Getting there

How do you get to the start of the walk?

On the road known as carretera del puerto de cotos (SG-615) & M-604 at the Puerto de Cotos pass / col there is a large carpark. To the north of the road there is the national park visitor centre just up the hill where from here you can begin the trail in ernest.

Maps

Which maps cover the area?

Maps of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

Route/Trail notes

A detailed description of the walk!

Continue up the wide trail past the visitor centre when you get to a shelter just around the first corner you have the option to do the circuit clockwise or anti clockwise. Most common is to complete the trail clockwise in order to complete the major up hill section first. You will follow switchbacks to the ridge near Hermana Menor (2269m) and continue to follow this ridge North to Peñalara (2428m). After the summit you reach the most technical section of terrain as you tackle the razorback ridge of Risco de los Claveles (2387m). You then wind down to your first laguna following the path south in the shadow of the ridge all the way back to the start.

Permits/Costs

Do you need any permits? What's the cost?

Free

Other References

How can I find more info? Any guide books?

Route is covered in Lonely Planet's Best Day Walks Spain as well as elsewhere online.