La Pedriza Integral (PRM1)/ Manzanares El Real

This is one of the most beautiful trails and one of the most difficult as well. The adventure is physically and technically demanding. The term “Hiking” is not really adequate. It is in fact a mix of hiking, climbing, jumping and even crawling! Amazing sceneries on the way, from beautiful pine forests to green meadows to stunningly shaped rocky mountains. The start was from Manzanares El Real town. If you are in Madrid, you can reach the starting point in 2 ways: Directly by taxi which will cost you around 70 euros or by Train to Colemenar Viejo (37 min) from Madrid Sol (around 7 euros/2 ways), and continue by Taxi (or Uber) to Manzares El Real (around 24 euros/ 15 min). If you go for the latter choice, the whole trip (2 ways) will cost you around 55 euros.The beginning and the end of the hike are in the town calm streets. The forest parts of the trail are charming and relatively easy. The rocky parts are very challenging in both ways. Here are some tips from my experience on this trail:

1- This trail is not for the average hiker (This is why i rated it "very difficult"). It can be really dangerous for unexperienced hikers. Only tough hikers can enjoy it safely. Beginners can find easier hikes in the area but have to stay away from La Pedriza Integral. Eventhough I did it alone without a guide, I recommend doing it in small groups. It is better not to be alone on a risky trail. If you want to enjoy the trail without searching for directions, contact a guide. You can easily find on the internet how to get in contact with one of the guides there. The price will depend on the number of persons starting 39 euros for a group of 4 or more (150 euros if you are alone).

2- Hiking poles are not really useful here. I started the trail with my poles but very soon, I put them in my backpack for the rest of the hike. You will use your hands to climb up and down and your poles will become annoying.

3- Consider plenty of time and water for this adventure: at least 10 hours and 3 to 4 liters. Even if you consider yourself a “fast” hiker, you will quickly realize that you cannot go fast! Climbing and searching for trail marks will slow you inevitably. Fortunately, the sunset is late in Madrid's summer (21h30/ May 18)

4- Have at least 2 GPS devices with batteries and a large powerbank (i personally have a 30000 mA powerbank for any outdoor activity). You can be easily lost without GPS guidance. Don't rely only on your phone. If it falls and get broken, you will be in real trouble!

5- Have a good pair of shoes having a good grip. Good shoes will do a big difference on this trail. Fortunately, the pedriza rocks offer a good grip for the shoes. If the rocks were slippery, i would have rated this trail extremely difficult!

6- Always search for the yellow and white trail markings on rocks and trees and consider them as your waypoints. The trail is relatively well marked and you should see your next marking before going on. If you don’t see any marking after 1 or 2 min walk, there are high chances you are going in a wrong direction.

7- On the way down, markings are not always obvious, Search instead for stacked stones (cairns) indicating the way. I usually hate cairns disrupting wilderness but when the trail is difficult to find, cairns are very helpful. If you feel uncertain, check your trail on the GPS device and check the PRM1 trail shown on wikiloc topo map.

8- Stay focused while walking. Not only you can fall but you can lose your way as well. Each time you are checking something on your phone or taking photos or not paying attention, simply stop walking! Each time i was checking my phone while walking, i found myself going in a wrong direction!

9- On difficult climbing parts, use you basic skills in climbing and bouldering. Your hands are essential. On your way down, do not hesitate to sit to get a better grip and balance.

10- At some points, you will have to go through narrow tunnels within the rocks. Take off your backpack and let it go first. Claustrophobic may dislike some parts of the trail.

Enjoy this amazing trail and stay safe!