Peña Negrilla Loop

The circular route typically begins in the small village of Aldehuela de Ágreda, located at an elevation of approximately 1,050 meters. You can usually find parking within the village itself, as it serves as the primary starting point for this hike.

The trail offers diverse terrain. You'll start by traversing village streets before ascending an old track. The path often goes through beautiful forested areas, including beech and pine forests, which are particularly stunning in autumn. Closer to the summit, the terrain becomes rockier, with sections of scree slopes. The descent includes the Collado de Castilla and the Canalejas beech forest.

Along the route, you'll encounter several notable spots. These include the Refugio de los Cejos, and both the Peña Negrilla Norte Summit (2,077 m) and the main Peña Negrilla Summit. The trail also passes through dreamy beech and oak forests, and you can see ancient snow wells (Neveros de Moncayo) and paths used by old charcoal burners.

Autumn is particularly spectacular due to the vibrant colors of the beech and oak forests. Spring and early summer also offer pleasant conditions. However, be aware that the Moncayo area is known for rapidly changing weather, strong winds, and cold, especially in winter, when snow and fallen branches can make the hike significantly more challenging.

While the trail is located within the Parque Natural del Moncayo, which generally allows dogs on trails, it's a difficult route with rocky sections and potentially rapidly changing weather. If you bring your dog, ensure it is well-conditioned for strenuous hikes, always kept on a leash, and that you carry enough water for both of you. Check local regulations for any specific restrictions within the natural park.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for hiking this trail within the Parque Natural del Moncayo. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website of the natural park or local tourism offices for any updated regulations, especially concerning protected areas or specific activities.

Yes, parts of this route incorporate sections of other official trails. You will find it intersects with the PRC-SO 79, a circular path that passes through the Moncayo beech forest. It also briefly touches upon the Circular del Moncayo, El Hayedo del Moncayo, and the Camino Natural del Agua Soriano. Camino Antonino.

Given its difficult rating and significant elevation gain, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, appropriate layers of clothing for rapidly changing weather, plenty of water, snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, and sun protection. Trekking poles can also be very helpful, especially on rocky or scree sections.

Peña Negrilla stands out as the northernmost summit of the Sierra del Moncayo massif and is entirely located within the province of Soria, earning it the nickname "Moncayo de Castilla." Unlike the main Moncayo peak, it often offers a less crowded experience. At its peak, there is a sculpture in homage to the Virgen de los Milagros.

This specific route is designed as a circular trail from Aldehuela de Ágreda. While there might be variations or connections to other paths in the broader Moncayo area, shortening this particular loop significantly while still reaching Peña Negrilla might alter its character or miss key sections. For a less strenuous experience, consider exploring other trails within the Parque Natural del Moncayo that are specifically rated as moderate or easy.

From the summit of Peña Negrilla, you are rewarded with impressive panoramic views. You can see the glacial cirque of San Miguel and extensive vistas of the Soria side of Moncayo. On clear days, the views can stretch far across the surrounding landscape.