Sunny Walkers 41222: Sendero de La Mariposa Monarca

This is an easy hike following the path of the Monarch Butterfly.

We are in the winter month of December so don’t expect to see any Monarch butterflies as in the summer months , when the heat brought them to the shade of the path and when the Asclepias and Gomphocarpus were in their splendor.
Castellar , we started the Monarch Butterfly Trail following the banks of the Guadarranque River (from the Arabic Wadi-Ramke, river of the mares ) magnificent for its natural value: full of ash trees, gall oaks, white poplars, alders, palm trees... beautiful trees that are worth by themselves a route to contemplate them. The forest is autumnal, with lots of fallen leaves on the ground.
The trail follows the course of the river and we enjoy the beautiful autumn walk. We see giant gall-oaks, and hearts of palm, the native Andalusian palm tree , humble in appearance and fan-shaped leaves. Still a few more Asclepias and the slim hope of seeing butterflies.

The most important Monarch butterfly population in Europe is found in a precise section of the banks of the Guadarranque river in Castellar. Right in its transition zone, between the sandstone mountains and the river valley. We are talking about a 43-kilometre river that rises in Buenas Noches, in the heart of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, and after crossing a large reservoir, reaches Castellar. You must always follow the riverbank, also follow the signs. Throughout the itinerary, at different points, there are many opportunities to observe Monarch butterflies.

The path ends at the Jarandilla bridge, under which you must pass to finish the route. You can also take a circular route to return to Castellar along the Canal path, or go up to the castle along the Calzada Romana path.

When can you see more Monarch butterflies?

The best months to see Monarch butterflies are in the summer, in July, August and September , when the days are hot and they seek places more protected from the heat. Months in which Asclepias and Gomphocarpus are most abundant, despite the fact that they flower for 10 months a year.