Ruta de La Hoz de Pelegrina

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There are few restaurants in Pelegrino; make a reservation if you plan to eat after you run. There is a fuente (public spring) at the starting point of the trail.

Trail is mostly rock and packed dirt, some loose stones.

Located in Parque Natural del Barranco del Rio Dulce this is one of several runs originating at the trailhead in scenic Pelegrina. Also part of the Ruta de Quixote and a GR (Grande Recorrido).

Park along the road; non-resident vehicles not allowed directly in the town. Trailhead includes signs with detailed route information, and trails are clearly signed throughout.

The first 0.5 km is concrete as the trail descends from the town into the Rio Dulce barranco (canyon or ravine). Trail includes dramatic rock formations surrounding the valley, many shaded portions, a creek with a bridge on one end of the loop and solid rock toadstools on the other end, various opportunities to visit the creek edge and wade, several wide open vistas of farmland, and a stone shepherd's shelter.

Trail is quite pretty and meanders interestingly along the Rio Dulce. One short portion, ~100 meters, has post-and-chain fencing to protect from a drop off.

Historical interest: back in the 1970s, filmaker and naturalist Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente filmed several episodes of the Spanish TV series "El Hombre y la Tierra" here. This popular show was credited with awakening environmental awareness in Spain. We went on a cool but sunny Sunday in January; there were many families and people with dogs, but not crowded.