My tip“The barriers close once the car park is full (about 270 cars), and in summer the barrier opens only early in the morning and in the evening; arrive before 8 a.m., or use the shuttle bus from Manzanares El Real if it is running. Swimming in the pools is forbidden, and the fine can reach 3000 euros. Take your waste back with you.”
The famous gateway to La Pedriza, with its strange granite rocks on the banks of the Manzanares river inside the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Meadows, trees and easy paths along the river, and a restaurant by the bridge.
Easy to reach, needs a car
By car via Manzanares el Real and the La Pedriza road (checkpoint and limited parking). A few minutes' walk from the car park to the riverbank; good shade. Very crowded at weekends.
Barbecue
Not allowed: the Madrid region bans barbecues and lighting fires in forest areas all year round, including recreation areas; bring ready-made food.
Address
Av. de Mataelpino, La Pedriza