Enciso Dinosaur Trail

The Route of the Dinosaurs — circular from Enciso is generally estimated to take around 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. This duration is based on its approximately 6-7 kilometer length and easy difficulty, making it suitable for a leisurely pace.

Yes, this trail is considered to be of low difficulty and is highly recommended for families, including those with children. Its interactive nature, with dinosaur reproductions and educational panels, makes it an engaging experience for all ages.

The trail traverses the natural landscape of La Rioja, featuring wide dirt paths and some sections along roads. While mostly easy, you may encounter some ascents, descents, and even sections with stairs. You'll enjoy views of the Rio Cidacos valley throughout.

The primary attractions are the abundant fossilized dinosaur footprints (ichnites) and life-size dinosaur reproductions. You'll visit significant sites like Valdecevillo archaeological site, La Senoba archaeological site, and Virgen del Campo, where you can see hundreds of well-preserved footprints and dinosaur models. Informative panels provide details about the ancient creatures.

While enjoyable year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for hiking in La Rioja, with milder temperatures. Summer can be hot, so an early morning or late afternoon start is advisable if visiting during those months.

The trail is a circular route starting from Enciso. Specific parking information is not detailed, but as it's a circular route from the town, parking would typically be available within Enciso itself, near the trailhead.

The trail is generally considered dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the presence of wildlife like deer and to respect other hikers and the paleontological sites.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to hike the Route of the Dinosaurs itself. The trail is located within the Reserva de la Biosfera de los Valles del Leza, Jubera, Cidacos y Alhama, which typically allows free access to its natural areas, though specific regulations for activities should always be observed.

Yes, the route intersects with sections of other official trails. You will find parts of the Sierras Riojanas, Camino de Garranzo-Enciso, and Puentes Tibetanos trails along this route.

Enciso, as the starting point, offers various facilities. You can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options directly in the town. Additionally, the nearby El Barranco Perdido Paleo Adventure Park provides further dinosaur-themed attractions and amenities.