What to do · Sierra de Cazorla
Cerrada del Utrero and the Linarejos Waterfall
Information
- Price
- Independent · free
- Duration
- 45 min
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Season
- All year; more water in spring
- Who it's for
- Families, with children who walk on their own
What It Is
It is the most striking short walk in the Sierra de Cazorla: a 1.7 km circular trail that follows the side of the gorge the Guadalquivir has carved in the limestone, a few kilometres from its source. The Junta gives it 45 minutes, moderate difficulty and a maximum ascent of 156 m. On the other side of the riverbed falls the Linarejos waterfall, which the official listing calls Cola del Caballo, and griffon vultures nest in the cliffs.
The Route
You start at the Cerrada del Utrero information point. You go down some steps beside the wall of a small dam and the gorge gradually opens out. The first hundred metres climb over the lanchar, the rock carved into grooves by the water. Then the path goes round the Lanchón crag, with steps cut into the rock in places, and returns to the road. Near the end there is an old maritime pine with the marks of resin tapping.
Getting There and Parking
From Cazorla, take the A-319 towards the Tranco reservoir. After about 17 km, past the Puerto de las Palomas, you drop down to the Empalme del Valle junction and take the JF-7091 towards Vadillo-Castril. After about 3.5 km, at the turning to the hamlet, the trail leaves on the left. There is a car park of about ten spaces: on spring and autumn Sundays, arrive early. From Arroyo Frío you can also get there on foot by a linear trail of 2.2 km, an hour and a half each way, with plenty of shade.
Bear in Mind
The Junta warns of the risk of falling stones between the start and the viewpoint: do not stop under the cliffs. Wear shoes with soles that grip, because the polished rock is slippery when wet. With small children, a baby carrier is better than a pushchair.
Tips
- Combine It with the Source The same road continues to the Puente de las Herrerías, from where you go up to the source of the Guadalquivir.
- Look Up The vultures leave the ledges of the gorge in mid-morning, when the sun warms up.
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does the Cerrada del Utrero Take?
About 45 minutes, according to the Junta de Andalucía listing. It is 1.7 km, circular.
Is It Suitable for Children?
Yes, for children who already walk on their own. It has stepped sections and stretches of rock; it is not for pushchairs.
Where Do You Park?
In the car park of about ten spaces at the information point, beside the Vadillo-Castril road.
As a familyWith teenagers
