Driving the Pista de las Cumbres: From Puerto de la Linera to Peña Berrocosa
Running along the rugged border between the Community of Madrid and the province of Segovia, the Pista de las Cumbres is one of the most spectacular high-altitude off-road routes in central Spain. This unpaved ridgeline track crosses three significant mountain passes—Puerto de la Linera (1,835m), Cerro del Jabinar (1,847m), and Peña Berrocosa (1,959m)—offering a continuous driving experience above the clouds in the Sierra de Ayllón.
| Road facts: Pista de las Cumbres (Ayllón Range) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Madrid - Segovia Border, Spain |
| Highest Point | 1,959 m (Peña Berrocosa) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Gravel & Dirt |
| Vehicle Required | High-clearance 4x4 |
| Activities | Off-roading, Paragliding, Skydiving |
Where is the road to Peña Berrocosa and Puerto de la Linera?
This ridgeline track is situated in the eastern sector of the Guadarrama mountains, acting as a natural divide between the northern Castilian plateau and the Lozoya Valley in Madrid. The route begins near Puerto de la Linera (41.0751, -3.71144), a historical pass that linked Arcones and Robregordo long before modern tunnels existed. As you drive south along the spine of the mountain, you reach Cerro del Jabinar and finally the towering Peña Berrocosa (41.05763, -3.73552), the highest point of this technical traverse. The geography is dominated by metamorphic rocks like gneiss and slate, creating a harsh, treeless landscape with infinite horizons.
Is the Pista de las Cumbres unpaved?
The entire route is totally unpaved. It is a classic mountain service track, originally maintained for fire surveillance and military communications. The surface consists of hard-packed dirt, loose stones, and shale fragments. While the track is wide enough for a single 4x4, it is highly exposed to extreme winds. These consistent thermal currents make the area a premier destination for skydiving and paragliding, with enthusiasts often seen launching from the steep western slopes. For drivers, these winds can be a hazard, especially when navigating the narrowest sections of the ridge where there are no safety barriers.
How challenging is the drive over Cerro del Jabinar?
The drive is considered technical and demanding. Expect a trail that is pretty steep in several sections, particularly during the final ascent toward Peña Berrocosa. The average elevation stays consistently above 1,800 meters, which means engine performance may be slightly affected by the thinner air. Wet conditions are the primary concern; the soil on the ridgeline can turn into a thick, slippery mud that makes traction difficult even for experienced off-roaders. Additionally, the lack of vegetation means the track is prone to erosion, with deep ruts often forming after heavy thunderstorms.
Is the road open in winter?
Due to its high elevation and northern exposure, the Pista de las Cumbres is frequently impassable from December to April. Snowdrifts can quickly bury the track, and the intense frost can turn the mud into a sheet of ice. During the summer, the main challenges are the intense solar radiation and the dust, but the views are at their best, stretching from the skyscrapers of Madrid in the distance to the endless plains of Segovia. Always ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and carry enough water, as this is one of the most isolated ridgeline drives in central Spain.
Pic: Carlos M