# Los Pilones Trail through the Garganta de los Infiernos

What to do en Jerte Valley · Jerte Valley

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/things-to-do/los-pilones-trail · Revisado: 2026-11-12

- Duración: 2 h
- Temporada: All year; swimming in summer
- Para quién: Families

Trail · 3 km each way · 45 min · 234 m of ascent · Families · Granite potholes and cold-water pools

What it is
Los Pilones are giants' kettles: round pools that the water of the Garganta de los Infiernos has carved into the granite. It is the best-known landscape of the Jerte Valley and one of the prettiest natural swimming spots in the country. You reach it by a trail of 3 km each way, about 45 minutes and 234 m of ascent, which the tourist office rates as medium-easy. With the return the same way and a while at the top, count on two hours.
The route
You set off from the Nature Interpretation Centre, at the main entrance to the reserve, between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle. The path, waymarked in white and yellow, climbs among oaks to the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint and carries on to the Los Pilones area. From Jerte there is another option: 4 km each way from the bridge beside El Nogalón park, waymarked in white and green. If you want more, the long 16 km loop of the gorge starts from Los Pilones.
Getting there and parking
Along the N-110, at the roundabout that leads to the reserve. The car park by the roundabout is paid from mid-March to late October and free the rest of the year. Do not park between Jerte's football ground and the campsite or on the track above: there are fines. You cannot enter the reserve by car.
When to go
In summer, to swim; the water comes down from the sierra and is cold all year. In spring, with the cherry blossom in the valley and the gorge in full flow; swimming is not a good idea then. In autumn, with the oaks and chestnuts in colour. In August and on hot weekends it fills up: arrive early.
With children or a dog
It is the valley walk for children who can already walk: short, with a reward at the end. Keep an eye on them on the rocks, which are slippery, and at the pools, which are deep. Dogs may come, always on a lead.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 40.206, -5.7726

## Cerca de aquí

- [4x4 Tour through the Garganta de los Infiernos](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/things-to-do/4x4-tour-to-los-pilones), a 0 m
- [Garganta de los Infiernos Circular Walk](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/things-to-do/garganta-de-los-infiernos-circular-walk), a 0 m
- [Camping Valle del Jerte](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/where-to-stay/camping-valle-del-jerte), a 344 m
- [El Cerezal de los Sotos Rural Hotel](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/where-to-stay/el-cerezal-de-los-sotos), a 1.8 km
- [Las Palomas Rural Complex](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/where-to-stay/las-palomas-rural-complex), a 2.2 km
- [Cherry Picking on a Jerte Farm](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/things-to-do/cherry-picking), a 2.8 km
- [Las Tenerías Restaurant](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/where-to-eat/las-tenerias), a 2.8 km
- [Flor del Cerezo Restaurant](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley/where-to-eat/flor-del-cerezo), a 2.9 km

## Consejos

### Arrive before 10
In summer and at weekends the car park fills up early.

### Shoes with grip
The granite slabs polished smooth beside the water are slippery, wet or dry.

### Take your rubbish with you
Nothing is left in the reserve, not even a cigarette end.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long does it take to reach Los Pilones?
About 45 minutes each way from the Interpretation Centre, 3 km with 234 m of ascent.

### Can you swim?
Yes, it is a natural swimming area. The water is very cold and the pools are deep: when the river is in spate, don't get in.

### Do you have to pay?
The trail is free. The car park at the entrance is paid from mid-March to late October.

### Can I bring a dog?
Yes, on a lead.

Destino: [Jerte Valley](https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/extremadura/jerte-valley.md)