Bola del Mundo

Highlights

  • • Summit at 2,265 m with 360° views of Madrid, Segovia and Gredos
  • • Route from Puerto de Navacerrada: 5 km with 400 m elevation gain
  • • Snowshoeing in winter, one of Madrid's most popular winter routes
  • • Waypoint on the Cuerda Larga traverse
  • • Within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
AdventurePhotography

Description

Bola del Mundo, officially Alto de las Guarramillas (2,265 m), is one of the most iconic peaks in the Sierra de Guadarrama and the second highest in the Madrid region after Peñalara. Its popular name comes from the white sphere of the military telecommunications base that crowns the summit, visible from much of the Castilian plateau.

The most popular ascent starts from the Puerto de Navacerrada pass (1,858 m) along the old ski station track, now dismantled. It is about 5 km with 400 metres of elevation gain, accessible to hikers with average fitness. In winter the route is done on snowshoes and is one of Madrid's most popular winter excursions.

From the summit there is an exceptional panorama: the Castilian plateau to the south, the Segovian slopes to the north, Peñalara and the glacial cirque to the east, and the Mujer Muerta peaks to the west. On clear days the silhouettes of Gredos and the Madrid skyline are visible.

Bola del Mundo is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and a waypoint on the Cuerda Larga traverse, one of the most classic mountain routes in the Central System.

Key Information

Visit Duration

3.5-4 hours (return trip)

Recommended Seasons

All year

Pricing

Free

Accessibility

Low

Kid-Friendly No Booking Required

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting Bola del Mundo

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport
Practical Information
Pricing
Free
Visit Duration
3.5-4 hours (return trip)
Features & Services
  • Accessibility:Low
  • Kid-Friendly:No
  • Booking:No Booking Required
Planning Information

Recommended Seasons

Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn for hiking. Winter for snowshoeing. Summer is hot on the climb but cool at the summit.

Visitor Tips

Start early to avoid clouds at the summit. Bring warm layers even in summer (the top is windy). The sunset route is spectacular but bring a headlamp for the descent. In winter, check snow conditions before climbing.

Things to do

Activities and experiences near Bola del Mundo

20

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Bola del Mundo

Moderate. 5 km from Puerto de Navacerrada with 400 m elevation gain. No technical gear needed in summer, but mountain boots and water are essential. In winter, snowshoes and sometimes crampons are needed.
About 2 hours up and 1.5 down. Full return trip: 3.5-4 hours from Puerto de Navacerrada.
Yes. Madrid's Cercanías train (line C-9) reaches Cercedilla, and the mountain train goes up to Puerto de Navacerrada.
It is a radome (telecommunications sphere) at a military base. You cannot access the interior but you can walk around it on the trail.