Grazalema to Simancón via Cortijo las Dornajas

An alternative hiking route to the top of Simancón and back to Grazalema.

The section from waypoint at Puerto de las Presillas to Cortijo del Dornajo is clearly marked by blue painted spots and arrows and the trail is quite well worn. However, from Cotijo del Dornajo to the east there is no clear path. However, there is a long cliff face running north south and at only one point does it look possible to hike up. At that point a wire fence can clearly be seen. There are some odd rock cairns leading to the ideal place to climb but they can be difficult to follow. It is recommended to head towards the hikeable point. Once you start climbing up the scree slope, you can find some rock cairns which indicate the best way up. Once you get to the top, there is a small rustic gate to cross the fence.
Once on the other side there is no clear path and only occasional rock cairns. However, the terrain is not too difficult to traverse. The peak of Simancón can clearly be seen and the easiest looking path to the top seems to be a strip with less rock and more vegetation which leads down from the saddle between Simancón and the Sima del Edrinal (just to the west of Simancón). If you hike in that general direction you will gradually find some rock cairs and as you start climbing the cairns become more regular and the path becomes clearer.

From the saddle, I headed east to the ridge of Simancón and climbed up along the ridge. In some points the limestone rock is sharp and difficult to cross but it is easy to orient yourself towards the top.

From the top, you may find some small yellow and black arrows which lead you down the most direct route back to Grazalema, or you can make your own way across the limestone with caution. Basically you need to climb down to the saddle to the west of the peak and then head north. the track becomes very clear as you start the steep descent and reach the treeline.