Holidays are to be enjoyed, but the truth is that we do not always have vacations, nor do we always have time to travel far or to make big plans beyond our cities. However, there is the possibility of taking advantage of our free time doing what we like best and close to home. Have you tried hiking?
The hiking is a perfect activity for those who, without competing or make major marathons, they want to exercise at the same time, close to the natural environment and the heritage that surrounds them. The footpaths, the neighborhood roads and the royal ravines are usually the links of union and passage so that people, as a family, with friends or even individually, can know the territory.
It is, in this sense, a perfect way to unite environment, culture and sport . And since we are in the middle of the summer season, today we want to propose a trip through the best hiking trails you can find in Madrid. Yes, surrounding the great capital we can find countless proposals to exercise our body, oxygenate our mind and at the same time get to know the environment that surrounds us better.
All the maps that we propose below can be printed and downloaded for free. The only thing you'll need, after all, is a backpack and really wanting to start walking on the terrain. Enjoy it!
The best hiking trails in the Community of Madrid
If you are a pro urbanite, you may not know that in the Community of Madrid itself you have infinite interesting hiking routes: perfect plans for any weekend, for which you will only need a map. What we have prepared for you for today is a selection of the hiking routes that you can do in the Community of Madrid, with all the maps you need to carry them out.
1. Purgatorio waterfalls
Let's start with a mythical and charming route , which you can find in the central area of the Sierra del Guadarrama, right where the waterfalls are located, at the head of the Lozoya valley, within the Rascafría municipality of the Community of Madrid. We provide you with some useful maps to follow the route: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 14 km.
Slope: 250 meters.
Duration of the route: 5 hours.
2. Miraflores Reservoir
The hiking route through the Miraflores reservoir unfolds through the Puerto de la Morcuera. There we can find the flowery landscape at the foot of the Najarra, the Miraflores river and the Arroyo del Espino. A delight that Queen Isabel de Borbón has already discovered. Here you have a complementary map to follow the route.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 13 km.
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half
Elevation gain: 350 meters.
Type: Circular
3. Port of Cotos
It is probably one of the most popular hiking routes you can do in the Community of Madrid. Through this route we can climb to the highest point of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the Peñalara peak. We can find a very unique diversity of species and even contemplate glacial remains.
Technical data
Difficulty: High Season: All except winter Start: Peñalara Visitor Center. Puerto de los Cotos. Ctra. M-604, Km. 42 End: Pico Peñalara Marking: Beacons and directional arrows Walking time: 2 h 30 min Length: 5 Km Maximum height: 2,428 m Minimum height: 1,855 m More information: Sierra del Guadarrama National Park
4. Medium Head
We continue with another hiking route, in which we will have the opportunity to climb to Cabeza Mediana to enjoy one of the best views of the Sierra del Guadarrama.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 13 km
Duration of the route: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 380 meters
More information: Hiking Madrid
5. The Green Pool
This other route runs along the Manzanares River as it passes through La Pedriza, a very beautiful hiking route that ends in the natural environment of Charca Verde , a space that people from Madrid often call the beach of the Sierra de Madrid and that during For many years it has served in summer as a recreational place, for those who go in search of the sun and who want to cool off.
Technical data
Origin: Canto Cochino (Manzanares el Real, Madrid)
Destination: Circular
Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation: 570m (accumulated 800m)
Heights: Start: 1030m - Maximum: 1585m - Minimum: 1015m
Duration: 4.5h (MIDE time 5h 2min)
Floor: Path (85%), Path (15%)
More information: Cuallado.org
6. Valley of the Barranca
If what you are looking for is a hiking route that everyone can do, you may be interested in taking a look at the one in Valle de la Barranca. This is located below the Cerro de Guarramillas, an ecological center without equal.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 km.
Duration of the route: 4 hours
Slope: 250 meters.
More information: Hiking Madrid
7. Cerro de la Golondrina
Willing to enjoy the immense landscapes of the Madrid mountains? The hill of La Golondrina reaches 1,400 meters high and from there you can see from the Montes del Escorial to the Pedriza del Manzanares.
Technical data
Situation. Navacerrada.
How to get. From Madrid by A-6, to Collado Villalba, where you take the deviation of the M-601, direction Navacerrada and Segovia. Continue on the M-601 until kilometer 10.9, the entrance roundabout in Navacerrada.
Distance. 53 kilometers from Madrid.
Travel. Linear path. Back and forth the same way.
Access. Once you have reached the roundabout at the entrance to the town of Navacerrada, at km 10.9 of the M do not enter the town, but continue doing the roundabout until the next entrance on the continuation of the road, heading to the port of Navacerrada and Segovia .
