The hiking route less than an hour from Madrid through a canyon up to 40 meters high

The vastness of Castile and León means that its vast territory hides countless treasures that few dare to discover. A clear example of this is located in the south of the province of Segovia, less than an hour from Madrid. It is the imposing Risca de Valdeprados, a unique enclave near the Spanish capital that is ideal for spending a day immersed in the wilds of nature.

This impressive canyon, shaped over millions of years by the action of the Moros River, is one of the most underrated gems in the entire country, making exploring it an ideal weekend getaway from the metropolis. To discover every one of its secrets, you can complete an incredible hiking route that runs through fascinating landscapes and amazes all who complete it.

The Valdeprados Risca Route, in Segovia

The Valdeprados Risca route runs for about five and a half kilometers through landscapes filled with vegetation, which in autumn take on autumnal hues that enhance the entire route's charm. The route begins in the village of Valdeprados, from where you take a track parallel to the Quejigar stream until you reach this spectacular river canyon, 40 meters high and extending for about 300 meters.

Along the trail, trekking enthusiasts will come across small gems that make the experience even more incredible, such as a beautiful bridge over the Moros River (and the stone remains of an older one), as well as the ruins of a mill that was once of utmost importance to the region. Furthermore, the area's biodiversity makes this route one of the most exciting in all of Segovia.

The entire route winds through a Special Bird Protection Area, so during the hike, if you're lucky, you can spot majestic species in their natural habitat. This is perfect for all nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle for at least a few hours while discovering impressive natural treasures.

To get from Madrid to the town of Valdeprados, you must first take the A-6 (which connects with the AP-6) until you turn onto the AP-61, which is also a several-kilometer drive. Finally, you just need to turn onto the SG-723 and take the detour onto the SG-V-7200, which leads to the town center; the journey takes less than an hour.