First steps exploring LA PEDRIZA mountain range - Charca Verde | MODERATE HIKE

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In this hike we will explore the nearby mountain range of La Pedriza in a moderate hike that will take us to enjoy panoramic views of the entire mountain range and along the course of the Manzanares River.

We will have magnificent views of La Pedriza in general and in particular of the cirque of La Pedriza Posterior, from the Collado de Quebrantaherraduras.

The route runs through coniferous forests -resin pines, Arizona cypresses- and bushes, such as the prickly rockrose, in treeless areas.

We will walk among waterfalls along the Manzanares River, at the foot of the majestic Pedriza, reaching one of the most charismatic enclaves of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the Charca Verde (Green Pond), which owes its name to the effect produced by the pigmentation of the rocks of its bottom together with the reflections on its waters, which gives it its characteristic emerald green color.

At the edge of this river we will enjoy the chromatic beauty of the area among birches, willows, poplars, ashes and pines.

We will return through the Camorza gorge to Manzanares el Real, where we will enjoy a well-deserved drink before returning to Madrid.

➡ HIKE INFO & DETAILS

• PRICE: 14,00 €
• DISTANCE: 16kms
• DURATION: 7h (including breaks, lunch, photos taking, etc)
• TYPE: Loop
• ELEVATION GAIN: 250m.
• ELEVATION LOSS: 250m.
• DIFFICULTY RATE: Moderate
• The hike in general terms is moderate/medium due to the distance (16 kms) and the duration (7h). However, regarding the elevation it doesn't have specially steep stretches, it goes on a nice and gradual uphill/downhill all the time. And regarding the terrain, it is flat path for a long part, but there will also be some rocky parts.

➡ HOW TO GET THERE.

🕑 We are MEETING at 9:45h at Manzanares el Real (just next to the bus stop)

🚗 BY CAR - Map location of the nearest parking lot:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BoAWuzLU8kSJnR2G7

If we happen to have enough cars for everyone, we will go directly to a closer parking lot and save 3 kms in total

🚌 BY BUS - Take the 724 bus from Plaza de Castilla Intercambiador at 9:00 am. (Isla 2, Nivel -3, Dársena 25). Please double check the platform at arrival. The bus leaves promptly at 9:00, so please plan to arrive a little earlier before the bus departure (8:45 will be fine) to secure a place in the bus. Get off the bus at bus stop in Manzanares el Real. We will be already waiting for you there.

The price of a one-way ticket is 4.20€, please bring change of 5 or 10€ for the driver. Also if you happen to have an Abono Joven, good news for you: the trip is included in it and therefore free for you showing the Abono! :)

➡ WHAT TO BRING.

• Hiking shoes or mountain boots. Trail running sneakers or sports shoes are ok as well.
• A small backpack for your stuff.
• 1L of water or other soft drinks per person. PLEASE DON´T BRING LESS.
• Your lunch.
• Sunscreen & sunglasses.
• A hat or a cap.
• A fleece or warm sweatshirt as it will get chilly in the evening.
• A windproof jacket if you have one it is recommended.
• Bring yourself ready to enjoy a wonderful and fun hike with like-minded people! :)

We expect to be back at Plaza de Castilla around 19:30h. However, bear in mind that the expected time is approximated since hiking depends on the group's pace and any other circumstances that might arise along the hike.

*** PAYMENT *** If you rather save the MeetUp & Paypal attendees´ fees, contact us directly and we will provide alternative payment methods.