Siete Picos (Seven Peaks) Ridge

The Siete Picos (Seven Peaks) ridge walk is one of the most celebrated day hikes in the Community of Madrid, tracing a spectacular granite ridgeline through the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park above the town of Cercedilla. The trail summits seven distinct rocky peaks, the highest of which reaches 2,138 metres, delivering 360-degree views across the Castilian meseta to the south and the Gredos range to the west. The trailhead begins from Cercedilla, where Cercanias commuter trains arrive from Madrid Atocha on line C-8a in approximately 55 minutes for around 4.50 euros. From Cercedilla, a local bus or taxi covers the remaining distance to the upper trailhead at the Fuenfria valley. The total round-trip distance is 14 kilometres with around 600 metres of elevation gain. The trail surface is predominantly granite rock and compacted earth, transitioning above the treeline to open ridge with loose scree sections between the peaks. The upper section is fully exposed with no shade, and wind can be strong and cold even in summer months. The route is well-marked with yellow-and-white GR waymarks and signed junctions. Walkers ascend through fragrant Scots pine forest before emerging onto the open ridge, where each of the seven summits offers a slightly different perspective across the Sierra de Guadarrama. Key landmarks include the Pena del Oso, the first major rocky outcrop, and the final peak offering the clearest view across the Lozoya Valley toward the Somosierra mountains. There are no refuge huts or reliable water sources on the ridge; hikers must carry all water from the trailhead. The descent retraces the ascent route or follows a lower forest path back to Cercedilla. Wildlife frequently seen on the trail includes roe deer, Spanish ibex, red kites, common buzzards, and alpine choughs. The trail is well frequented at weekends and benefits from established search and rescue services within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.