Description
It is only 1 hour by car from Madrid, with easy access, and with a lot of history as well, which makes it really popular among people there (there are almost thousand climbing routes and hiking trails). However, in La Pedriza there are simply a lot of hiking trails where to get lost and observe birds in peace. Here, I put one of my favourite routes because it is easy to do but really nice to see vultures and the landscape. In this route you walk through the impressive geological feature which goes up quickly and is full of boulders where you can easily see Белоголовый сип and Black Vulture at a really short distance. The Иберийская сорока are everywhere and if you are lucky, you can also see the Испанский могильник and Беркут.
Details
Access
Due to the high visitors flow the access by car is regulated. If you are an early bird and go before 9:30, you will probably be lucky to go until the Parking of Canto Cochino, if not you can normally park in the Visitors Center and start walking from there. Along the way you can easily see the Иберийская сорока and around the pine trees in Canto Cochino, Хохлатая синица. There is also a shuttle bus from the church of Manzanares el Real.
Terrain and Habitat
Mountain , Valley , ForestConditions
Mountainous , Hilly , RockyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Car , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
You can also easily see mountain goats around.