The best road cycling routes around El Atazar
5.0
(9)
1,334
riders
17
rides
Road cycling around El Atazar, located in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, offers diverse landscapes and challenging routes. The region is characterized by the large Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir), which provides consistent scenic views, and is framed by impressive mountain ranges like the Sierra de Ayllón and Sierra de La Cabrera. Routes often feature well-surfaced asphalt roads, with significant elevation gains and descents through mountain passes and river valleys.
Best road cycling routes around El Atazar
- The most popular road cycling route is Sierra de la Puebla Loop, a 45.1 miles (72.5 km) trail that takes 4 hours 8 minutes to complete. This difficult route features over 4,800 feet (1,475 meters) of elevation gain through mountain terrain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Berzosa de Lozoya, Puebla de la Sierra, Paredes de Buitrago – circular route, a difficult 33.3 miles (53.6 km) path. This route includes over 3,600 feet (1,112 meters) of climbing, passing through several villages.
- Local road cyclists also love the Ascent to Puerto de La Puebla – Puerto de La Puebla (1636 m) loop from El Berrueco, a 52.5 miles (84.6 km) trail leading through high mountain passes, often completed in about 4 hours 25 minutes.
- Road cycling around El Atazar is defined by the expansive reservoir, surrounding mountain ranges, and charming villages like Patones de Arriba and Torrelaguna. The network offers options for 18 routes, including 2 easy, 6 moderate, and 10 difficult challenges.
- The routes in El Atazar are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. More than 1,400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore El Atazar's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(4)
452
riders
72.5km
04:08
1,480m
1,480m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(3)
197
riders
53.6km
03:01
1,110m
1,120m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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203
riders
84.6km
04:25
1,550m
1,550m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
34
riders
37.0km
01:34
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
35
riders
32.2km
01:40
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Castle and Walls of Buitrago del Lozoya, one of the most important medieval sites in the Community of Madrid: The town has pre-Roman roots and was mentioned by Livy as a Celtiberian fortress (Litabrum). Muslim Fortification: Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Muslims built the wall to protect the territory. Reconquest: Alfonso VI conquered it in 1085, and it passed into Christian hands. Current Castle: Built in the 15th century by the Mendoza family, during the reign of John II of Castile. Historical Uses: Noble residence, defensive stronghold, and setting for events such as the imprisonment of Juana la Beltraneja.
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Beautiful walled town located in the mountains north of Madrid.
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Beautiful town in La Sierra de Madrid with extraordinary landscapes. We recommend this town and its surroundings to isolate yourself from the world.
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The Puentes Viejas reservoir is located in the middle course of the Lozoya River, in the Sierra Norte (Madrid). It belongs to the Canal de Isabel II reservoir network and is the third reservoir in the direction of the current that the river passes through.
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Beautiful town in the Sierra Pobre, highly recommended for biking, mtb and hiking, lots of water and shade around
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On the Puebla de la Sierra highway you come across this viewpoint over the Puebla river gorge. The landscape is overwhelming. The vertical walls of bare rock stand before the green ridges of the mountains and the sky. It is an ideal place to immortalize with a photograph.
1
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The road here is very winding. The incredible landscape to be photographed.
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The surroundings of this Madrid town are an extraordinary place to go on a bike route, especially during autumn, due to the abundance of deciduous trees.
2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find in El Atazar?
El Atazar offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find 18 routes in total, including 2 easy, 6 moderate, and 10 difficult challenges. Many routes feature significant elevation gains through mountain passes and river valleys, often encircling the scenic Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir).
Are there any beginner-friendly road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Yes, El Atazar offers a couple of easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners. These routes provide a gentler introduction to the region's beautiful landscapes without the demanding elevation of more advanced trails.
What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Route distances vary significantly. For example, the difficult Sierra de la Puebla Loop is about 72.5 km (45.1 miles) and takes around 4 hours 8 minutes. A moderate option like the El Berrueco Watchtower – View of El Atazar Reservoir loop from El Berrueco is approximately 41.6 km (25.8 miles) and can be completed in about 2 hours. Routes range from shorter, moderate rides to longer, challenging excursions.
What kind of terrain and road surfaces should I expect when road cycling in El Atazar?
The roads around El Atazar primarily consist of well-surfaced asphalt, ideal for road cycling. You'll encounter many curves and impressive views, especially when descending towards the dam. The terrain is characterized by mountain passes, river valleys, and routes that often circle the reservoir, providing consistent scenic vistas.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features to see along the road cycling routes?
Road cycling routes in El Atazar offer stunning views of the Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir) and are framed by impressive mountain ranges like the Sierra de Ayllón and Sierra de La Cabrera. You can also spot the towering Pico Peñalara on clear days. Key attractions include the Cancho de la Cabeza Summit, El Villar Reservoir and Gorge, and the El Berrueco Watchtower.
Are there any charming villages or historical sites I can visit while cycling?
Absolutely. Many routes pass through or near charming villages with rich history. Patones de Arriba is known for its unique 'black architecture' slate houses. Torrelaguna boasts impressive Gothic architecture, such as the Church of Santa María Magdalena. Buitrago del Lozoya features the Alcazaba de Buitrago. These villages offer great opportunities for a break and exploration.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in El Atazar are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the difficult Berzosa de Lozoya, Puebla de la Sierra, Paredes de Buitrago – circular route, which covers 53.6 km.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in El Atazar?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning reservoir views, the challenging yet rewarding mountain roads, and the opportunity to combine natural beauty with visits to historic villages.
When is the best time of year for road cycling in El Atazar?
El Atazar is a classic road cycling destination in the central region. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the diverse landscapes and impressive views suggest that spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be hot, and winter might bring colder conditions in the higher mountain passes.
Are there places to eat or drink along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the charming villages mentioned, such as Patones de Arriba, Torrelaguna, and Buitrago del Lozoya, are excellent places to find cafes, restaurants, or pubs to refuel during or after your ride. These villages are often integrated into the cycling routes, making them convenient stops.
Where can I find parking for road cycling in El Atazar?
Many road cycling routes start from or pass through the various villages in the El Atazar region, such as El Berrueco, Patones de Arriba, or Torrelaguna. These villages typically offer parking facilities, making them convenient starting points for your cycling adventures.
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