Information. Navacerrada Municipal Tourist Office. Tel: 918 560 308 and website.
More information: The World
8. Hayedo de Montejo
There are different hiking trails that you can do in this area, through the river path, the hillside path and the viewpoint path. The tours offer beautiful views of the forests and beech trees. The first path is the simplest and most accessible, but the other two are somewhat more complicated, although perfectly accessible if the person does not have motor problems. The route is perfect for the autumn months .
Technical data
Duration: 1.45 hours
Distance traveled: 3 Km
Itinerary Type: Round trip
Start of the Itinerary: Montejo de la Sierra
End of the Itinerary: Montejo de la Sierra
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 125 meters
More information: Montejo de la Sierra
9. Arroyo del Telégrafo
We are going for a new hiking route, which is the Arroyo del Telégrafo and that crosses Los Cogorros, the bridge of the Cargadero del Hoyuelo, the Schmidt Road, the Arroyo Ventoso, the Gallarza Lookout and the Maravillas Lookout.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation: 300 meters.
Type: Circular.
More information: Hiking Madrid
10. Dehesa de Navalvillar
Technical data
More information:
12. The Monk's Cave
Technical data
More information:
13. Schmidt Road from Navacerrada to Cercedilla
Technical data
More information:
14. Puebla de la Sierra
Technical data
More information:
15. Garcisancho's Sillada
Let's see another interesting route, which is the Garcisancho saddle, a natural environment of great beauty, which extends to the south through the Cuerda Larga and to the north through the Carpetanos Mountains. During the tour, hikers will come across oak and pine groves that overlook torrents of water that reach the Lozoya River.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half
Elevation: 350 meters
More information: The Magnetic North
16. Path of the Archpriest
A very beautiful route is the Camino del Arcipreste, which starts behind the Tablada station and runs through different spaces, such as mountains, forests and fountains in which the Arcipreste de Hita is always the protagonist. The panoramic views offered by this hiking route are beautiful.
Technical data
Length: 6.84 km
Duration: 3 h
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum height : 1273
Maximum height: 1549
Departure: Tablada Station
More information: Guadarrama Guide
17. Covacho waterfall
The Cascada del Covacho hiking route runs through the Regional Park of the Cuenta Alta del Manzanares, a protected area (and the largest) in the Community of Madrid, in the Sierra de Guadarrama. There you will find a beautiful waterfall in the Peña Herrera stream, municipality of Moralzarzal.
Technical data
Distance: 10.4 kilometers
Duration: 2:52 hours
Difficulty: low-medium
More information: Wikiloc
18. Chorrera de los Litueros
Another interesting route is the Chorrera de los Litueros route, where we can find one of the highest waterfalls in the Community. There we find a beautiful pasture with birch trees, lime trees, cambrones, prawns and rowan trees. We will also pass through the historic town of Somosierra.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km.
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half
Elevation: 340 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
19. Las Machotas and the Risco del Fraile
This is a circular route that begins in the town of Zarzalejo. There we will find different places of chestnut trees, to get to the Collado de Entreternas. At the end, hikers will crown La Machota Alta and see the Valley of the Mute Giants.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 5.87 km.
Duration of the route: 2:40 minutes
Elevation: 1,449 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Wikiloc
20. Laguna Grande de Peñalara
We propose a hiking route through the Lagunas de Peñalara, right in the Natural Park of the Lagunas de Peñalara. There we can find two large lagoons. The first is the Laguna de los Pájaros and the second is the Laguna Grande de Peñalara. If you want to visit it, you will have to travel a distance of up to 6 kilometers, in two hours, from the Puerto de Cotos car park.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 6 km
Duration of the route: 2 hours
Elevation: 200 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Rural Getaway
21. Road to the town that had its own king (Patones)
This is a spectacular hiking route, since during the journey, hikers will be able to enjoy the company of animals such as vultures, goshawks or eagles. The landscape is truly majestic. It also hides the town of Patones de Arriba, resistant to the conquest of the French.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 Km
Ascent slope: 50 meters
Descent slope: 165 meters
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half
More information: Hiking Madrid
22. Patones de Arriba to Cancho de la Cabeza
Another beautiful route is the one from Patones de Arriba to Cancho de la Cabeza, located at 1,263 meters. What users will see from above will be a panoramic and absolutely spectacular view of the Sierra Norte and also of the Atazar reservoir.
