Montanejos is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts, thanks to its impressive mountain landscape and its varied network of trails.
These trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the region, from rivers and waterfalls to rock formations and panoramic views. Below we describe some of the most outstanding Montanejos hiking trails and their characteristics.
Download the Montanejos Hiking Trail Map
TRAILS’ MAP SUMMARY:
- EL CASTILLO – 6km
- LOS CASTILLEJOS – EL MORRÓN – 12km
- LA ROSADA – 13.8km
- LAS FUENTES Trail – 15km
- EL CUBO DEL MANZANO – 13.7km
- EL SENDERO FAMILIAR Family Trail – 4.2km
- MONTE LA COPA Trail– 6.5km
- BOJERA Trail – 9km
- SENDERO DE LOS ESTRECHOS – 8.6km·
- Other trails in Montanejos
Montanejos Hiking Trails: EL CASTILLO (The castle)
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 6km | Elevation: +386m | Approximate time: 2h 5′
This medium-difficulty trail of approximately 6 kilometres takes hikers to the ruins of the Aljama Castle, a fortification of Muslim origin that offers a unique historical and cultural perspective of the region. From the castle, the views of the valley and the town of Montanejos are spectacular, making this route an enriching experience both in natural and historical terms.
The Aljama de Montanejos Castle Route is a fascinating journey ideal for both nature lovers and history lovers, offering a unique combination of adventure and learning.
The highlight of the route is the Aljama Castle, a fortification of Arab origin dating back to the 13th century. The castle stands in a strategic position on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mijares River valley and the lush forests surrounding the area. Although currently in ruins, the structure retains elements that allow us to glimpse its former majesty and its historical importance in the defence of the region.
- Desde el Km 0 ó “Meeting Point” salimos en dirección al puente de la Maimona el cual nos conducirá por unos escalones hacia el paseo fluvial del Mijares.
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we head towards the Maimona bridge which will take us down some steps to the Mijares river walk.
- We will follow the signs downstream to the confluence with the Montán River.
- We will now continue upriver towards the “Puente de San José” which we will reach by going up a signposted path. Here begins the original path approved as a “Local Trail” with the number SL-CV-104.
- Once we cross the San José Bridge and, after passing some farmyards, we reach a crossroads of tracks with various signs (GR-36, GR-160, BTT Routes, etc.).
- We will take the cemented track on the left with a steeper slope and a steep ascent.
- Further up we will see the start of a path on the right. This path climbs the side of the hill and retains part of its cobblestones.
- When we are close to a hill, the path changes direction and ascends in a slight zigzag until reaching the top of the hill.
- Here we can visit the remains of the castle, such as the cistern and the remains of the two towers.
- The way back to Montanejos is through the same route.
Montanejos Trails: LOS CASTILLEJOS-EL MORRÓN
DIFFICULTY: HIGH
Distance: 12km | Elevation: +653m | Approximate time: 4h 15′
Hiking trail that combines two classic Montanejos trails in a demanding and difficult route due to its gradient and length.
The Los Castillejos-Morrón de Montanejos trail is a route that offers a unique natural experience, crossing mountainous landscapes and offering spectacular panoramic views of the region.
The trail begins in Montanejos and from here the path heads towards Los Castillejos, an area characterised by its impressive rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation. The climb to Morrón de Campos, the highest point on the route, challenges hikers with its steepness but rewards them with unrivalled views of the valley and surrounding area.
Along the way, hikers can enjoy the native flora and fauna, as well as the tranquility offered by the natural surroundings.
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we will take the CV-20 towards Puebla de Arenoso, passing the Maimona ravine bridge and following the pedestrian walkway up the road, we will find the start of the trail on our left.
- After the first few metres of steep climb, we will find a signposted fork, which we will take to the left. This section leads us to the impressive cliffs of Cinglo de los Castillejos.
- Special care must be taken not to throw rocks into the void as there is a risk of hitting a climber.
- Once we leave the ridge we will reach “El colladillo”. We will continue the steep climb towards the summit of “Morrón de Campos”. This section is very difficult, and a good physical condition will be necessary.
- From the summit we will take the cemented track on our left to finally leave it and continue along a path towards the shade of the Morrón with impressive views of the Embalse de Arenoso reservoir. This side of the mountain will take us along a well-marked path back to Montanejos along the section of path that goes down from “El Colladillo” towards “La cueva Negra”.
LA ROSADA Hiking Trail
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 13.8km | Elevation: +630m | Approximate time: 4h 45′
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we head towards the Maimona bridge which will take us down some steps to the Mijares river walk.
- We will follow the signs downstream until it meets the Montán River. We will now continue upstream along it, towards Canturro.
- Once past the fountain of the same name, we will go out onto the Carrera track, which we will follow in Montán direction.
