La Maliciosa from Puerto de Navacerrada

La Maliciosa is the sharp, rocky peak you keep spotting from Madrid on clear days. Officially around 2,227 m. The name fits. It looks meaner than Bola del Mundo, and the climb feels more like a proper mountain day.

A common approach starts at Puerto de Navacerrada and follows the PR-M 16 toward the summit. Steep, stony, and windy near the top. Not a beginner summit if the weather turns. In winter it can be serious.

Quick facts

• Start / finish: Puerto de Navacerrada (classic PR-M 16 approach)
• Summit: La Maliciosa, about 2,227 m
• Distance: around 11 to 12 km return / loop options, depending on the exact line
• Climb: roughly 700 m from the pass
• Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Feel: moderate to hard. Rocky ridge, exposed sections

The walk

From the pass, pick up the PR-M 16 marks toward La Maliciosa. You climb away from the ski clutter pretty quickly. The path gets rockier as you gain height. Near the top the views open toward La Barranca, Pedriza country, and a big chunk of the sierra.

Same way down for most people. Don't invent shortcuts on the loose rock. If cloud sits on the ridge, turn around early. Maliciosa punishes overconfidence.

There are longer versions from La Barranca or Mataelpino with more climb. Save those for when you already know the mountain.

How to get there from Madrid

By bus

Take bus 691 from the Moncloa interchange to Puerto de Navacerrada. That's the cleanest public-transport start for this route. Check the timetable and go early. You want daylight on the descent.

Same bus back down. Don't cut the return close.

By train

Cercanías to Cercedilla, then the C-9 up to Puerto de Navacerrada when it runs. Confirm times. The bus is often simpler.

By car

A-6, then M-601 to the pass. Parking fills on good weekends. Public transport usually means less stress.

What to pack

Solid hiking shoes, water, windproof, food, sun cream, offline map. Poles help on the way down. In winter: real mountain kit. Snow and ice on Maliciosa are not a casual surprise.

Go when the forecast is stable. This summit is worth it, but only if you treat it like a mountain. Just a route note so you know what you're walking into.