When the city’s hustle and bustle becomes overwhelming and your soul craves open space and tranquility, the landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha offer the perfect remedy. In the province of Guadalajara, just an hour’s drive from Madrid, lies a hidden gem – the Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park. In autumn, this area transforms: hillsides turn gold and crimson, and the air fills with freshness and the scent of damp earth. Here you’ll find one of the region’s most impressive hiking trails, easily accessible even for beginners.
A Journey Along the ‘Sweet River’
The journey begins in the tiny village of Aragosa, where time seems to have stood still. From here, an 11-kilometer linear trail sets out, guiding travelers along the banks of the Río Dulce—literally, the ‘Sweet River.’ The path is well-marked with wooden signs and at certain sections merges with larger routes like the GR-10 and the Wool Route, itself a branch of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The hike is easy, with a gentle elevation gain of about 100 meters, making it an excellent option for a family outing or a relaxed walk with friends. As you go, the landscape transforms dramatically. The narrow valley turns into the majestic Aragosa Gorge, where sheer cliffs soar hundreds of meters into the sky. Here, in the shadow of these colossal rock faces, a unique microclimate keeps the air cool even on hot days. Over millions of years, wind and water have sculpted these stone giants, giving the place the feel of a lost world.
Kingdom of Vultures and Ancient Ruins
The park’s ecological richness is truly impressive. The slopes of the gorge are covered with dense thickets of oaks, junipers, and xerophytic shrubs, creating a vibrant tapestry of vegetation. But the real masters of this land are the birds. Griffon vultures with white heads often soar above, their nests perched on inaccessible rock ledges. Their majestic flight against the blue sky is a sight that’s hard to forget. Near the village of La Cabrera, the trail becomes even more accessible. Here, there’s a special section designed for people with visual impairments, and information panels help identify the local flora and fauna, turning the walk into an educational adventure. Along the way, you’ll also come across a ghost from the past — the abandoned Caserío de los Eros estate. Once a lively place powered by water energy, now only moss-covered walls remain, serving as a reminder of the area’s industrial history.
Final Stop: Medieval Pelegrina
For those who still have the energy and desire to continue exploring, the trail leads onward to the picturesque village of Pelegrina. This spot crowns the journey with truly fairytale-like scenery. The ruins of a medieval castle tower above the village, offering a breathtaking panorama over the Os de Pelegrina gorge. It’s the perfect place to pause, soak in the tranquility, and sense the pulse of history. A walk through this area is more than just physical exercise—it’s a complete immersion in the surroundings, a chance to hear the river’s whisper, watch mighty birds in flight, and touch the geological and cultural history of the region. It’s no wonder that in autumn, when the landscape is ablaze with color, this corner of Guadalajara becomes a magnet for beauty seekers from all over Spain.