- At the Luis Tomás junction, we will take the detour indicated by a post and sign towards the Juan Roya ravine, which we will cross over a wooden bridge.
- We will follow the signs until we reach the CV-195 road, which we will take to the left towards Montán, to cross it a few meters away and follow the ascending path that will take us to the Rosada.
- Once on the Ilanea trail, we will leave the track to head along the old Algesares cattle route through the Corral de Los Navarros towards Montanejos along the slopes of the Rosada peak (which we do not reach).
- We will arrive at a natural viewpoint with views of Montanejos and the Maimona ravine.
- We will descend along a cobbled path that, through a beautiful zigzag, leads us to the confluence with the GR7 and the La Bojera trail.
- We will only have to follow the directions to return to the starting point in Montanejos.
LAS FUENTES Hiking Trail
DIFFICULTY: LOW
Distance: 15km | Elevation: +500m | Approximate time: 4h 45′
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we head towards the Maimona bridge which will take us down some steps to the Mijares river walk.
- We will continue towards the El Canturro fountain. The signs will take us to the Juan Roya fountain, always along a track and uphill.
- We will continue until the confluence with the GR36, which we will follow to the left along a path between old crop fields and abandoned corrals to reach the “El Cubillo” area.
- The path becomes a track and after a few metres, a sign indicates the descent along the path to the Cubillo fountain , which we leave on our left as we come out again onto a dirt track that we follow to the right and which will take us to the “La Canalica” fountain.
- The same track will lead us to the detour that we must take to the right to reach La Alquería along the path of the ravine of the same name or, alternatively, continue straight along the track to visit the “El Chorrador” fountain.
- The indicated path leads to the CV-20 from where a comfortable walk that connects Montanejos with La Alquería will take us to the starting point.
Montanejos Hiking Trails: EL CUBO DEL MANZANO
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 13.7km | Elevation: +618m | Approximate time: 4h 40′
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we will take the CV-20 towards Puebla de Arenoso, passing the Maimona ravine bridge and following the pedestrian walkway up the road, we will find the start of the trail on our left.
- We will follow the signs to “Cueva Negra” and after that to “El Colladillo”.
- Just before reaching this point we will turn right and follow the signs along the path towards the Embalse de Arenoso reservoir.
- Once we leave the path, we will find the CV-20 again which we will ascend until we reach the Embalse de Arenoso, which we will pass by a well-signposted pass and we will come out to the area known as “El Cubo del Manzano” which along a dirt track will take us uphill towards the confluence with the GR7 at the height of the Shooting Range (which we will leave on our left), following the track that will take us to the confluence with the Monte la Copa path and after a steep descent with the “Los Estrechos” path.
- At this point we will turn left following the signs and descend along the track at the beginning and then along the path to the Montanejos sports centre and from here along the river path to Km 0 or the starting point.
Montanejos Trails: THE FAMILY TRAIL
DIFFICULTY: LOW
Distance: 4.2km | Elevation: +200m | Approximate time: 1h 30′
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we will take the CV-20 towards Puebla de Arenoso, passing the Maimona ravine bridge and following the pedestrian walkway up the road, we will find the start of the trail on our left.
- It is indicated with a post and several signs since that section is common to several trails.
- After the first few metres of hard ascent, you will come to a signposted crossroads, which you take on the right.
- In this initial section we find the first path (round trip) that allows us to visit the Cueva Negra.
- Then we return to the main path and continue forward until we find a sign that directs us to the right on the downhill section to the road. The route continues to the left.
- After passing through the tunnel, we leave the road and descend along the cobbled section with steps that takes us to the Presa de Cirat (Cirat’s Dam). There we find the second option: following the path on the left (round trip) we will reach the heart of Los Estrechos.
- Back at the Dam, we continue the path towards the Abrigo de Rufino, the third path, and all we have to do is descend to the river walk from where we can visit the famous “Fuente de los Baños” just 200m to the right or continue the walk to the left until we return to the starting point.
MONTE LA COPA Trail
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 6.5km | Elevation: +480m | Approximate time: 2h 45′
The route includes some steep climbs and steep descents, but the views from the top, especially towards the Embalse de Arenoso Reservoir and the surrounding mountains, make the effort worthwhile.
- From Km 0 or “Meeting Point” we head towards Fuente de Los Baños, going down some steps to the river walk.
- We turn right at the ticket booth and following the signs we will zigzag around the Municipal Sports Center to come out onto a path that coincides with the GR7.
- At the beginning we find a steep climb that leads to a paved track that we will take to the right.
- We descend along the track until we find a post indicating the start of a path on the left that takes us uphill to the Fuente de los Tres Hermanos.
