/M-607 / M-611 via Rascafria. The C-9 train line connects with the C8 (leaving from Madrid's stations of Atocha and Chamartín) in Cercedilla and runs through the Guadarrama Mountains to Puerto de Cotos and on to Segovia.
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to bring proper footwear, some snacks (and possibly a picnic), plenty of water, sun protection and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast. Cloudy doesn't mean the UVs won't get to you and the weather changes quickly in the high mountains. This activity is best combined with a visit of Segovia, 30km away (in Castile and León) or the village and castle of Manzanares el Real (in the Comunidad de Madrid).
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Marginally positive for the community as it brings some revenues to the villages in the area
Conclusion
The hike to the Peñalara is an excellent intermediate option; a little short for advanced hikers but that should make for a perfect day out for most. The views are the main draw so ideally you would want to plan depending on the weather and it is worth considering overnighting in the area to visit some of the surrounding villages and possibly hike around La Pedriza the next or previous day (covered in a separate review)
Key positive
Expansive views and nice mountain scenery with glacial lakes
Relatively quick to get to from Madrid
Key negative
Exposed so it gets hot quickly in the summer
Suitability
Suitable for anybody with a decent fitness level (best for children > 10yrs old). This hike is not accessible for anybody with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:4h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo