Driving the curvy road to Alto de La Nava Grande in the Sierra de Guadarrama
Alto de La Nava Grande is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,963m (6,440ft) above sea level, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid. Known locally as Alto de La Nava, this summit offers one of the most technical and scenic unpaved climbs in central Spain.
Where is Alto de La Nava Grande?
The peak is situated in the north of the Community of Madrid, within the Regional Park Cuenca Alta del Manzanares. It sits in the heart of the Guadarrama range, serving as a natural balcony over the Lozoya Valley and the Santillana reservoir.
đź“Ť Alto de la Nava Grande Fast Facts
| Elevation | 1,963m (6,440ft) |
| Distance | 20.8km (12.92 miles) |
| Avg. Gradient | 5.35% |
| Surface | Unpaved (Gravel / Loose Rock) |
| Vehicle Required | High-clearance 4x4 (for the final 1.5km) |
What's at the summit of Alto de La Nava Grande?
The summit is marked by a vértice geodésico (survey marker). Beyond the 360-degree views, the area holds significant historical weight. During the Spanish Civil War, these heights were part of the strategic defense lines. Today, you can still find remnants of stone trenches and military positions scattered in the vicinity of the tracks leading to the top.
Is the road to Alto de La Nava Grande unpaved?
The road is totally unpaved. While the first sections are in fairly good condition, the difficulty increases significantly after crossing the Puente del Francés, nearly in the middle of the ascent. From this point, the road tackles a series of 12 sharp hairpin turns locally known as "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza".
The final 1.5 kilometers are the most challenging, featuring loose rocks and steep gradients where a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required.
Can I drive the road to Alto de La Nava Grande?
Please note that vehicle access to this track is often restricted by environmental regulations of the Regional Park. It is primarily a route for authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers. Always check local regulations in Manzanares el Real before attempting the drive.
How to get to the top of Alto de La Nava Grande?
Starting from Manzanares el Real, the climb is 20.8km long with a total elevation gain of 1,114m. It is a steady climb that requires patience and a reliable vehicle, especially in the upper sections where the terrain becomes more unpredictable.
Pic: Carlos Andrés Pérez