John Climber - Mar 26, 2006 5:02 pm Date Climbed: Mar 26, 2006
Normal over Dos Hermanas.
Me, together with Summitposter Nikolai79 climbed Peñalara over the Normal Route (Dos Hermanas). We continued towards Risco de los Claveles and took the Lagunas de Peñalara/Circo de Peñalara to descend back to Puerto de los Cotos. 2 hours to Peñalara. Good snow conditions. A lot of wind (aprox. 60 km/h) on the ridges and tops. Easy mountain but entertaining.
pablo - Feb 6, 2006 2:23 pm Date Climbed: Feb 4, 2006
Route Climbed: Peñalara South East Classic
My brother Gabi, our friend Jimmy and me wanted to test some climbs on ice. Finally as the day was excellent we did the ascend to the peak. It was a wonderful experience. A beautiful sea of clouds extended in the clean and sunny Sierra.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Date Climbed: 29 June 2005
Enjoyed this solo hike in a beautiful summer afternoon. I was lucky about weather, for it wasn't too hot (about 18º C) in the Puerto de Cotos and a cool breeze was blowing up in the ridge between Dos Hermanas menor and Peñalara. In spite of the advice from Diego, being on my own I did not dare to take the Lagunas de Peñalara Descent Route. Maybe next time... As soon as possible I hope to be able to post some of my pictures.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal passing Peñalara to Risco de los Claveles and back Date Climbed: 1 April 2005
Nadie and me started climbing at 2:55 PM on Puerto de Cotos. The ascent to Dos Hermanas Menor was on the normal route thought we stoped (20 min) for having lunch on the forest trail that leads to the top. The final section to the summit was straightly and we had to put our gaiters on before reaching the top. We wore hiking boots but previously (on Puerto de Cotos) we had put water-repellent on them. Once on Dos Hermanas Menor (4:35 PM) we ascended Dos Hermanas Mayor (4:55 PM) and continued to the summit of Peñalara leaving the big cornice to the right. At 5:35 PM we reached the top and did a break for 10 minutes eating something.
Continued sinking in the snow to Risco de los Claveles. The mixed ridge to Risco de los Claveles was a little risky but the rocks were dry and we didn't slip though the snow was very wet. At 6:25 PM we were on the top of Risco de los Claveles, where we decided not to descend on the "Lagunas de Peñalara Descent Route" because it was late and there was deep snow in the area between the mountain lakes. So we traversed the ridge and ascended to Peñalara (7:05 PM) again, where we rested for 10 minutes. Then we descended leaving the big cornice to the left and avoiding the snow fields. Past Dos Hermanas Mayor to the right and ascended Dos Hermanas Menor (7:45 PM). Finally we descended mainly on the forest trail to Puerto de Cotos (8:55 PM). We found deep snow until the old Area 2.100 but later there was no snow. Tmin = 5ºC Tmax = 22ºC (in the sun).
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal on the right wood variant and the ski-run of La Pradera Date Climbed: 10 February 2005
I forgot my camera in the rear seat of my car while ski touring Peñalara, Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain. Nadie and me had to descend from an approximate height of 2085 m in order not to be stolen. There were many people that day on Puerto (pass) de Cotos (1830 m). After having lunch in my car I drove to Puerto de Navacerrada (1860 m) and we ascended Bola del Mundo (2255 m) and enjoyed a nice descent.
