5.0
(3)
9
hikers
Peña Escalera Trail
02:59
8.47km
480m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 5.3-mile Peña Escalera Trail in Montes Obarenes, featuring forest paths and views from Peña Escalera Viewpoint.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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1.97 km
Peña Escalera Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
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6.03 km
Coronilla Summit (1,172 m)
Highlight • Summit
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6.52 km
View of the Valley Towards Panizares
Highlight • Viewpoint
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8.36 km
San Andrés Apóstol Church
Highlight • Religious Site
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8.47 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.67 km
2.70 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
8.37 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
30°C
11°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Peña Escalera Trail start and where can I park?
The Peña Escalera Trail, also known as PRC-BU 182 Sendero Peña Escalera, begins in the town of Panizares in the Montes Obarenes mountain system. While specific parking details aren't provided, Panizares serves as the primary trailhead, suggesting parking facilities would be available within or near the village.
What is the terrain like on this hiking route?
The trail starts on a track, and after about 200 meters, you'll take a right fork that leads into a gentle ascent through the forest. Expect natural landscapes characteristic of the Montes Obarenes, with the route primarily winding through wooded areas.
What can I see along the Peña Escalera Trail?
Along the route, you'll encounter several points of interest. These include the scenic Peña Escalera Viewpoint, the Coronilla Summit (1,172 m), and a View of the Valley Towards Panizares. You can also visit the San Andrés Apóstol Church.
Is the Peña Escalera Trail suitable for beginners?
Rated as 'moderate' difficulty, the trail features a gentle ascent through the forest in its initial stages. While it's a recognized and signposted route, beginners should be prepared for a hike of approximately 8.5 km with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain.
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Information regarding specific dog restrictions for the Peña Escalera Trail is not available. However, as a general rule for trails within natural parks in Spain, it's advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike the Peña Escalera Trail typically depends on weather conditions. Spring and autumn generally offer milder temperatures and pleasant scenery. Summer can be hot, while winter might bring snow or icy conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Are permits or entrance fees required for the Hoces del Alto Ebro y Rudrón Natural Park?
The Peña Escalera Trail is located within the Hoces del Alto Ebro y Rudrón Natural Park. Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for hiking on established trails within Spanish natural parks. However, always respect park regulations, such as staying on marked paths and not disturbing wildlife.
Does the trail intersect with other hiking or cycling routes?
Yes, the Peña Escalera Trail (Sendero de Peña Escalera) is the primary route. It also shares sections with other paths, including the Merindades Bike Race 2022, MTB Merindad de Valdivielso, Camino natural de Ebro - Castilla y León, and Sendero de Fuente Sagredo.
Is the route well-marked?
Yes, the Peña Escalera Trail is fully signposted (PRC-BU 182), making it easy to follow. This ensures hikers can navigate the route with confidence.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the hike?
You can expect diverse natural landscapes characteristic of the Montes Obarenes mountain system. The trail primarily winds through a forest, and from the summit area, which borders Castilla y León and La Rioja, you may enjoy varied views of the surrounding regions.
Is the Peña Escalera Trail a circular route?
Yes, the Peña Escalera Trail is a circular route, allowing you to return to your starting point in Panizares without retracing your steps.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
The Sendero de Peña Escalera PRC-BU 182 reveals a high landscape value. It climbs from Panizares to the height of La Coronilla of 1,158 meters, this being the highest peak of the southern crest of the Sierra de la Tesla. The ascent and descent to this summit is quite demanding, however, it does not entail any complications. The trail starts from the car park located near the Romanesque Church of San Andrés de Panizares. Following the information panel we begin the gradual and comfortable ascent along the forest track that leads to Tejeda de la Horadada, after which we continue the march to culminate in the guardhouse at the top of La Coronilla. The well-known Peña Escalera pass gives us wonderful views of the Cereceda dam and reservoir and of the peaks that separate the Valdivielso valleys from the Cariges Valley, dominated by the Tablones peak. After reaching the top we find the remains of the old forest guardhouse, after enjoying the views again we continue a few meters along the rope to connect with the path down. The descent during the first meters is vertiginous, although it does not entail any risk, after a short time the route begins to soften and makes walking easier. Between natural viewpoints and leafy vegetation, the path finally reaches the old Tartalés de Cilla road, after a few meters we will enter Panizares again. At a certain point along the way, we will find a signposted variant that brings us closer to the thousand-year-old yew grove of Tartalés de Cilla. Source: Terranostrum
- Garmin data: 3:20h total time, 680m total difference in altitude. Video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvy21wJeKO - NOTE: route without problems or difficulties (apart from the steep slope and the strong wind up), very well laid out and clean. Corresponds entirely to PR-BU-182. After reaching La Coronilla through rocky but well-conditioned terrain, you walk a little along the crest and descend through pleasant pine forests, until you visit, almost at the end of the road, the remains of the hermitage of San Juan and the Tesla castle. The bad thing about these remains is that they don't even let you guess what was there before. I'm grateful to @Ratón Camper , who made it recently and gave me the idea!