The 10 Most Amazing Peaks around Comunidad de Calatayud

The highest peak in the region is Pico Cabrera (1,433 m) – Sierra de la Virgen, located in the Sierra de la Virgen range. Following closely is Pico del Rayo (1,427 m) in the Sierra de Vicort, which is the second highest peak in the Iberian System of Zaragoza. The Sierra de Pardos features Pico La Cruz as its highest point at 1,266 m.

For expansive views, Pico Cabrera (1,433 m) – Sierra de la Virgen provides a panoramic outlook over the Sierra de la Virgen. Pico del Rayo offers magnificent views of the Iberian System and Moncayo. Additionally, Cruz de Armantes is known for its beautiful landscape views of the Ribota valleys.

Yes, the Mirador de los Buitres near Calmarza is a significant natural attraction. It offers exceptional opportunities to observe griffon vultures nesting in the spectacular canyons formed by the Mesa River. The area is protected as a Site of Community Interest (LIC) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), highlighting its ecological value.

The region has several historical and cultural points of interest. The Sierra de la Virgen is named after the Santuario de la Virgen de la Sierra, a Virgin Mary shrine. In the Sierra de Vicort, you can find ancient Celtiberian archaeological remains and the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Jerusalen. The Sierra de Pardos is home to the depopulated village of Pardos, which features a preserved Muslim tower. You can also find the Statue of San Vicente in the Sierra de Vicort.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily hiking and gravel biking. You can find numerous routes for different skill levels. For hiking, explore options like the Monasterio de Piedra Waterfalls Trail or the Ascent to Pico del Rayo Trail. For gravel biking, routes such as the Puerta Baja de Daroca loop are popular. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Comunidad de Calatayud and Gravel biking around Comunidad de Calatayud guides.

Yes, there are several easy hiking routes. Examples include the Monasterio de Piedra Waterfalls Trail, the Meandro de Chodes y Morata de Jalón circular route, and the Moros - La Cerrada - Peirón de San Roque loop. These trails offer accessible options for those looking for less challenging walks. More easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Comunidad de Calatayud guide.

The Sierra de Vicort is notable for being home to Pico del Rayo, the highest point in the range and the second highest in the Iberian System of Zaragoza. It also features Pico de la Nevera, which houses the distinctive globe-shaped radar of the Escuadrón de Vigilancia Aérea n°1 (E.V.A. 1). The range is characterized by varied vegetation, ancient Celtiberian archaeological remains, and the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Jerusalen.

The mountain ranges feature diverse vegetation. The Sierra de la Virgen has low maquis shrub, reforested pine, juniper, and holm oak. The Sierra de Vicort is predominantly covered by holm oaks and pines, alongside Mediterranean scrub. The Sierra de Pardos boasts dense reforested pine forests and thick holm oak groves. Wildlife is abundant, especially in Sierra de Pardos, which is rich in deer, wild boars, partridges, and rabbits. The Mirador de los Buitres is excellent for observing griffon vultures.

Yes, the View of the Tranquera Reservoir from Cerro de Somé offers beautiful vistas of the Tranquera reservoir from an altitude of 817 meters. The path to this viewpoint is clearly visible, providing a scenic spot for observation.

The Sierra de la Virgen is significant for being home to Pico Cabrera (1,433 m) – Sierra de la Virgen, the highest point in the range and the entire Comunidad de Calatayud. It is also named after the Santuario de la Virgen de la Sierra, a Virgin Mary shrine located in its heights, making it a place of both natural beauty and cultural importance.

For those seeking a challenge, the Ascent to La Chichulana is an option. Additionally, the Pico del Rayo climb, while offering magnificent views, is considered a moderate to challenging ascent. More difficult routes like the Rock paintings of Roca Benedí and Calmarza Waterfall circular from Jaraba Sanctuary can be found in the Hiking around Comunidad de Calatayud guide.

The Sierra de Pardos is characterized by its dense reforested pine forests and thick holm oak groves, contributing to a rich wildlife population including deer and wild boars. Its highest point is Pico La Cruz, named for a large cross at its summit. The region also has historical interest with the depopulated village of Pardos and its preserved Muslim tower, and is known for its viticulture under the D.O. Calatayud.