Cotos - Rascafria - Miraflores - Colmenar 20090711

Route in Sierra Guadarrama, Puerta de Cotos – Colmenar Viejo.

0,0km (at 1800m) – Puerta de Cotos. The starting point of the route is the train station in Puerta de Cotos, high in the mountains of Sierra Guadarrama. It is accessible with local train from Madrid to Cercedilla, and later with mountain train from Cercedilla to Cotos (all within network of local “cercanias”). The ride starts to north-east through the forest path parallel to M-604 road. Some short sections have to be done on foot as route follows hiking path.

11,4km (at 1300m) – M-604. The route meets local road M-604 and follows it for next 3km. Then turns to the right, crosses the river (walking through bigger stones) and joins dirt road / path along the river. At kilometer 16.5, route goes right (not left to the waterfalls) and later at 18,8k, left up, to start the climb towards Puerta Malagon. After few meters, route enters forest and offers nice shadow!

25,0km (at 1550m) – Exit from the forest. A flat section during the climb where forest ends. Nice views to Penalara, the highest peak of Sierra Guadarrama. The route continues straight and climbs more up until the refuge. Then turns right onto asphaltus road (another nice views point to Penalara is just 800m after the turn) to reach Puerta de la Morcuera.

29,6km (at 1765m) – Puerta de la Morcuera. The highest point of the route, offering views to the south. The route follows local asphaltus road down to the village of Miraflores de la Sierra. Very fast ride down with a lot of curves.

39,2km (at 1140m) – Miraflores de la Sierra. Route passes through the village and continues south to Soto del Real and later to meet local road M-609 where bike path starts along the road, all the way down to Colmenar Viejo and train station south from the town.

61,7km (at 813m) – Colmenar Viejo train station. Back to Madrid with local train “cercanias” to Chamartin station.

Level moderate for distance and some “walking” sections. The route has much more downhill then climbs. Water is available close to Rascafria and on the view point before Puerta de la Morcuera. Very beautiful views to Penalara, Lozoya valley and south part of Sierra Guadarrama.