Sierra de Grazalema and Puerto de las Palomas Pass
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 25.71 mi
- Elevation gain
- 5,548 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Very difficult
- Elevation loss
- 5,548 ft
- Max elevation
- 4,131 ft
- TrailRank
- 36
- Min elevation
- 1,093 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Coordinates
- 1439
- Uploaded
- August 17, 2012
near Zahara, Andalucía (España)
Viewed 3456 times, downloaded 21 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
This challenging ride follows one of Andalucia's most breathtaking roads through the Sierra de Grazalema and to two spectacular mountain passes and through two of the famed and magnificent pueblos blancos.
Although a relatively short ride, you will want to stop often to marvel at the wonderful vistas, to watch Griffin vultures soaring on the thermal currents, to see the beautiful but endangered Spanish Fir trees (pinsapos), to refill your water bottles or wet your head with cool spring water or to have a refreshing drink on a terrace in one of the villages.
The circular route can be done in either direction, but for the best views the southward climb to El Puerto de las Palomas is recommended. This climb is famed among cyclists in Andalucia and is a Category 1 climb that has been included in the Vuelta de España on several occasions.
Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema are two spectacularly situated and historical white villages on the route that provide magical photo opportunities. You can enjoy an excellent lunch in Grazalema before commencing the mostly downhill return to the starting point.
Although a relatively short ride, you will want to stop often to marvel at the wonderful vistas, to watch Griffin vultures soaring on the thermal currents, to see the beautiful but endangered Spanish Fir trees (pinsapos), to refill your water bottles or wet your head with cool spring water or to have a refreshing drink on a terrace in one of the villages.
The circular route can be done in either direction, but for the best views the southward climb to El Puerto de las Palomas is recommended. This climb is famed among cyclists in Andalucia and is a Category 1 climb that has been included in the Vuelta de España on several occasions.
Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema are two spectacularly situated and historical white villages on the route that provide magical photo opportunities. You can enjoy an excellent lunch in Grazalema before commencing the mostly downhill return to the starting point.
Waypoints
Photo
1,614 ft
Clock Tower
Torre del Reloj
Archaeological site
1,614 ft
Arco de la Villa
Ancient gate to the fortified town
Wilderness hut
1,755 ft
Olive Oil Mill
Car park
2,267 ft
Start of Hiking Route to Garganta Verde
Car park
2,398 ft
Start of Hike to Los Llanos
Panorama
2,661 ft
Lookout
Tree
3,458 ft
Pinsapo Pine trees
Photo
3,881 ft
Puerto de las Palomas Pass 1357m
Panorama
3,927 ft
Lookout
Photo
3,734 ft
Griffon Vulture Nesting Site
Car park
3,389 ft
Pinsapar HikeStart
Panorama
3,589 ft
Puerto del Boyar
Panorama
2,572 ft
Lookout
Fountain
2,697 ft
Natural Spring Water Drinking Fountain
Information point
2,631 ft
Tourist Office
Fountain
2,434 ft
Mineral Water Drinking Fountain
Archaeological site
1,719 ft
Castillo XIVth Centruy
Comments (1)
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Hola! usé parte de su track para realizar la ruta Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra y regreso por el puerto de Las Palomas a Grazalema. Las vistas inigualables hacia el pantano, y como bien dices ambos pueblos blancos son preciosos, es de destacar la cantidad de flores y sobre todo el olor a azahar. La subida hacia el puerto Las palomas pensé que no llegaba, y en el puerto de los acebuches tomé un kit kat para armarme de fuerza, sólo pensaba en lo que iba a disfrutar la bajada hasta Grazalema una vez rebasara el puerto. Gracias por colgar estas rutas.