Top 7 Natural Monuments around Mijares

Visitors frequently enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views at El Chorro Waterfall. Another highly regarded spot is the Valley of the Garganta del Niño Cojo, which offers magnificent views extending from the Sierra de Gredos ridge.

Yes, the Mijares natural pool, located on the banks of the Las Torres gorge, provides a very quiet and refreshing environment for swimming. It also features a small children's pool and a kiosk. Further afield, the Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos offers natural pools with a consistent 25ºC temperature, ideal for year-round swimming.

The Mijares region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, there are challenging cycling loops like the 'Puerto de Pedro Bernardo – Serranillos Pass loop' and MTB trails such as 'Views of Gavilanes – Views of Pedro Bernardo loop'. You can explore more options on the cycling guide for Mijares or the MTB trails guide.

For dramatic mountain landscapes and impressive glacial formations, the broader Sierra de Gredos Regional Park is a must-visit. It features the spectacular Circo de Gredos and the Laguna Grande de Gredos, both of glacial origin, dominated by Almanzor Peak, the highest point in the Central System.

Yes, for a challenging ascent, consider Cabezo de Gavilanes. The climb to the Risco de Miravalles is steep, but the path is marked by stone milestones and metal marks, making it navigable for experienced hikers.

The region offers natural beauty year-round. For hiking and exploring the mountain areas like Sierra de Gredos, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures. The natural pools, such as Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos, maintain a consistent warm temperature, making them enjoyable in any season.

Along the Mijares River, particularly in the Montanejos area, you'll find the stunning 'Los Estrechos' (The Narrows), a gorge with vertical rock walls exceeding 100 meters. This area is known for its abundant vegetation and is popular for climbing and whitewater sports. The Cueva Negra (Black Cave) is also nearby, adding to the natural splendor.

The Mijares natural pool is family-friendly, offering a quiet environment and a dedicated small pool for children. The Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos also provides a great family experience with its natural warm pools and surrounding hiking trails suitable for moderate fitness levels.

The broader Alto Mijares region and Sierra de Gredos Regional Park are rich in biodiversity. You might spot wild boars, roe deer, mountain goats, and otters. Birdwatchers can look for birds of prey such as the Spanish imperial eagle, cinereous vulture, and black stork, as well as the endemic Spanish ibex.

The waterfall in the Chorro gorge, near the municipality of Gavilanes, is a notable natural monument. It is considered the highest waterfall in the community and is located about two kilometers from the town, close to the Machine House.

The Sierra de Gredos Regional Park is special due to its expansive protected area, characterized by a spectacular succession of lagoons, cirques, gorges, and cliffs, all sculpted by glacial erosion. It's also recognized as a stargazing destination by the Starlight Foundation, offering unique night sky views in addition to its diverse flora and fauna. More information can be found on Wikipedia.