1 of 15: Overview of the area covered by Guadarrama Mountains

2 of 15: The Bosque de Herrera

3 of 15: Las Cabezas de Hierro

4 of 15: Cerro de Peña del Aguila

5 of 15: The Cuerda de Cabrillas

6 of 15: El Estepar and La Tortuga

7 of 15: La Maliciosa from La Barranca

8 of 15: La Peñota

9 of 15: Las Machotas

10 of 15: Los Abantos

11 of 15: Los Miraderos de la Fuenfria

12 of 15: Tour of the Yelmo and La Pedriza Anterior

13 of 15: La Pedriza Posterior and Las Torres

14 of 15: The Sierra de Los Porrones

15 of 15: Siete Picos and the Camino Schmidt

This walk is a fairly relaxed stroll in the woods. Because it is accessible from San Lorenzo de El Escorial, it would make a good family outing.

This is an alpine hike with considerable altitude gain and many kilometers of hiking. In winter it is truly challenging.

This is one of the many hikes that start in the area of the La Fuenfria in Cercedilla.

The trailhead for this hike is in La Barranca, near the town of Navacerrada.

The trailhead for this hike is located in the town of Hoyo de Manzanares. The beginning is a little difficult to find, but once on the ridge, you have a spectacular view of the Guadarrama Mountains.

One of my favorite areas, this hike lets you summit La Maliciosa at 2227 meters, and affords an expansive view of Madrid.

Again, this hike can begin in Cercedilla and seldom has too many people on the trails, even though the views are spectacular.

This hike starts nearSan Lorenzo de El Escorial. Summiting either of the Machotas affords a wide open view of Madrid.

Starting in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, you climb through pine forest and enjoy a unique view of the Monastery when you get to the top.

This hike takes you over Roman roads, through pine forests and by scenic lookouts with beautiful views. And it is not too demanding.

Starting at Canto Cochino in La Pedriza, this five hour hike is one of the best you can take for varied scenery and unusual rock formations.

This is a demanding hike that can take nearly seven hours and have you wondering just where the %@&* you are, but for an adventure, it is unequaled.

Starting at Canto Cochino or Collado de Quebrantaherraduras in La Pedriza, this is an alternate route up La Maliciosa. It can take six to seven hours, but the views are memorable.

The trailhead is at the Puerto de Navacerrada from which you quickly reach the Siete Picos ridge. Then just amble on, enjoying the route finding and the scenic views to both sides of the ridge.