Barranco de la Maimona on the Bojera Trail

The Maimona is a 39.5 km ravine that rises near the Sierra de Pina, in the municipality of San Agustín (Teruel), and flows into the Mijares at Montanejos. Its last stretch, from Los Calpes to the river, is the most spectacular: it opens between reddish walls over 60 m high and narrows in places to less than five. With water it forms pools and waterfalls at different heights; the best known is La Campana, a narrow pool with a large rock wedged above it. To see it without going down to the bottom, Visit Montanejos recommends the Bojera trail.

The Bojera trail

It is a trail waymarked in white and green, 9 km, 3 h 15 min and 490 m of ascent, of medium difficulty. It leaves from the town's meeting point in the direction of the ravine. You turn left, pass the wooden stairs that go down to the river and go up a paved track that crosses the Las Piedrazas estate. Then you cross a path that connects with the upper part of the town, above the water tank, and a steady climb begins to the upper part of the Maimona, with views of the gorge and the La Rosada peak.

The trail continues beside the precipice to a track that descends among pine woods. Further on there is a turning on the right to go down to the bed of the ravine, cross it and climb via El Colladillo. The final descent passes the turning for the Cueva Negra and ends on the CV-20, about 500 m from the town centre. There are exposed stretches beside the drop: with small children, better to choose another route.

Pools, water and climbing

The flow depends mainly on rainfall, so the pools and waterfalls look best after a few days of rain and can be almost dry in high summer. The ravine can be visited all year. Another way to look into it is to go down beside the Puente Nuevo, at the entrance to the town.

The Maimona is also one of the most visited climbing sites in Montanejos: it has more than 400 sport and multi-pitch routes spread over several sectors. The inside of the ravine, with risk zones and difficult terrain, is only for experienced people; it is not a walk for just anyone. Floods on the Maimona have affected the town several times, and in the 1980s a retaining dam was built.

How to organise it

Wear hiking footwear and bring water and something to eat: there are no marked fountains on the route. In summer it is best to start early, because the climb is long and sunny. Park at the free Corral de Prats car park and ask for the trail map at the tourist office, at 10 Avenida Fuente de Baños (964 13 11 53).

To end the day, the Fuente de los Baños is a few minutes' walk away. If you prefer a gorge with higher walls, the Estrechos trail looks into the Mijares canyon.