Hiking near Madrid: Top 5 routes for all levels

Looking for the best hiking near Madrid? These 5 trails offer forest paths, panoramic views, and fresh mountain air—perfect for all skill levels.

I’ve lived in Madrid for almost two years now—and oh boy, the city gets hot. Super hot. In the summer, it can feel like opening an oven and stepping inside.

The fastest way to escape the heat? Head for the mountains. The Sierra de Guadarrama, just north of the city, offers a sweet reprieve—often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the scorching streets of central Madrid.

Over time, I’ve explored a few trails in the Sierra, so here’s a roundup of the five best hiking spots near Madrid, covering a range of difficulty levels. For each trail, you’ll find a quick description, route details, parking info if you’re driving, and an estimate of how long the hike takes.

First of all, is hiking near Madrid even a good idea?

Okay, Madrid isn’t exactly known as a hiking destination. This isn’t Switzerland, okay? BUT! I did one hike here that honestly felt shockingly similar a few trails I did in Asturias last summer (and yep, I’ve included it in this guide). And Asturias is sort of like Switzerland—just in Spain…

So, while Madrid may not be on every hiker’s bucket list, here’s why it absolutely deserves a spot:

• The Sierra is close – Just 45–60 minutes from the city by car or train.

• Wild variety – Lakes, forests, rocky ridgelines—you have it all

• Real elevation – Some peaks top out over 2,000 meters, with alpine-like views

• Cooler temps – Up to 15ºC cooler than the city in summer

• No crowds (sometimes) – On weekdays, you can have entire trails to yourself.

5 Best hiking trails near Madrid

Here are the hiking trails that we’re going to cover at a glance. Don’t feel like scrolling? Pick a trail below and jump right to it 👇

1. Camino Schmidt
2. Collado Ventoso
3. Siete Picos
4. Laguna de Peñalara
5. Ruta de los Carboneros

1. Camino Schmidt (“Schmidt Trail”)

Camino Schmidt is one of the most classic forest hikes in the Sierra de Guadarrama. We did it twice when we didn’t want to do anything too difficult.

It winds gently through pine-covered slopes with plenty of shade, cool air, and soft terrain, making it perfect for summer days or relaxed weekend walks. Originally marked in the 1920s by Austrian Eduardo Schmidt, it’s now a favorite for locals and families.

📍Route we followed (it’s in Spanish, so use your browser to translate or simply download the maps)

🕒 Time: 2 to 2.5 hours one way (can return the same way or make a loop through another route)

📈 Level: Beginner to intermediate

📏 Distance: Around 6.5 km one way (13 km round-trip)

🅿️ Where to park: Park at Puerto de Navacerrada. Here’s the Google Maps link.

💡Tip: Arrive before 11 am, especially in the summer, as parking fills up quickly.

2. Collado Ventoso (“Windy Pass”)

This route starts where Camino Schmidt begins—at Puerto de Navacerrada—but branches off to form a satisfying forest loop. You’ll follow Schmidt through the shady pine woods, then head toward Collado Ventoso, a peaceful meadowy mountain pass tucked into the trees.

It’s quieter than the main Schmidt trail and offers a nice mix of cool forest and wide open views, especially near the Mirador de la Reina.

📍Route we followed (again, it’s in Spanish, so use your browser to translate or simply download the maps)

🕒 Time: Around 4 hours

📏 Distance: Around 12 km (circular)

📈 Level: Intermediate

🅿️ Where to park: Same as Camino Schmidt

3. Siete Picos (“Seven Peaks”)

This hike also starts from Puerto de Navacerrada, just like Camino Schmidt and Collado Ventoso. But this one is on a different level. We did it once with a few friends and honestly, it kicked our butts.

The climb up is steady and sweaty, and once you reach the ridge, the terrain gets rocky and exposed, with a few sections that require hands for balance. It’s one of the most scenic hikes near Madrid, but also one of the most demanding. Pack water, snacks, and energy—you’ll need all three.

📍Route we followed

🕒 Time: Around 5 hours round-trip

📏 Distance: 8–10 km (depending how far along the ridge you go)

📈 Level: Intermediate to advanced

🅿️ Where to park: Same as Camino Schmidt & Collado Ventoso

4. Laguna de Peñalara (“Peñalara Lagoon”)

This is the one that made me stop mid-hike and say, wait… this feels like Asturias. The trail to Laguna de Peñalara gave me serious Covadonga lakes vibes—alpine views, fresh air, and that same wide-open, dramatic mountain energy.

The climb is steady but rewarding, with the landscape opening up fast. Along the way, you’ll pass small streams, wooden footbridges, and panoramic viewpoints that make it hard to keep walking without stopping for photos. It’s one of the most popular hikes near Madrid, and it’s easy to see why: it’s beautiful, well-marked, and surprisingly accessible.

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Once you reach the glacial lagoon, surrounded by rugged granite peaks, it feels like you’ve stepped into a totally different part of Spain—far from the heat and traffic of the city.

📍Route we followed

🕒 Time: 2 to 3 hours round-trip (4+ if you go for the summit)

📏 Distance: 6.5 km round-trip (option to continue to Peñalara summit)

📈 Level: Intermediate

🅿️ Where to park: Park at Puerto de Cotos, just beyond Puerto de Navacerrada. Here’s the Google Maps link. Get there early, ideally before 9 AM to guarantee yourself a parking space.

5. Ruta de los Carboneros (“Charcoal Makers’ Route”)

This is your go-to trail if you want something mellow, scenic, and close to the city. The Ruta de los Carboneros winds through oak forest and rolling hills just outside Hoyo de Manzanares. The name comes from the traditional charcoal makers who once used this path—and today, it’s a peaceful, well-maintained loop that’s perfect for an easy hike or even a relaxed trail run. 

Along the way, you’ll pass Casa de la Mina, an old stone building that once housed mining workers—now a quiet, shaded rest stop with a bit of local history.

📍Route we followed with some deviations

🕒 Time: 3-3.5 hours round-trip

📏 Distance: 11.5 km loop

📈 Level: Beginner

🅿️ Where to park: There’s a small parking area right at the trailhead. Here’s the Google Maps link. You can also find a few parking spaces in the town of Hoyo de Manzanares.

FAQs about hiking near Madrid

What are the best hiking trails near Madrid for beginners?

Camino Schmidt and Ruta de los Carboneros are great beginner-friendly hikes. Both are well-marked, mostly shaded, and not too steep—perfect for first-timers or casual walkers.

Can you reach hiking trails near Madrid using public transport?

Yes, many popular hikes, like Camino Schmidt, Siete Picos, and Laguna de Peñalara, are accessible via Cercanías trains C-8 and C-9. For Hoyo de Manzanares, you can take bus 611 or 611A from Moncloa.

What mountain towns are near Madrid for hiking?

Towns like Cercedilla, Navacerrada, Rascafría, and Hoyo de Manzanares serve as great bases for hiking. They’re easily reachable from Madrid and offer trail access, food, and some charming local vibes.

Do I need any special gear to hike near Madrid?

Most trails can be done with basic hiking shoes, water, snacks, and sun protection. For higher-altitude or rocky hikes like Siete Picos, you might want to take with you trekking poles and wind layers, especially outside summer.

Nature > air conditioning

When Madrid starts to feel like an oven, trust us—these five hikes are the reset button. We’ve tested them (and sweated on them), so you can enjoy them without second-guessing.

¡Hasta luego! 👋🏻