How to go up to Los Pilones, the best natural pools in the Jerte Valley

El Jerte Valley, in the province of Cáceres in Estremadura, has many reasons to surprise you.

And not only in the spring season when the slopes of the valley are covered in white with the impressive cherry blossom show, but also at other times of the year.

Another ideal moment is to approach the Jerte Valley in autumn, when ocher colors cover the slopes of the valley, and the cherry trees are dyed with the amazing red color of its leaves.

But it was during getaway to the Jerte Valley what I did at the time the Cerecera, at the beginning of summer, when I discovered the Nogaledas Gorge.

What the Garganta de los Infernos is like in Valle del Jerte

It is one of the several gorges that open between the mountains, and in which the torrent of water falls in a succession of waterfalls among a lush landscape, more typical of regions such as Asturias or Cantabria.

But do you know that one of these gorges of the Jerte Valley has the declaration of Natural reserve since 1994?

Specifically, it is about the Hells Throat. whose main corners you have to discover in a 4×4 excursion on mountain paths, as it is an area closed to vehicle traffic.

This paraje natural spreads across the Sierra de Tormantos, on the southwest slope of the Sierra de Gredos, behind the backs of the people of jerte y valley head.

Set on granite stone, it is an area of ​​the Jerte Valley covered by forests of deciduous trees, such as the Pyrenean oaks.

In this way, in autumn the mountain slopes are covered in colors during the fall of the leaves.

There are also oaks, chestnuts and, of course, cherry trees, and next to the waterfalls you can see alders, ash and willows.

How to see the Marmitas del Gigante, Los Pilones natural pools

But, without a doubt, the most visited enclave of the Hells Throat es the pylons.

There are the so-called Giant's Kettles, the result of the gradual erosion caused by the tumultuous fall of water on the granite rocks.

The word the pylons to a specific section where a granite block, and where the waters over millions of years have been carving natural graves, which are the aforementioned kettles.

What are the natural pools of Los Pilones like?

Currently here you find a place with a succession of natural pools which are very popular during the hot rigors of summer.

These lunchboxes They have been created by the erosive action of small fragments of stones that are trapped in the pits, and by the eddies they make a circular movement that erodes the rocks.

As you can imagine, given that The Throat of Hell is a parque naturalIn principle, you can only go up to Los Pilones by Hiking.

How to climb Los Pilones in Valle del Jerte

It is a 6,5 kilometer route (one way) that begins in the Interpretation Center of the Garganta de los Infiernos.

The route takes you along a forest track that continues to climb, but is very easy to climb, which will take you about two hours of walking.

Therefore, go up to Los Pilones It is the classic excursion to which you will dedicate a day during which you will enjoy the lushness of this natural park.

The ascent section will culminate in the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint, from where you can see some waterfalls falling.

There you can also spot raptors, among which are the Golden Eagle, griffon vulture to hawks.

From this viewpoint you will have a gentle descent towards the place of the pylons.