Cazorla Gravel Tour

From Granada we drive into Jaen province which is home to castles, battles and olive oil. There will be time for a briefing, bike set-up and light lunch. Following lunch the ride almost immediately heads off-road onto 4WD tracks which intersect the source of the Guadalquivir River. 650km away the Guadalquivir enters the Atlantic Ocean at over 1000m wide! The ride through to our secluded hotel in the middle of the natural park is an excellent first-up ride.

Distance: 55km / Gravel Roads: 60% / Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included / Sleep: Cazorla N.P.

Cycle down to the turquoise coloured Tranco reservoir, through small Andalusian villages and ride up and down quiet mountain roads with spectacular views. From the town Hornos, which is perched high up on the hill, the route swoops down to the banks of the reservoir in search of gravel. A very enjoyable sinuous gravel track hugs the banks of the reservoir back to our accommodation.

Distance: 95km / Gravel Roads: 30% / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Cazorla N.P.

Arriving at ‘Campos de Hernan Perea’ is where things get particularly interesting. This is a desolate rocky landscape void of vegetation. With its limestone geology the feeling is like riding on the moon! The mountain plateau is the most extensive in Europe and the elevation typically hovers around 1600m. Pollution free!

Distance: 100km / Gravel Roads: 45% / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included / Sleep: Segura de la Sierra

Passing the old sawmill installation marks the start of a big day on the gravel. What were previously old logging routes are now perfect tracks for off-road adventures. It is a lovely ride up to the escarpment where the cameras are sure to come out at a couple of lookout points.

Today’s route is why we decided to design this Spanish gravel bike tour. Following a gentle 10km warm-up out of town we hit a continuous stretch of 25km of white gravel roads. Forget Tuscany as the old ‘Segura de la Sierra dirt road’ will be sure to please. The winding roads snake their way between the vegetation and it is quiet and spectacular. Just another day cycling through this interior paradise.

Distance: 105km / Gravel Roads: 20% / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Segura de la Sierra

One of the shorter rides on tour but the climb to the highest peak in the Cazorla, Segura & Las Villas natural park is waiting. El Yelmo rises up to 1800m altitude and the 15.7km climb has a 6.7% average grade. The true test though comes in the final 3km where the gradient never drops below 10%. A spectacular finish sees no less than 6 stunning switchbacks in the final kilometre and 360 degree views at the summit which look out over the entire park.

Distance: 75km / Gravel Roads: 15% / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included / Sleep: Segura de la Sierra

This is another classic route for all gravel cycling enthusiasts with nearly half the ride on 4WD trails. On the arrival into Cazorla the route passes the Puerto de las Palomas climb. This pass boasts spectacular views over the Guadalquivir Valley and is also an interesting spot to take out the binoculars to look for eagles and falcons. Cazorla is the most recognised town in the park and has a great selection of tapas bars and restaurants. The cuisine is just another reason for visiting Andalusia!

Distance: 125km / Gravel Roads: 45% / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Cazorla

While there is no gravel today there will still be a couple of broken up asphalt climbs thrown-in to keep things interesting. Two small teaser climbs to Alto de Ceal and Hinojares offer special landscapes that resemble Grand Canyon formations and the white cliffs of Dover. This is our favourite ‘road cycling’ route in Cazorla natural park and is a classic straight from Stage 7 of the 2018 Vuelta a España.

Distance: 90km / Gravel Roads: 0% / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included / Sleep: Cazorla

El Chorro gorge high above Cazorla township is an amazing landscape which is also home to one of the park’s special inhabitants. The vultures that live in the limestone caves provide a serious wow factor. Riding on gravel tracks up to this mountain escarpment and watching the vultures flying overhead is incredible. As the vultures dive down to the rock ledges to feed their young you will practically be able to measure their 3m wingspan!

Tonight will include a special celebration dinner. A week cycling through the pristine Cazorla national park on the best of its asphalt and gravel roads will be something to savour!

Distance: 65km / Gravel Roads: 30% / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Cazorla

Mid-morning we will be available to transfer you 2hr to Cordoba. The Sierra guides will have you at Cordoba Train Station by 12 noon at the latest. See you next time!

Meals: Breakfast included