La Najarra from Puerto de la Morcuera (Miraflores)

If you drive up from Miraflores de la Sierra, the road climbs to Puerto de la Morcuera and suddenly the views open. From the pass you can walk up to La Najarra, a rocky top around 2,100 m on the east end of Cuerda Larga.

It's a short mountain day. Stony underfoot in places, and a bit of uphill work, but you don't need to be an expert. On clear days you get the Madrid plain on one side and higher Guadarrama peaks on the other. Goats show up sometimes. So do vultures if you're lucky.

Quick facts

• Start: Puerto de la Morcuera (near Miraflores de la Sierra), about 1,800 m
• Top: La Najarra, around 2,100 m
• Distance: roughly 6 km loop, depending on the exact line you take
• Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
• Feel: moderate. Rocky path, some wind on the ridge
• Season: fine most of the year. Ice is common in winter, so take care

The walk

Park at the pass (Miraflores side is the usual choice). Head up toward the ridge rather than staying on the flat mid-slope track. The path is clear enough in good weather. You climb among broom and rock to the summit trig point, then drop back toward the pass on a different line so it makes a small loop.

If the cloud sits on the ridge, turn around early. It's easy to feel sure of yourself up there until the fog arrives.

How to get there from Madrid

By bus

Take bus 725 from the Plaza de Castilla interchange (Intercambiador de Plaza de Castilla, usually the underground bus levels). It goes to Miraflores de la Sierra. Get off in the village centre (stops like Centro Social / Guardia Civil, depending on the timetable).

From Miraflores to Puerto de la Morcuera there is no regular bus that drops you at the pass. Options people use:

• taxi from the village up to the pass (ask in the plaza or call a local taxi)
• a lift from other hikers (common on weekends)
• or start walking from Miraflores if you want a much longer day (big climb)

Check the latest 725 times before you go. Weekend morning buses fill up.

By car

From Madrid, head toward Miraflores de la Sierra, drive through the village, then follow signs for Puerto de la Morcuera / Rascafría. Park at the pass. On sunny weekends the lot fills early.

Coming back

Same idea in reverse: down to Miraflores, then bus 725 back to Plaza de Castilla. Leave enough time for the taxi or lift back to the village so you don't miss the last bus.

What to pack

Decent shoes with grip (the rock is slick when wet), water, a wind layer, and sun cream. Poles help on the rocky bits. In winter, think about ice on the stones before you commit.

Miraflores is a nice place for a coffee or lunch when you're done. No rush. This is just a route note so you know what you're walking into.