Route Climbed: Lagunas de Peñalara descending on Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 23 April 2004
Nadie and me started at Puerto de Cotos at 3:40 PM, late but she leaves her job 1:30 PM in Madrid. Firstly we took the right forest trail (PR 15) til Fuente del Cubeiro, where we drank some water. Then a pair of old women who ascended to Mirador de la Gitana asked us where were we go so late. We proceed on ours way and took the fire-lane wich rises to the ancient Area 2100 (4:20 PM). Put some clothes on and traversed to Refugio Zabala, then we descended to Laguna Grande and stoped 20' for having lunch. Ascended the moraine and reached PR 15 again, then we descended to some beautiful pools dotted about the meadow. The snow layer became to be continuous (aprox. 2.050 m), so we pushed forward to Laguna de los Pájaros (2.180 m - 7:10 PM) passing Cinco Lagunas. We sometimes sank the whole boots in the snow but we could pass P 2.264 to the left and continue on the NW side of Risco de los Claveles, always following PR 3, to the summit of Peñalara (8:20 PM). Did a stop of 20' for eating something and take some pics and started the descent. Passed the cornice over Laguna Grande, left Dos Hermanas Mayor to the left and reached Dos Hermanas Menor (9:20 PM). The darkness had come down so we put our headlamps on and descended on the forest trail first (we did a short break there), then on the fire-line and the forest trail again. Drank water at Fuente del Cubeiro and reached my car parked on Puerto de Cotos (10:20 PM). It had been a nice day on the mountains, with good weather (sunny and calm) and not low temperatures (over the freezing point). We had not seen any people since we left Laguna Grande til we were driving back to Madrid. When reaching Puerto de Navacerrada a fox crossed the road in front of us.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 19 February 2004
I drove with Nadie to Puerto de Cotos and soon we saw an 112 Emergencies 4WD. We started climbing at 3:11 PM following the trail through the pinewood. We stayed 20 minutes for having lunch at aprox. 2.145 m (3:51 PM). Then proceeded walking on the forest trail. We saw a 4WD of the Civil Guardian but didn't ask anything. Took a short cut and passed Dos Hermanas Menor to the right. Two helicopters were flying over us, one of them was very low. The other landed on the parking of Puerto de Cotos once. Passed Dos Hermanas Mayor to the left. Pushed forward to the summit of Peñalara (5:20 PM) where we stayed 20 minutes putting our crampons on and taken some photos. We didn?t figure that 2 climbers had died 4 hours ago when they fell on the clifs between Peñalara and Risco de los Claveles. The descent was quick because we walked on the icy snow. We had some fog but it disappeared at 2.300 m aprox. We trod Dos Hermanas Mayor (6:20 PM), took our crampons off and reached the summit of Dos Hermanas Menor (6:40 PM). Finally we followed the forest trail taking some short cuts, put our headlamps on and reached the car at 7:40 PM. In the car we read the worrying SMS of my mom and answered. Finally, when driving back to Madrid she told us the accident of those climbers. The conditions had been bad on the summit but we took the compass and had not problems, the minimum temperature was -8 ºC / 18F and there was ice in some areas. Probably the fog covered them and they wanted to descent on a difficult gully between Peñalara and Risco de los Claveles. Some of them didn't wear crampons... It's very sad!
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 5 November 2003
I drove to Puerto de Cotos, Madrid, with nadie. There were many cars on the parking though it was a labour day, but when we started to hike (2:40 PM) we found out that almost all the people ramained on the col. We went through the pine wood firstly, reached the place where was the ancient Area 2.100 bar and ascended the last part of the SE slope of Dos Hermanas Menor. We saw a hiker in that area of the old bar, and a 4WD wich came with crew for working on the forest trail, it sliped on the snow. At 4 PM we were having lunch (20 min) on the Dos Hermanas Menor summit. The wind blowed lightly. Then we restarted walking leaving Dos Hermanas Mayor top to the righ, and ascended to the summit of Peñalara (5:10 PM). The snow of the final slopes was soft but we only sank the half of our plastic boots. There was not sufficient ice for crampons, it only covered the rocks. We stayed 20 minutes at the top, where I put my inner trousers on and ate a power bar with water. The temperature was not low (2 ºC minimum) but the wind was rather strong. Then we started descending to the col, where the usual snow cornice was already forming. We ascended Dos Hermanas Mayor (5:45 PM) and followed quickly to the Menor, wich we left to the right. Then we took two short cuts of the forest trail in order to descent fastly, the night was coming and we didn't carry lights. So we descended the final section on the old ski run of the pine wood. Finally we followed the forest trail, reached Casa del Depósito and Fuente del Cubeiro (where we drunk water). At 6:50 PM we were in my car having hot tea. The Puerto de Cotos area was covered with fog but we could see a nice fox when starting our drive to Madrid.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 8 June 2003
Leyre and me drove to Puerto de Cotos after having had some baths with friends in Las Presillas, Rascafría (Madrid). We started at 8:20 PM and hiked up taking the final short cut to Dos Hermanas Menor (9:20 PM). Then I ran to Dos Hermanas Mayor and back (9:30 PM). The descent to Puerto de Cotos (10:30 PM) was on the forest trail to the left. It was a nice hike though we didn't reach the top of Peñalara, the weather was nice and it remained some snow patches as well as the cornice between Dos Hermanas Mayor and Peñalara. Leyre didn't want to use the lights so I had no chance of summitting.
