Garganta de los Infiernos Circular Walk

The short trail in the Garganta de los Infiernos ends at Los Pilones and goes back the way it came. This route carries on: from the pools it follows the gorge upstream, crosses two stone bridges, climbs to one of its best viewpoints and returns through a chestnut forest. It is 16 km and about six hours, with 718 m of climbing and the same of descent, and it shows you the reserve beyond its most photographed corner.

The same first 3 km

You set off from the Nature Interpretation Centre, at the main entrance to the reserve, between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle, next to the roundabout car park on the N-110, which is paid from mid-March to late October. The first 3 km are the trail to Los Pilones: they climb among oaks to the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint and reach the potholes. The waymarks are white and yellow along the whole route. You can also start from the village of Jerte.

Along the shady side of the Risco Encinoso

From Los Pilones the route runs along the valley on the shady side of the Risco Encinoso, named for the many holm oaks growing there, towards the meeting of the Tres Cerros stream with the Collado de las Yeguas gorge, above the Puente del Sacristán. Taking the climb to the right, it follows the valley upstream with open views as far as the Puente del Carrascal.

Zarzalones and the Charles V bridge

On the other side of the gorge the path climbs westward, to the Zarzalones sheepfolds, and turns at a viewpoint that the tourist office counts among the best in the reserve. Then it descends through oaks to the Puente Nuevo, also called the Charles V bridge, over the Tres Cerros stream, at 880 m altitude. The Charles V route, the path the emperor took towards Yuste, crosses this same bridge.

Cuerda de los Lobos and the descent through Monte Reboldo

One last climb remains, to the Cuerda de los Lobos. From there you descend through the chestnut trees of Monte Reboldo towards the village of Jerte and the river, and before reaching them the path turns down the valley and brings you back to the start.

Six hours, not officially approved

The tourist office rates it medium-easy, but it is six hours of walking with almost 720 m of cumulative climb: you need to be used to walking all day. It is not officially approved (homologated), though it is waymarked; on the valley's tourism website you will find the map, the GPX and the leaflet. There is nowhere on the way to buy food or drink.

The reserve rises from about 600 m to above 2,000, and in winter there is often snow on the summits: check the forecast before setting out. Dogs may enter, always on a lead. For questions about the state of the paths, the interpretation centre can be reached on 927 014 936 and 927 472 053.

Save the swim for the end

If the day is hot, leave the swim at Los Pilones for the return: you are 3 km from the car. For sleeping beside the start, Camping Valle del Jerte is right at the entrance to the reserve.