Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

The essentials of Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

• Pico Cebollera at 2,148 m: La Rioja's highest point with views across the Iberian System
• Ancient beech woodland on north-facing Iregua slopes, spectacular in autumn
• Laguna de Cebollera at 1,840 m: glacial wetland with palmate newts and sphagnum
• Seven waymarked routes from 4 to 20 km for all abilities
• Villoslada de Cameros: traditional mountain architecture inside the park

Description

Sierra de Cebollera forms the easternmost section of the Iberian System in La Rioja, at the headwaters of the River Iregua. It is a massif of rounded summits and humid valleys, peaking at Pico Cebollera (2,148 m), the region's highest point. The natural park covers around 10,000 hectares of centuries-old beech forests, plantation pine, mountain pastures and peat bogs, making it one of La Rioja's quietest and least-visited natural spaces. Mist is a constant presence in the cold months, settling in the Iregua and Lumbreras valleys at dawn and turning them into white corridors of vapour from which the tips of larches and the first pines emerge.

Beech forest is the dominant ecosystem below 1,600 metres. The oldest specimens, with trunks up to a metre in diameter and grey bark mottled with lichens, cover north-facing slopes between Villoslada de Cameros and the Piqueras pass. In autumn, from mid-October to early November, the colours are particularly striking: the lemon yellow and copper of the beeches contrasts with the dark green of the Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) that dominate at higher elevations. Above the treeline, Festuca and Nardus psychro-xerophytic grasslands support woodlark (Lullula arborea) and water pipit (Anthus spinoletta) in summer. Brown bear presence has been documented in the park following the species' expansion across the Iberian System.

The park's trail network connects the main valleys to the summits via seven waymarked routes ranging from four to twenty kilometres. The ascent of Pico Cebollera from Villoslada de Cameros (870 m of elevation gain, 12 km return) is the most frequented route and offers, on clear days, views to the Sierra de Urbión and the Picos de Europa. Laguna de Cebollera, at 1,840 metres, is a glacial wetland where sphagnum mosses grow and palmate newts (Lissotriton helveticus) breed. The walk to the lake from the Ermita de Lomos de Orio car park covers seven kilometres return with only 400 metres of ascent, making it accessible to hikers with moderate experience.

Activities in the park include hiking, mountain biking on forest tracks and, in winter, snowshoeing. Snow conditions are typically good between January and March, with 30 to 80 cm of accumulation at higher elevations depending on the year. The village of Villoslada de Cameros within the park retains traditional mountain architecture with sandstone manor houses and wooden balconies. The park's Interpretation Centre, located in the village, has permanent exhibitions on the massif's geology, flora and fauna, and provides up-to-date trail conditions and winter access information.

Practical information

Everything you need to know for your visit to Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

How to get there

By car Public transport

From Logroño, 48 km along the LR-115 through the Iregua valley to Villoslada de Cameros. Access from Soria via the Puerto de Piqueras (N-111). No regular public transport within the park.

Area Information

Villoslada de Cameros is the main services hub within the park: rural accommodation, a bar-restaurant and the Interpretation Centre. Logroño, 48 km away, offers full city facilities.

Geography

Mountain massif at the eastern edge of La Rioja's Iberian System, at the headwaters of the Iregua and Lumbreras rivers. Rounded summits with residual glacial landforms. Elevations from 1,000 to 2,148 m (Pico Cebollera). Area: ~10,000 ha.

Flora & Fauna

Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Scots pine, sphagnum bogs. Wildlife: brown bear, roe deer, red deer, woodlark, water pipit, palmate newt, fire salamander. High-mountain butterflies including Erebia meolans in summit grasslands.

Things to do

Find the best plans and things to do in Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

Accommodations

Best accommodation options in Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park

How long does the ascent of Pico Cebollera from Villoslada take?

The ascent of Pico Cebollera (2,148 m) from Villoslada de Cameros covers about 12 km return with 870 m of elevation gain. At a moderate pace the full route takes 4 to 5 hours. The path is well waymarked, passing first through beech forest then mountain pastures to the summit. No technical equipment is needed in summer, but the upper section may be snow-covered in winter and spring.

Can you see brown bear in the Sierra de Cebollera?

Brown bear presence in the sierra has been documented since the species began expanding through the Iberian System from the Cantabrian Range. Detections are sporadic and occur mainly in forested areas away from the busiest trails. A direct sighting is very unlikely, but it is advisable to make noise while walking through dense beech forest and to follow park regulations on waste management in the mountains.

When is the best time to see the beech forest in autumn?

The autumn colours in the Cebollera beech forest are most intense from mid-October to the first days of November, depending on that year's temperatures. The north-facing slopes between Villoslada and the Piqueras pass have the most spectacular specimens. Weekends in late October attract more visitors; going on a weekday or in the early morning gives a quieter experience.

Can you visit the Laguna de Cebollera in winter?

Yes, though the access track may be snow-covered and snowshoes or crampons may be required depending on conditions. The lake sits at 1,840 metres and the path from the Ermita de Lomos de Orio car park covers about 7 km return. In winter it is essential to check the day's conditions with the Interpretation Centre or the Mountain Guardia Civil before setting off. Solo travel is not recommended when there is significant snow accumulation.

Is there accommodation inside the natural park?

Yes. Villoslada de Cameros, the only inhabited village inside the park, has several rural houses and inns with capacity for 8 to 20 guests. Book in advance for autumn weekends and summer high season as availability is limited. Surrounding villages such as Lumbreras and Torrecilla en Cameros also offer accommodation options.