Technical data
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: minimum elevation 708m and maximum elevation 1263m
Distance traveled: 12.5 Km
More information: Turismo Patones
23. Cascada del Hornillo
Another very beautiful hiking route is the Cascada del Hornillo, which is no more and no less than 10 meters high. Its waterfall is truly impressive.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 10 km
Duration of the route: 4 hours
Elevation: 300 meters
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
24. Guadalix River Canyon
This is a route that can be done by bicycle or on foot. The Guadalix River Canyon is located between Pedrezuela and San Agustín de Guadalix. There we will have the opportunity to contemplate the Charco del Hervidero, the Mesto Dam and the Guadalix River.
Technical data
Distance to cover: 15.65 km
Duration of the route: 6 hours
Elevation: 238 meters
Type: Circular
More information: Wikiloc
25. Pradillo Reservoir
Let's now go to the Pradillo Reservoir, with an impressive waterfall, in the Alto Valle del Lozoya. Its crystal clear waters are one of its greatest charms.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Slope: 100 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
26. Calderas del Río Cambrones
Looking for a hiking route for the summer? That of the Calderas del Río Cambrones may be interesting. It consists of waterfalls and calderas of great beauty, which you can contemplate while you walk and cool off.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 10 km
Duration of the route: 4 hours
Elevation: 250 meters
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
27. The Written Stone
Do you know the Written Stone? It is a monolith of Roman origin, with engravings dedicated to the goddess Diana. There is the Town of Cenicientos and the Los Molinillos stream.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Slope: 250 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
28. Arroyo de la Angostura
The one that we recommend now is a circular route through the Angostura Valley, very close to Rascafría. It is full of crystal clear streams and lush forests. A delight with views of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 17.4 km
Duration of the route: 4h 33min
Elevation: 1.665m
Type: Circular
More information: Travel by yourself
28. The Wild West of Madrid
Did you know that some of the most legendary Hollywood films and the mythical Spaghetti Western genre have been recorded here? Through this route you will have the opportunity to travel through the magnificent Dehesa de Navalvillar.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 13 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation gain: 140 meters.
More information: Hiking Madrid
29. Red Villages of the Sierra de Ayllón
It is a charming route, with a lot of charm, that passes through the characteristic red villages of the Sierra de Ayllón. This is so because they are built with clay. It is very possible that during the route you will have the opportunity to enjoy the flight of some birds of prey.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 14 Kms
Ascent slope: 175 meters
Descent slope: 175 meters
Duration of the route: 5 hours
More information: Traveler
30. Mount Abantos along the path of the Shepherds
They call it Mount Abantos because it is very frequented by this bird. It is a fairly affordable route for almost everyone, so if you dare, in addition to enjoying the route, you will have the opportunity to enjoy these birds.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 Kms
Duration: 5 or 6 hours
Maximum slope: 740 meters
More information: Mirador de Madrid
31. Carpetanos Mountains
It is a classic route that starts from Puerto de Cotos and extends through the Sierra del Guadarrama. It is a slightly more complex route, so it is recommended to be trained and be prepared with the appropriate equipment. It is ideal to do it in spring.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 66 Kms
Duration: 2 hours
Maximum elevation: 2,080 meters
More information: Wikiloc
32. Path of the Alpine Battalion
This mountaineering path, now perfectly accessible, is closely linked to history and specifically to the conflicts that occurred in the Sierra del Guadarrama. The path that we can travel today as a hiking route was used to supply one of the most important posts.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 8 Kms
Duration: 3.30 hours
Maximum slope: 353 meters
More information: The World
33. Source of the Jarama River
Here is a beautiful spring route that can be easily covered and that combines beautiful colors with a landscape of pine trees, crystal clear waters and, of course, the source of the Jarama River.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Ascent slope: 100 meters.
Descent slope: 300 meters.
More information: Hiking Madrid
34. Bosques de Cercedilla
This route can be hiking, but if you prefer you can also do it by bicycle. From here you will have the opportunity to observe the most beautiful forests in the Community of Madrid. We propose a couple of very interesting routes.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation gain: 350 meters.
More information: Wikiloc and Trekking Madrid
35. Alberche River Gorge
Here we present another simple route, which does not have major complications and is of great beauty. It must be borne in mind, however, that the route does not have too much shade, so it is advisable to do it in spring, instead of in the middle of summer.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km.
Duration of the route: 3 hours
Elevation: 732 meters
More information: Wikiloc
36. The Chair of Felipe II
If you are wanting to get away from the madding crowd and disconnect, you can do it at the Felipe II Chair. It is a beautiful place full of energy, with which you will have the opportunity to contemplate El Escorial.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 14 km.
Duration of the route: 5 hours.
Elevation: 300 meters.
Type: Circular.
