El Torreón Ascent
A steep 3.2 km climb (6.4 km return) from the A-372 to El Torreón, at 1,648 m the highest summit in Cádiz, with about 780 m of ascent in the Grazalema reserve zone; free permit needed.
About El Torreón Ascent
El Torreón, on the Sierra del Pinar, is the highest point of Cádiz province at 1,648 m (the summit plaque says 1,654 m). It lies in the Zona de Reserva of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Andalucía's first natural park and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, so access is by permit. The bare limestone ridge rises above the El Pinsapar fir forest, and on clear days the view reaches Sierra Nevada, the Bay of Cádiz, the Strait of Gibraltar and North Africa.
The trailhead is a small car park (about 18 spaces) on the A-372 roughly 5 km east of Benamahoma, at around 865 m. The path climbs steadily through holm oak and scrub, with views to the Bornos reservoir, then crosses open limestone. The last 100 m are a rocky scramble with little trail where hands help. Most walkers take 1 h 45 min up and 1 h 30 min down, with about 780 m of ascent.
A free permit is compulsory: book online with the Junta de Andalucía or via the El Bosque visitor centre (956 709 733); groups call the park office (600 161 916). The path is closed from 1 June to 15 October for fire risk (one park sheet says 15 June). There is no water or shade near the top, and cloud can hide the route over the limestone. For fit, sure-footed walkers; not for small children.
Best from mid-October to May, especially April and May; snow and ice are common in winter. Bring 2 litres of water, gloves and a windproof. Tip: arrive early, as the car park is small.
El Torreón Ascent in pictures
What you’ll find
- Car parkParkingFree
- Guided activityGuide or instructorBook
- HikingWalking routeFree
- Permit requiredAccess permitBook
- Shuttle or busPublic transportBuy
- ViewpointScenic viewpointFree
Nearby places to visit
The summit looks straight down on the El Pinsapar Trail (5 km), the fir-forest walk that uses the same permit system. The Salto del Cabrero (6 km), a split limestone cliff on an old drove road, makes a good second walk, and Benaocaz (6 km) has bars for lunch. Grazalema village (6 km) has the park information office, and the Garganta Verde gorge (7 km) lies across the Puerto de las Palomas. Down the road, the easy Río Majaceite Trail (3 km) starts in Benamahoma and follows a shaded trout river to El Bosque.
El Torreón Ascent at a glance
Category
Sports Outdoor adventures
Location
Sierra de Cádiz, Cádiz
Town
Grazalema
Address
El Torreón trailhead car park, A-372 between Benamahoma and Grazalema, 11679 Grazalema, Cádiz, Spain
Opening hours
Mid-October to May with a free permit. Closed 1 June–15 October for fire risk. Start early: the car park has about 18 spaces.
Prices
Free permit (Junta de Andalucía / El Bosque visitor centre). Free parking at the trailhead.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 on the official website. Times and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
Website
juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/20151/c092d2eb-4365-37ec-506e-1c5c9fcd1406
Phone
+34 956 709 733
More places nearby
Other places within 25 km of El Torreón Ascent, nearest first.
