Peñalara — Local services in Rascafría

Spectacular route that grants breathtaking views on the summit.

When done on a clear day, one can see the neverending plateau of Castille and León to the north, the glinting tower of the Cathedral in Segovia or the profile from an unusual angle of “La mujer muerta”. To the south one can see the “Cuerda Larga” with “Bola del Mundo” and “Cabezas de Hierro”, and the beautiful lagoons that sprinkle the southern face of the mountain, like “La laguna de Peñalara” or “La laguna de los Claveles”.

I recommend doing the northern face ascent, it is two thirds through the beautiful pine forests of Valsain, and the last third consists of walking/climbing up the “berrocal” (steep part, there is no path and one must jump from rock to rock to get to the top).

I’ve only done ascents in the summer, i’d love to do it on winter...

Great mountain with good view on very contrasting areas - nothing in the north, hills and Madrid communidad in the south and other big mountains in the west. Walking up there from Cotos is easy, wide trail. Even though it was Sunday there weren't crowds. Further you may proceed via mountain crest, but it's not good for people with fear of heights and sometimes you have to climb for a while. That's very fun part if you like such kinds of attractions. Getting to Cotos by public transport is accessible for example by cercanias - Madrid Chamartin -...

Awesome place! It is ideal for those Who adore nature, It is also ideal for the entire family including kids, no car is required, one can get there by public transportation ( for further information you can search"estación Cotos" ) the park counts with multiple streams of fresh water, the whole trip lasts 5 hours going Up and down.

It is challenging to get to the peak, it takes a couple of hours from cotos station, weather is not that cold while going up, be careful going down, take your time, the less hurry...