4.7
(7)
559
riders
30
rides
Road cycling routes around Navafría are situated within the Sierra de Guadarrama, offering a blend of challenging ascents and scenic descents. The region is characterized by dense pine and oak forests, with well-maintained roads leading to mountain passes like Puerto de Navafría. This area is popular with road cyclists from the Madrid region, known for its demanding routes featuring significant gradients. The terrain includes high mountain vistas and deep valleys, providing varied cycling experiences.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
1
riders
76.6km
03:21
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
341
riders
68.0km
03:38
1,340m
1,330m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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4.0
(1)
68
riders
49.2km
02:58
1,290m
1,290m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
42
riders
120km
06:18
2,260m
2,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
43
riders
66.9km
03:40
1,390m
1,390m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Good water and the place is beautiful. A bit crowded if you're right next to it.
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The **Centennial Yew of Canencia** is a unique tree of great botanical and landscape value in the Sierra de Guadarrama, in the Community of Madrid. It is not just a specimen, but part of a small population of yews that has survived in an exceptional setting, the Canencia Birch Forest. ### Characteristics and Location * **Species:** *Taxus baccata* (common yew). * **Age:** The most notable specimen is estimated to be between **400 and 500 years old**. Its longevity is one of the most fascinating characteristics of this species. * **Dimensions:** It has a trunk of considerable girth (around 4.10 meters) and a wide crown about 15 meters in diameter, which demonstrates its advanced age and health. * **Location:** It is located in the **Canencia Birch Forest** area, very close to the Canencia Pass. It is often included in the popular hiking trail known as "The Birch Forest Path" or the "Mojonavalle Waterfall Path." It is located near the Sestil del Maíllo stream. * **Environment:** The yew coexists with other unique species such as birch, holly, and Scots pines. This humid and protected microclimate has allowed the survival of these trees, which are relics of colder, wetter times. ### Importance and Uniqueness * **Botanical Value:** Yews are extremely slow-growing trees and are considered almost immortal. In Spain, they are a protected species, and finding such ancient specimens is a rarity. * **Landscape Value:** The Canencia yew stands out for its majestic appearance in the midst of a very picturesque forest, attracting numerous hikers and nature lovers. * **History and legend:** Like many ancient yew trees, it is steeped in legend. In many European cultures, they were considered sacred trees for their longevity and the toxicity of their parts (except for the pulp of their fruit). ### Access and routes To visit the yew, the most common route is the **Birch Forest Path**, which starts from the Canencia Pass itself. The path is signposted. You walk along a forest track to a detour that leads directly to the Chorrera de Mojonavalle, and a little further on, you will find the yew tree. Despite its age, the tree is increasingly visible and accessible, but it is essential to be respectful and not damage its surroundings to preserve this natural monument.
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Fountain that you will find in the Puerto de Canencia.
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Port suitable for beginners who want to get in shape
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start of the route to the peak of the snowfield
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Plaza de España, Templete. It is a small square with a temple, a fountain, and a bandstand. Quotes from illustrious figures who lived in or passed through Rascafría are inscribed on its wall.
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There are over 30 road cycling routes around Navafría, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.7 stars.
Road cycling in Navafría is characterized by the varied terrain of the Sierra de Guadarrama, featuring significant gradients and technical descents. You'll encounter challenging ascents through dense pine and oak forests, leading to mountain passes like the Puerto de Navafría. The region offers high mountain vistas and deep valleys, providing a diverse cycling experience.
Yes, while Navafría is known for its challenging climbs, there are routes suitable for various abilities. The area offers 2 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 11 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners to advanced cyclists.
The routes in Navafría are known for their demanding nature, often featuring significant elevation gains. Many routes include climbs with over 1000 to 2000 meters of ascent, such as the Canencia Pass – Navafría Pass loop from Pedraza, which has over 2200 meters of elevation gain.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll cycle through extensive pine and oak forests characteristic of the Guadarrama Mountains. Notable natural features include the stunning Nevero Peak, the picturesque Lozoya Valley, and various mountain passes like Navafría Pass. The Chorrera de San Mamés waterfall is also a beautiful sight in the wider area.
Navafría is accessible year-round for road cycling. The Puerto de Navafría, a prime cycling attraction, is typically open throughout the year, with any winter closures usually being short-lived as roads are cleared promptly. The lush oak and pine forests make for a pleasant ride in most seasons.
Yes, many routes in Navafría are designed as loops. For example, the Pedraza and by the Río Cega — circular by Cantalejo offers a scenic circular journey, and the Canencia Pass – Puerto de Canencia climb loop from Lozoya is another popular circular option featuring significant climbs.
The road cycling routes around Navafría are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained roads, minimal traffic on climbs, and the immersive experience of cycling through the dense forests of the Guadarrama Mountains.
Absolutely. Navafría is renowned for its demanding mountain passes. The Navafría Pass (Puerto de Navafría) itself is a first-category climb reaching 1,773 meters. Other challenging climbs accessible from the area include Puerto de Cotos, Bola del Mundo, Puerto de Navacerrada, and La Morcuera, which have even been part of the 'Vuelta Ciclista a España'.
While specific parking locations for each route are not detailed here, many routes originate from towns like Navafría, Gallegos, or Lozoya. These towns typically offer parking facilities suitable for accessing the cycling routes. The region is popular with cyclists, so local amenities are generally accommodating.
Navafría is known for its well-maintained roads and minimal traffic on climbs, particularly on the demanding routes through the forests. This characteristic often contributes to a more tranquil cycling experience compared to busier areas. Routes like the Plaza de España, Rascafría – Navafría Pass loop from Gallegos offer a chance to explore the quieter, forested sections.
Yes, the region offers opportunities to combine cycling with exploring natural attractions. For instance, the Hoyos de Pinilla lake is a beautiful spot, and the recreational park around El Chorro de Navafría Waterfall, though not directly on a road cycling route, is a popular spot for family outings and hiking trails, located just two kilometers from Navafría.


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