Penalara
Peñalara - Madrid’s highest peak, with glacial lagoons, an hour from the city
The route
The line through Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid), Spain - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Jun-Oct (snow-free)
Storms, cold, wind up high; winter snow
Snow-free ~Jun-Oct; a snowshoe/winter route otherwise. Confirm.
On the trail
Pine forest, glacial lagoons and a rocky ridge summit
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Popular weekend escape
The lagoons loop (easier) without the summit
Getting there & staying
Puerto de Cotos, near Madrid
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Madrid; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Sierra de Guadarrama NP; peak-day access limits may apply. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Storms, cold, snow in winter, the exposed summit
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.