Top 8 Mountain Passes around Madarcos
Best mountain passes around Madarcos are situated within the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra Norte of Madrid. This region offers a mountainous landscape with various passes. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst natural features.
Best mountain passes around Madarcos
- The most popular mountain passes is Ascent to Puerto de La Puebla, a mountain pass that features a spectacular section along the M130. This route includes a beautiful gorge and an ascent to the port. …
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Puerto de la Puebla
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Salinero Pass
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Ascent to Puerto de La Puebla
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Collado de las Palomas
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Collado del Mosquito
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Tips from the Community
A very pleasant pass to climb up the Puebla de la Sierra side. To do this, you have to access it from Robledillo, with very steep ramps to warm up, and a few kilometers on a narrow and bumpy road. The views and the route are totally worth it. Avoid weekends, especially busy hours, as motorcycles, and especially cars, can spoil the party a bit, as I say, the road is very narrow. There is a fountain at the lowest point between Robledillo and Puebla, and another one when leaving Puebla de la Sierra. They are the only two points where you will be able to fill your bottles "for free".
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The Collado de las Palomas is a mountain pass in Puebla de la Sierra, Province of Madrid, Community of Madrid and has an altitude of 1,415 meters. Collado de las Palomas is located near Las Erillas and Cerro Hierro. From this hill you can enjoy an excellent view of the most emblematic peaks of the Sierra de Ayllón, such as Tres Provincias, Cerrón, Santuy, the Pico del Lobo mountain range, Buitrera and Ocejón.
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Collado del Mosquito is a mountain pass in Cardoso de la Sierra, Province of Guadalajara. Collado del Mosquito is located near El Toril and Alto del Lairón. It is a track in good condition that gives access to the highest parts of the Sierra del Rincón (north of the Community of Madrid) for the use of ranchers, forestry agents and fire checkpoints. It has two main slopes, one that starts from the top of the Cardoso port and another that starts from Horcajuelo de la Sierra. The latter has two variants, one that goes directly up the valley, and another that first passes through Alto de la Era and then ends up joining the previous one again before reaching the hill. You can also start on the old N-1, between Robregordo and Somosierra, linking with the last variant shortly after Alto de la Era.
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La Puebla, a port with two slopes, has a rough start but before the second kilometer it softens.
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The Salinero Pass, located at 1,575 meters, is a strategic mountain pass in the Rincón mountain range. The pass features posts for the Carpetania and CiclaMadrid hiking networks, and also serves as a stop on one of the stages of the GR-88 long-distance trail.
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The port of Puebla is at an altitude of 1,630 meters and connects the population of Puebla de la Sierra and the towns of Prádena del Rincón, Montejo de la Sierra and La Hiruela. It has a car park and is the starting point for the ascents to Picos del Porrejón (1,824 m) and Peña de la Cabra (1,831 m).
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The Salinero pass is on the border between the provinces of Madrid and Guadalajara, it is the entrance to the route in the Sierra del Rincón, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2005. Along the way are the marks of the long-distance trail GR- 303 and you have to follow the posts to the end of the trip. The track descends through the pine forest to the hill of La Morra, at the exit of the forest, the route turns to the right along the path marked with the red and white colors of the long-distance path. The marks go down the slope of the mountain to the intersection of the road that connects the ports of La Hiruela and La Puebla, cross the asphalt and continue directly along the track that goes down the slope of the mountain range. Attention to the deviations of the GR-303 in the cattle paths and the surroundings of the hermitage of Nazareth.
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Although the climb is hard, the views, on both sides of the road with its own viewpoints, are incredible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most scenic mountain passes near Madarcos?
The region around Madarcos offers several passes known for their scenic beauty. Puerto de la Puebla is celebrated as one of the most beautiful roads in the Community of Madrid, offering breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and valleys. Collado de la Silla provides some of the best panoramic views of La Pedriza's unique granite formations. Additionally, Puerto de Morcuera offers impressive vistas of the Madrid plain and mountainous terrain.
Are there mountain passes suitable for cycling near Madarcos?
Yes, the area is popular with cyclists. Puerto de la Puebla is considered a '5-star' ascent, featuring a challenging 7.9-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 6%. Puerto de La Hiruela also offers an excellent road surface with minimal traffic, making it a pleasant cycling route. Puerto de Morcuera is another challenging climb for cyclists, with gradients between 4.5% and 7%.
What kind of hiking opportunities do the mountain passes around Madarcos offer?
Many passes provide access to hiking trails. From Puerto de la Puebla, numerous trails allow exploration of the mountainous terrain and panoramic vistas, including a beautiful walk to Puebla de la Sierra. Collado de la Silla offers a pleasant hiking experience with a gentle ascent, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. The Salinero Pass is part of the GR-88 long-distance trail and features posts for the Carpetania and CiclaMadrid hiking networks.
Are there any mountain passes with historical significance in the Madarcos area?
Yes, the area around Puerto de la Puebla holds historical intrigue. After the War of Independence, this rugged landscape served as a hideout and ambush point for famous bandits, adding a layer of history to its natural beauty.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting these mountain passes?
The passes are set within a rich natural environment. Around Puerto de la Puebla, you'll find dense pine forests and impressive canyons. Collado de la Silla offers views of the unique granite formations of La Pedriza. Puerto del Cardoso is notable for its natural border of different landscapes, with oak trees on one side and pine trees on the other, along with extensive alpine meadows.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes near Madarcos?
The Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve, where Madarcos is located, is ideal for nature enthusiasts. While specific seasonal recommendations for each pass vary, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer can be warm but is popular for higher altitude routes, while winter may offer opportunities for snow activities on some passes.
Are there any easy or intermediate mountain passes for less experienced hikers or cyclists?
Yes, some passes are more accessible. Puerto del Cardoso is considered an ideal 'baptism' for those new to climbing passes, being easy, without much traffic, and charming. Collado de la Silla also offers a pleasant hiking experience with a gentle ascent, suitable for a leisurely trek.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes besides hiking and cycling?
Beyond hiking and road cycling, the area around Madarcos offers opportunities for gravel biking and running. You can find various routes, such as the 'El Villar Reservoir Dam – La Puebla Pass loop' for gravel biking or the 'Puerto de la Puebla – Goat Rock loop' for running. For more details on these activities, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Madarcos, Gravel biking around Madarcos, and Running Trails around Madarcos guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Madarcos?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the rewarding outdoor experiences. The breathtaking views from passes like Puerto de la Puebla, the challenging yet scenic climbs for cyclists, and the peaceful hiking trails through pine forests are often highlighted. The area's tranquility and immersion in nature are also highly valued.
Is there a mountain pass near Madarcos that is part of a long-distance trail?
Yes, the Salinero Pass is a strategic mountain pass that serves as a stop on one of the stages of the GR-88 long-distance trail. It also features posts for the Carpetania and CiclaMadrid hiking networks, making it a key point for extended treks.
Are there any less-traveled mountain passes that offer beautiful landscapes?
Puerto de Canencia, while not directly in Madarcos, is part of the wider Sierra Norte region and is known as one of the lower and less-traveled mountain passes in the Sierra de Guadarrama. It offers beautiful landscapes and significant environmental value, particularly popular on weekends for its pine forests and scenic routes.
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