Orange limestone crags above pine slopes in the Otíñar valley south of Jaén city

Outdoor adventures · Metropolitana de Jaén

Tajos del Canjorro Climbing

Limestone sport crag 6 km south of Jaén city, also called Los Cañones: about 120–140 bolted routes, mostly V+ to 6c+, walls up to 55 m, best in winter, one of Jaén's main climbing schools.

About Tajos del Canjorro Climbing

The hills south of Jaén city, around the Otíñar valley and the road to Puente de la Sierra, hold one of Andalucía's densest clusters of crags: theCrag lists 847 routes in the municipality, mostly on limestone. The Tajos del Canjorro, also known as Los Cañones, are described by the provincial tourist board as one of the best climbing schools in Jaén, with good rock, varied styles and some very technical routes.

The Zonas de Escalada guide counts about 120 routes (8 up to grade V, 84 from V+ to 6c+ and 8 from 7a to 7c+); theCrag lists 139 from 4a to 8a. Walls average 20 m and reach 55 m, with vertical sport climbing on reliable bolts. Take the road to Puente de la Sierra; about 50 m after the km 2 marker turn right on a paved lane, keep right at the fork onto a track and park before the chain. Walk on to an old farmhouse, then follow a faint path to the right, with the walls of Mingo opposite. Nearby crags include La Cantera (26 routes), La Cueva in Otíñar (mostly 8th grade) and the 150–220 m traditional Tajos de las Alcandoras.

Access is free. Do not drive past the chain or camp by the farmhouse, and respect livestock. There is no water at the crag. Wear a helmet at the foot of the walls; beginners should go with a qualified instructor.

The best months are November to March, when the walls catch the winter sun. Bring plenty of water, quickdraws and a long rope for the 55 m lines.

Tajos del Canjorro Climbing in pictures

Limestone walls of Los Cañones gorge near Puente de la Sierra, the Canjorro climbing area, Jaén

Sheer gorge walls and a green pool at Los Cañones, south of Jaén city

What you’ll find

Car parkParkingFree
ClimbingRock climbingFree
Free accessFree visitFree
HikingWalking routeFree
Picnic areaPicnicFree
ViewpointScenic viewpointFree

Nearby places to visit

The crag looks back towards the Castillo de Santa Catalina, Jaén (6 km), the hilltop fortress and parador that dominates the city skyline. In the old town, Jaén Cathedral (6 km) and tapas bars such as Taberna La Manchega, Jaén (6 km), where every drink comes with a free tapa, make the evening easy. Cyclists can pick up the Vía Verde del Aceite (8 km) at its km 0 in the north-west of the city, and the family mill Aceites Melgarejo (14 km) at Pegalajar offers olive-oil tastings and visits.