We are in the midst of the season of the scent of damp leaves, of soils that creak beneath our boots, and trees that seem to be competing with one another in the array of ochre tones. Yet there are corners where the natural autumn artwork shines more brightly than elsewhere, and one of them is closer than you might think if you know the Abedular of Canencia, barely an hour from Madrid.
At the foot of the Sierra de la Morcuera, this forest is a true botanical jewel. An “island forest” right in the heart of the peninsula, where species grow that, in theory, should thrive much farther north: birches, yews, hollies, cherry trees, oaks, and even Douglas firs. The result is an unusual mix for the area in tones, textures, and aromas that completely changes with each season. Although it is in autumn that its splendor reaches its peak.
Sierra de Guadarrama Tourism
A Fairy-Tale Route Among Golden Trees
The Senda del Arroyo del Sestil del Maillo and the Ladera de Mojonavalle (don’t be fooled by its long, compound name, because the route is simple) is the most popular and accessible in the area. It starts at the Canencia Pass recreational area, where you can park the car or grab a coffee before beginning. From there, a forest trail takes you between pines and birches to the first dreamlike spot: the Fuente de la Raja, where water wells up between large moss-covered rocks.
Later on, a little further ahead, awaits the Mojonavalle Brush, a waterfall so photogenic that it’s hard to believe there aren’t queues of visitors to see it. On rainy days or during thaw, the water pours down with force among the ferns, and the sound is almost hypnotic. It’s the perfect place to pause and sit down to listen.
Community of Madrid Tourism
If you keep walking, a sign invites you to veer one kilometer toward a small gem: the centenary yew. It is a singular tree of more than 500 years that seems straight out of a Celtic tale. It is hidden among hollies, and upon reaching it you cannot help but feel overtaken by the calm. It’s the kind of spot that makes you lower your voice and your pace without realizing it.
The full hike runs about 6.5 kilometers (if you include the visit to the yew), with a gentle climb of 160 meters and a total time of about two and a half hours. Therefore, it is ideal for a family outing or even with a baby stroller (much of the path is a wide and comfortable track).
Community of Madrid Tourism
How to Get There
Getting to the Abedular de Canencia is easy. Simply take the M-607 to Soto del Real, continue on the M-611 toward Miraflores de la Sierra, and follow the M-629 to the Puerto de Canencia. The drive from Madrid takes less than an hour and the parking at the start of the trail is free. If you prefer public transport, the 725 bus from Plaza de Castilla drops you off in Miraflores. From there, a short taxi ride brings you to the starting point.
So, if this autumn you’re looking for a hassle-free escape, but with all possible rewards: landscapes, tranquility, and a healthy dose of fresh air, the Abedular de Canencia awaits you. It’s not just a hiking route; it’s a small lesson in why autumn in Madrid can also be a spectacle, not inferior to Madrid’s Gran Vía.
Cover photo | Community of Madrid Tourism
