La Pedriza

Highlights

  • • 3,200 hectares of granite within the National Park
  • • El Yelmo (1,719 m): Madrid's iconic climbing wall
  • • Over 1,000 equipped climbing routes
  • • Natural Manzanares River pools in summer
  • • Whimsical rock shapes: Elephant / Turtle / Bird

Description

La Pedriza is a 3,200-hectare granite batholith on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, within the National Park. With formations dating from the Carboniferous period (300 million years ago), it is one of Europe's largest granite concentrations and the Community of Madrid's premier climbing destination.

It divides into La Pedriza Anterior, topped by El Yelmo (1,719 m) — Madrid's most iconic climbing wall —, and La Pedriza Posterior, reaching 2,029 m at Las Torres. Leucogranite blocks with reddish oxidation tones and volcanic dike intrusions create a landscape of whimsical shapes with their own names: the Elephant, the Turtle, the Bird.

Beyond rock climbing (over 1,000 equipped routes), La Pedriza offers hiking trails of all levels, bouldering and swimming in the Manzanares River pools in summer. Access is regulated: on weekends and holidays, parking must be booked in advance.

Key Information

Visit Duration

3-6 hours

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting La Pedriza

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport

In this area

Manzanares el RealMunicipio
Practical Information
Visit Duration
3-6 hours

Things to do

Activities and experiences near La Pedriza

20

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about La Pedriza

On weekends and holidays, yes. Canto Cochino car park has limited capacity and is booked online via the National Park website.
From grade IV for beginners to 8c for experts. There is also accessible bouldering. Hiking requires no technical level.
Yes, in summer the Manzanares River pools are popular. Water is cold and there are no facilities. Free access via park trails.