Circo de Gredos

With a maximum altitude of 8,504ft2,592m (Almanzor Peak), most of the paved roads run around the outer areas of the mountain range. To reach the heart of the Gredos Natural Park, you must do so on foot.

There are several hiking routes, the most popular being the Ruta Circo de Gredos, a 4.0mi6.4km trail with a maximum elevation gain of 400m:. The ascent usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, with the return being slightly quicker due to the descent.

This hike leads to Laguna Grande, one of the five most iconic lagoons in the range. The trail begins at the Plataforma de Gredos car park (at around 5,741ft1,750m), where parking is paid from June to September between 8:00 and 20:00, and from 9:00 to 18:00 during the rest of the year.

This route is particularly popular in summer. It is well‑marked and accessible, but still relatively demanding due to the altitude. There are several watercourses along the way; however, water quality is not monitored, so it is advisable to bring plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate footwear.

Near the Circo de Gredos, where the lagoon forms, there is a mountain refuge that serves as a base for more challenging hikes, such as the ascent to Almanzor or the exploration of the other four lagoons — the Ruta de las Cinco Lagunas: Laguna Bajera (6,801ft2,073m; 1.0ha), Laguna Brincalobitos (6,804ft2,074m; 0.1ha), Laguna Mediana (6,880ft2,097m; 0.3ha), Laguna Galana (6,893ft2,101m; 1.6ha) and Laguna Cimera (6,900ft2,103m; 4.6ha).

If you can include this hike in your itinerary, we highly recommend it — it is the only way to truly experience and witness the beauty of this mountain range in its most natural and pristine state