- After this fountain, the path begins to ascend again until reaching the viewpoint.
- We return to the signposted junction and turn left onto rocky terrain, descending the mountain coinciding on one section with the GR7.
- Then we will find a sign on the left and we take a paved road that takes us back to the start of the route, along the same path we took at the beginning.
LA BOJERA Trail
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 9km | Elevation: +490m | Approximate time: 3h 15′
This is a trail was approved as a “Local Trail” with the code SL-CV-105. The distance covered is 9 kilometres and the approximate duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes. The traditional start is located on the paved track that starts from the Valencia road, located 100 metres above the petrol station.
- The route begins at km 0 or “Meeting point” towards “El Barranco de la Maimona”
- We will turn left, leaving aside the wooden stairs that go down to the river and ascending along a paved track that crosses the “Las Piedrazas” estate.
- At the end of the climb we will cross a path that will connect with the upper part of the town and with the original path, above the water tanks and to the left.
- In this area several trails converge, so it will be necessary to pay attention to the signs. After a constant climb, we will reach the top of the “Barranco de la Maimona” from where we will contemplate some spectacular views; to the left the summit of “La Rosada” and the deep gorge of Maimona with “La plaza de las Catedrales” to the right.
- We will continue along the path that runs along the cliff until we reach the track, where we will descend through pine trees.
- At a well-signposted point on the descent, we will turn right to go down to the “la Maimona” riverbed.
- We will cross it and ascend again through the “Colladillo”.
- Once at the top, we will descend again following the path that leads us to the Cueva Negra detour, which we will leave to one side to finish the route on the CV-20, just 500 metres from the town centre.
LOS ESTRECHOS Trail
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
Distance: 8.6km | Elevation: +460m | Approximate time: 3h 05′
This trail is known for its stunning landscapes and its route along the narrows of the Mijares River. The route, approximately 9 kilometres long, allows you to observe how the river has sculpted the landscape over the centuries, creating gorges and cliffs of remarkable beauty.
The difficulty is moderate, and in some sections caution is required due to the narrowness and steepness of the terrain.
Other routes in Montanejos
GR7 PLAN GIMENO-MONTANEJOS-MONTÁN
The GR7 is a long-distance trail that crosses various landscapes in the Comunidad Valenciana, and one of its most notable sections is the one that goes from Plano Gimeno to Montanejos and Montán. This route offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and historical wealth of the region.
The route begins in Plano Gimeno, a small village known for its tranquility and stunning panoramic views. From here, the trail enters a mountainous landscape, characterized by lush pine and oak forests, as well as steep ravines and crystal-clear rivers. As you progress, you can find various points of interest, such as old farmhouses, natural fountains and viewpoints with spectacular views.
One of the highlights of the route is Montanejos, where hikers can enjoy a bath in its hot springs, at a constant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
The section of the GR7 that links Plano Gimeno, Montanejos and Montán is a route that combines spectacular landscapes, hot springs and authentic local culture, making this trail an unforgettable experience for nature and hiking lovers.
MIJARES RIVER ROUTE
This trail is perfect for those who enjoy walking along the water. The route follows the course of the Mijares River, offering spectacular views of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding rock formations.
Along the way, you can access various natural pools, where you can take a refreshing dip. The difficulty is low, making it suitable for families and hikers of all levels.
PR-VT126 MONTANEJOS-LOS CALPES
The PR-VT126 is a short-distance trail that connects Montanejos with Los Calpes, offering hikers a route of approximately 10 kilometres that delves into the beauty of the region.
The route begins in Montanejos and from there the path gently ascends through a landscape of mountains and valleys, offering panoramic views of the Mijares River and the Mediterranean forests that characterize this area. Walkers can enjoy the rich local flora and fauna, with the chance of spotting birds of prey and other native animals.
Along the way, there are several points of geological and cultural interest, including ancient shepherds’ pens and impressive rock formations. The trail is well marked with the characteristic white and yellow PR markings, making it easy to follow even for less experienced hikers.
Upon reaching Los Calpes, a small village with a rustic charm, hikers can rest and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings before heading back. The PR-VT126 is ideal for those looking for an accessible yet enriching hiking experience, combining physical exercise with the opportunity to connect with nature and the history of the region.
EL CHORRO Trail
This short but picturesque trail, about 4 kilometers long, takes hikers to the El Chorro spillway. It is a low-difficulty route, ideal for a quiet walk while enjoying the sound of the water and the surrounding nature. It is perfect for families and those looking for a relaxing walk without too much physical effort.
Montanejos offers a wide variety of trails to suit all skill levels and preferences, from relaxed riverside walks to challenging mountain climbs. Each route provides a unique experience, allowing hikers to connect with nature and discover the hidden treasures of this beautiful region.