Parque Natural de la Sierra de la Pila

The Parque Natural de la Sierra de la Pila extends over 8,836 hectares in the northwest of the Region of Murcia, between the municipalities of Abarán, Blanca, Fortuna, Jumilla and Molina de Segura. The range acts as a geographical hinge between the Segura depression to the south and the Jumilla highlands to the north, with elevations from 300 metres in the peripheral ravines to 1,264 metres at Pico de la Pila, its highest point. From that summit, on clear days, the Mediterranean coastline is visible roughly 60 km away in a straight line, with the dry profiles of the Quibas and Buey ranges to the north.

Geology defines the character of this park. The massif is an anticline of Cretaceous and Jurassic limestones and dolomites, folded during the Alpine orogeny and fractured by faults that have created deep ravines and vertical cliffs. Where limestone meets marl, springs emerge that sustain riparian vegetation in an otherwise semi-arid environment: the springs of the Rambla del Agua and Barranco de la Higuera feed small groves of poplars, elms and oleanders that contrast with the surrounding aridity. The scent of thyme and rosemary fills the trails, especially on spring mornings after rain.

The plant cover combines Mediterranean formations in good conservation condition. On the wetter north-facing slopes, dense holm oak stands and Aleppo pine forests grow to 15 metres in height. South-facing slopes are dominated by esparto grass, rosemary, thyme and gorse scrub, with kermes oak on stony ground. The range supports stable populations of golden eagle and Eurasian eagle-owl, along with Iberian wild goat, wildcat and common genet. In the low scrub areas, the spur-thighed tortoise — an endangered species — maintains one of its most northerly populations on the Peninsula.

Hiking routes cater to different levels. The ascent of Pico de la Pila from the La Muela recreation area (8.5 km return, 600 m elevation gain) is the main route, with ridge sections requiring sure footing. The Barranco de la Higuera trail (5 km) descends between limestone walls to a spring area with riparian vegetation. For mountain biking, the forest tracks in the northern sector allow circular rides of 15–20 km with moderate climb. Sport climbing is developing on the cliffs of the eastern face.

The park functions as an ecological corridor between the Sierra Espuña protected areas to the west and the Jumilla-Yecla highland ranges to the north. Its designation as a natural park by the Murcia regional government in 1992 protects both the forest habitats and the geological formations. The La Muela recreation area, at the foot of the range on the southern side, has tables, fountains, barbecue pits and parking, and is the most common starting point for hiking routes. On spring and autumn weekends, the area fills with local families combining a barbecue with a short walk to the Barranco de la Higuera or the southern viewpoints.