Montón de Trigo

Overview

Montón de Trigo is one of the most beautiful mountains in Sierra de Guadarrama because of its neat pyramidal form. In fact , it's name means "Wheat Heap" because of it shape.

When there are no clouds you have an spectacular and broad 360 degree view of Madrid and Segovia provinces and what is more important a very good view of relevant mountains of the Central System (including it's highest nice mountain Peñalara -2430m - see its detailed and excellent page) and another of the big classics "Cuerda Larga" (see photo)

To go up Montón de Trigo there are basically 2 classic routes with both a rather low degree of difficulty (only if ice/hard snow in the summit you may need crampons and ice axe):

1. Starting from Puerto de Navacerrada: A long and gorgeous hike combining Camino Schmidt & Monton de Trigo (both ways from / to Puerto de Navacerrada) takes around 6 to 7h with a distance of approx. 20 Km. The Camino Schmidt is another big classic of this Sierra connecting Puerto de Navacerrada and Puerto de la Fuenfria. The trail goes through a nice forest of old and healthy pines which gives shelter to most of the weather inclemencies. From Puerto de la Fuenfria you pass through Collado Minguete and then up to the summit.

2. Starting in Cercedilla: a nice "alpin" town, from Las Dehesas taking the old Roman Road "Calzada Romana" up to Puerto de la Fuenfria and then again through Collado Minguete, up to the summit. Its duration is as well around 5-6h.

There are other alternatives, but I strongly recommend alternative 1. Another great possibility is to combine both in a linear hike: Puerto Navacerrada - Camino Schmidt - Puerto de la Fuenfria Monton de Trigo - Cercedilla.

Getting There

From Madrid :

By car :
You take A6 highway and then M-607 passing Navacerrada village, M-601 to Puerto de Navacerrada (1.860 m). It takes you around 1h to complete the 60Km

By train:
From the central stations Atocha or Chamartin you go to Cercedilla and then the tramway to Puerto Navacerrada (line C-9)

Other possible access is from Segovia.

IMPORTANT: The access to Puerto de Navacerrada gets easily crowded due to its proximity to Madrid... therefore in ALL CASES it's recommended to get up early (6am-7am) !!

When To Climb

All seasons are good, being specially interesting in Winter and Spring. Winter because of the beauty with snow. Spring to avoid potential extreme hot weather and dryness...

If coming in winter and there is plenty of snow, make sure you bring your Ice Ax and Crampons. Not to worry much about avalanches though.

If coming in summer then make sure you bring sun protection, a cap/hat and a lot of water.

Red Tape

There is no need of any permit. All the area is free access.

Campign is forbidden. Nevertheless you have some huts and hotels in both Puerto de Navacerrada and Cercedilla.

Key Information

I recommend to check weather conditions some days before and in the same day of the climb.

You can do so:
Telephone: Spanish Meteorologic Service: +34 807 170 382

Web:

• Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
  

or here:

• Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia
  

Any SOS and Rescue topics because of accidents you can phone :
Grupo Especial de Rescate en Altura (rescue team)-> 112
GREIM (rescue team Puerto de Navacerrada) -> 91 852 10 12

External Links

Mountain Clubs in Spain and Madrid:

Dreampeaks-Mountain Club with Guides

Federacion de Espana
Federacion de Madrid

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Images

View Montón de Trigo Image Gallery - 30 Images