Peaks of Spain - Madrid's top
- Mucca Moon
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Climbing Peñalara – The Highest Peak of Madrid
We’re continuing our journey to summit the highest peaks of every Spanish province — and this time, we set our sights on the techo de Madrid: Peñalara (2,428 m), the crown jewel of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
This one was special — not just for the views or elevation, but because it reminded us how accessible stunning nature can be even near a capital city.
Parking the Motorhome & Starting the Ascent
We parked Muccamoon at the Puerto de Cotos, a well-known trailhead about 1.5 hours from Madrid. There's a spacious parking area (get there early on weekends), and it’s a great overnight spot for motorhomes.
🚐 Vanlife Tip: Though busy, this spot is clean, organized, and perfect for spending the night before a big hike. No water fill-ups here, though — we prepped in advance with full tanks and our solar-powered setup.
The Trail to Peñalara
This is a classic alpine hike — wide, marked paths, steady elevation gain, and postcard-worthy views. The trail winds through pine forests, over wooden walkways through fragile alpine wetlands, and finally up rocky ridges to the summit.
🥾 Distance: ~11 km round trip
⏱️ Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
🧭 Elevation gain: ~600 m
🐾 Pet-friendly (but leash recommended)
🏞️ Best time: Spring to early autumn — avoid snow season unless properly equipped
The last stretch before the summit is a rocky slope, but nothing technical — just a bit of a scramble and you're there! Here is the Wikiloc Route we did: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/penalara-circular-integral-desde-puerto-de-cotos-3873973
Peak #4 – Checked Off! ✅
That’s peak number four in our quest to climb the highest in each of Spain’s provinces — and it’s amazing how different each one has felt.
From the volcanic slopes of Mulhacén to the quiet summit of Obispo, and now the vibrant and social atmosphere of Peñalara, every hike tells a different story.
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