More information: Repsol Guide
37. Bosques de Valsaín
Another haven of peace and tranquility for the spirit is in the Bosques de Valsaín. This set of humid forests has everything one can expect from a gentle hiking excursion.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 14 km.
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half to 5 hours.
Descent slope: 234 meters.
More information: De Valsaín
38. Royal Path
The Royal Path is a path that linked the Royal House on Mount El Pardo with the Royal Alcázar, which is today the Royal Palace. The path went down to the left bank of the Manzanares River. Today it can be explored on foot and also by bicycle.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 52 km.,
Duration of the route: 3 hours and 43 minutes
Elevation gain: 1,010 meters.
More information: GR trails
39. Cancho de los Muertos
If you are looking for a route with history - and with a black history, and very black - maybe you should take a look at this one that we propose. That of the Cancho de los Muertos. It is a mythical setting in La Pedriza, in which the bandits of the 19th century executed their victims.
Technical data
Distance to cover: 6.73 km
Duration of the route: 3 hours
Elevation: 300 meters.
More information: Manzanares Regional Park
40. La Jarosa Reservoir
The Embalso de la Jarosa is located above the medieval town of La Herrería, which has now disappeared. There remain, yes, the remains of the old Hermitage of San Macario.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 14 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Slope: 250 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
41. The Viewpoints of the Poets
There are different points of the Sierra del Guadarrama that served as inspiration to the highest poets, such as Antonio Machado, Luis Rosales or Vicente Aleixandre.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 11 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation gain: 350 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: The Great Getaway
42. Finnish Rascafría Forest
Can you imagine being able to visit a Finnish forest without leaving the Community of Madrid? To see it, yes, you will have to go to Rascafría, a truly charming place that looks very much like the thicket of a Scandinavian forest.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 13 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation: 275 meters.
Type: Circular
More information: Hiking Madrid
43. Viriato Castle
We are talking about the Senda de Viriato, a path that constitutes a great route of 141 kilometers, which is linked with old roads, trails and ravines. Through this path the hiker will have the opportunity to discover different climates, landscapes and fauna. You can check here information about different stages.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 13 km.
Elevation gain: 98 meters
Duration of the route: 4 hours and a half to 5 hours
More information: Hiking Madrid
44. Ascent to Siete Picos
Let's see another interesting route, which is the Ascent to Siete Picos de Navacerrada. Those who are encouraged by this route, which is not particularly complicated, will have the opportunity to crown up to seven peaks without having made an excessive effort.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 10 km.
Elevation: 450 meters
Duration of the route: 5 hours
More information: Travelers 30
45. Chorrera of San Mamés
Did you know that through this route you will have the possibility of contemplating one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire Community of Madrid? The route runs parallel to the bed of the stream stream.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 4.4 km.
Elevation: 378 meters
Duration of the route: 1.35 hours
More information: Sierra Norte Madrid
46. Forests of the Lozoya River
It is a tiring route, but less so, because it is all downhill. It runs through the forests of the Lozoya River, very close to the capital, but perfect for disconnecting.
Technical data
Distance: 12 Km.
Duration: 4 hours
Slope: 500 meters all downhill
More information: Hiking Madrid
47. Sierra de los Porrones
The Sierra de los Porrones is a mountain range that is in the Sierra del Guadarrama, with an approximate length of 7 kilometers.
Technical data
Distance: 13.51 Km.
Duration: 6 hours 40 minutes
Elevation gain: 942 meters
More information: Wikiloc
48. Sierra del Dragon
In a charming and legendary area is the Sierra del Dragon, in the Siete Picos massif. This route runs along the Camino del Agua, the Granja del Río Pradillo and the pine and oak forests of Cercedilla.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12 km.
Duration of the route: 4 and a half hours.
Elevation: 300 meters.
Type: Circular.
More information: Hiking Madrid
49. Asomante's Blade
Looking for inaccessible and intricate places? This is the Cuchillar de Asomante, a mountain range full of little passable spaces and mule trails. This space was never interested, neither the Arabs, nor the French. Nor was it a place for civil war, but it was a place for bandits fleeing justice. Who was going to find them here?
Technical data
Distance to travel: 12.49 km.
Duration of the route: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 488 meters.
More information: Wikiloc
50. La Hoya de San Blas
And we end with another interesting route, which is La Hoya de San Blas. It runs through the valley of La Hoya de San Blas, between La Pedriza and the peaks of Cuerda Larga, along bridle paths. The views are great and it is an ideal route to do at any time of the year.
Technical data
Distance to travel: 16.6 km.
Duration of the route: 5.20 hours
Elevation gain: 557 meters.
More information: The Trekking Life