The Bardenas Reales, a few dozen kilometers south of the Pyrenees mountain range in Spain, are a particularly exotic landscape. This desert area, with its impressive rock formations, is often referred to as " Spain's Wild West ".
This extraordinary environment is protected as a nature reserve and as aUNESCO biosphere reserve. It is therefore essential to reduce your ecological footprint, to protect this fragile place and the animals that live there, notably the vultures, a rare and fragile species. Please note that bivouacs are strictly forbidden in the area. If you want to sleep in a tent, you'll need to set up camp at a nearby campsite.
The best way to discover the Bardenas Reales is on foot. Here is a selection of the best hikes in the Bardenas Reales. These are suitable for all levels: from easy family strolls to sporty walks for the more experienced, as well as medium-level hikes.
1. Cabezo Gancho and Plana Alta peaks
- Distance: 16.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 445 m
- Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The Cabezo Gancho and Plana Alta trail is generally considered to be the most beautiful hike in the Bardenas Reales. It's a medium-level circuit, accessible to most walkers as it doesn't include any major gradients or technical sections, but long enough to make you finish tired. However, it is advisable to wear good walking shoes, as the path can be rocky, and to bring sun cream and a hat, as there is virtually no shade. If this hike is one of the most beautiful in the natural park, it's because it offers superb panoramic views of the landscape all along the way. This is an out-and-back itinerary.
Relatedarticle: explore the area in greater depth in our article on the best things to do in the Pyrenees.
2. Peña del Fraile
- Distance: 4 km
- Difference in altitude: 200 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
Peña del Fraile is a rocky outcrop rising to 557 meters. It belongs to the Bardena Negra massif, which is more inaccessible and less well-known than the Bardena Blanca. However, this is one of the few easily accessible routes in the massif, making it one of the best hikes in the Bardenas Reales. In fact, the trail starts from a parking lot easily reached by road, and is of average level, because although it's rather short, it climbs a little. Once you reach the top of Peña del Fraile, you'll have a superb 360° view of the region, and may even spot a few vultures in flight, all the more visible as there are far fewer people in this part of the park. As is often the case in nature parks, good footwear is recommended.
3. La Piskerra
- Distance: 6.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 170 m
- Duration:1 h 50
- Itinerary
La Piskerra is a peak in the Bardenas Blancas. Please note: the area around it is only open to the public from time to time. It is often closed as part of a program to protect vultures. It is therefore essential to check the latest information on the official website before planning this hike. If it is open, this will be a very pleasant hike, offering truly superb views, and the chance to see birds. This is a difficult loop itinerary, as the ground is very uneven and therefore requires good shoes, possibly walking poles, experience and, of course, caution. You should also avoid venturing out in wet weather, as the mud makes the path impassable.
The article to read: check out our selection of mountain destinations to spend the summer outdoors.
4. Cabezo de las Cortinas
- Distance: 5 km
- Height difference: 140 m
- Duration:1 h 20
- Itinerary
This is one of the best hikes in the Bardenas Reales, and an easy one at that! It's a short loop with a reasonable gradient. It passes by some of the most emblematic spots in the Bardenas, including Castildetierra, the natural park's most famous rock formation, known for its 30-metre-high sandcastle shape. You'll also climb to the Cabezo de las Cortinas, a hill offering a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The great advantage of this itinerary is its diversity over a short distance. The terrain changes, some areas are very desert-like, while others are much greener, especially around the Cortinas reservoir, a small watering hole. Here again, remember to bring a hat and sun cream, as shade is almost non-existent.
5. Barranco de los Cambrones
- Distance: 9 km
- Elevation gain: 200 m
- Duration:2 h 15
- Itinerary
This loop route is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bardenas Reales, because it passes several points of interest, such as El Rallón, a plateau in the Bardena Blanca, as well as panoramic views. This is a medium-level route, but some places can be slippery, so good equipment is required. This trail is part of the Bird Protection Area, so it may be closed for several months a year. Be sure to check the official website before your visit. Even when it is open, it's essential to take steps to protect the mountain, by staying away from animals and collecting all your garbage.
Relatedarticle: for more walks in the region, check out our selection of the best hikes in the Pyrenees.
6. Las Cortinas ravine
- Distance: 1.9 km
- Height difference: 30 m
- Time:30 minutes
- Itinerary
This is the best hike in the Bardenas Reales if you're looking for a short family outing. It's very quick and doesn't involve any change in altitude, but it does allow you to see one of the natural park's most emblematic landmarks: the Castildetierra, a 30-meter-high rocky mound in the shape of a pyramid. It's a very easy but rewarding trail. It's an out-and-back circuit: you'll retrace your steps by the same route on the way back.
7. Peñaflor Castle
- Distance: 16.6 km
- Ascent: 315 m
- Time:4 hrs
- Itinerary
Warning: this is a difficult route, not only because it is long, but above all because it includes some fairly technical sections requiring experience and good equipment. The trail is best avoided after rain, even several days before, as the mud makes it too difficult to access, and some rivers may form. On top of this, the route may be poorly signposted in places, so it's advisable to download the map onto your phone to avoid getting lost. If all these safety conditions are met, however, you'll really enjoy this hike, which offers magnificent views.
