logo
ic_menu

Peñalara circular hike in Guadarrama NP

3 Diseminado Puerto de Cotos, Rascafría, Comunidad de Madrid

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).

Meta review

The hike is one of the most popular in the Madrid's region, taking in the highest summit in the Sierrra de Guadarrama. Reviewers point out the amazing views on a clear day and the well indicated trail. Those who made the trip by public transport also do enjoy the last leg in an "old school" train taking in great scenery (the advice is to have change/coins with you). According to visitors, there is plenty of parking space at Puerto de Cotos and the start of the route is easy to find.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Seasonality reflects the expected weather and trail conditions

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:4h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.