Route Climbed: Cotos - Peña Cítores - Dos Hermanas Mayor, descent via Risco de los Claveles and all the lagunas Date Climbed: 26 May 2003
I left Puerto de Cotos with Nadie at 2:20 PM in a sunny but cool day. We first hiked through Pinar (pinewood) de Valsaín following the PR 3 trail. After an hour we were on the first top, Peña Cítores, a rounded mountain separated of Dos Hermanas Menor to the west. Then we descended a little to an ancient cow-fold where we took shelter of the cold north wind guts. We were there a lot of time (2 h 20 min), having lunch and taking rest, so at 6 PM we restart fastly ascending Dos Hermanas Mayor (6:20 PM). They rested some snow patches, some big as the one that forms the cornice between Peñalara and Dos Hermanas Mayor. Soon we hiked to the top of Peñalara (6:50 PM), so the pace has been fast aside the long rest on Peña Cítores. Had a short break (10 min) and started the descent to the col between Risco de los Claveles and Peñalara. Then we did the arete of Claveles reaching its summit at 7:30 AM, followed the ridge a little and descended Laguna de los Pájaros passing Risco de los Pájaros. The area was in the shadow so the temperature has lowed to 4 ºC, drunk and ate a little (there is a water source there) and restarted the descent passing some nice meadows and ponds as Cinco Lagunas. The trail goes up and down but the descent is more common than the ascent. We could see Laguna Grande from the moraine until descending to the little wooden bridge over Arroyo de la Laguna (9:10 PM). Then we did the final section, almost plain following the trail PR 15, wich comes from La Granja via Puerto de los Neveros. At 9:40 PM we were alone at the parking drinking some nice coffee and tea. We'd had a nice 7 h 30 min hike counting all the breaks and had sawn no mammals but many different birds, lads and wild flowers. We hadn't met anybody in the whole hike.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal and Risco de los Claveles skiing Date Climbed: 10 March 2003
At 2:50 PM I left the lower parking (1.830 m) of Puerto de Cotos alone. Firstly I carried my skis on the backpack because there wasn't sufficient snow. So I hiked up to Fuente del Cubeiro, where I put my skis on. The snow was rotten because of the high temperatures buy I pushed forward along the forestr trail. I took of the old ski tracks of Valcotos resort to reach the place where once was Area 2.100 bar (3:30 AM). Then I took a short cut on a steep slope in order to go to Dos Hermanas Menor (2.268 m). I passed the summit to the right and traversed searching the snowed areas to Dos Hermanas Mayor (2.285 m) 4:10 PM. I was taking lunch when I saw the last climbers descending to Dos Hermanas Menor. After 30 min I desdended to the col that separates Peñalara (2.428 m), where the usual cornice of the springs is. The final slope to the top was not covered with snow at all, there were many rocks so I had to look for the adequate track. At 5:20 PM I was on the summit but I didn't rest there because i t was late and I wanted to go to Risco de los Claveles. I descended to the col and ascended a little to the ridge. I took my skis off and climbed the snowed narrow arete that leads to the summit (5:40 PM).
I started to go back firstly descending to the place where I had taken my skis off and then to the col. I ascended the steep slopes of Peñalara and passed the top to the right. Then I descended to the cornice without taking the skins off (I still hadn't done that in the whole traverse) because it rested two ascents, one bordering Dos Hermanas Mayor and the other to reach the to top of Dos Hermanas Menor (withouth skis) 6:40 PM. I still descended a little with the skins on because of the steep and narrow slope. The temperature has lowed to 4º C (39 F) with a slight wind so the snow had turned hard. Soon I took the skins off and started to descend quickly on a narrow and steep slope first, and then on the wide bed where once were the upper ski tracks. Then I traversed to the ski track of the ascent, where the snow had too much deep footprints; my legs burnt so I fell twice. Finally I took the forest trail and descended smoothly to Puerto de Cotos, where I drunk water at the fountain. I took my skis off and went back to the car (7:20 AM).
Route Climbed: Anonymous Icefall and Gully, 60º/75ºIce & 45º/50ºSnow. S-SE Face Date Climbed: Sat 1st. Feb. 2003
We went to iceclimb some of the Peñalara ice falls and ended enjoying a beautiful cold a sunny day and reaching the summit via this elegant and never crowded line.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal skiing Date Climbed: 20 November 2002
Me and a cousin started at Puerto de Cotos in a nice day. I was ski-mountaneering and he was by foot and snowshoes. Firstly we went fast along the wide forest trail in the right wood, soon we took a short cut by the old ski track comming from the ancient Area 2100. We joined the trail again until that place, the slope became steep. There, the wind blew a bit so we had to cloth a bit, the temperature was just over the freezing point. Then we followed the trail that climbs to Dos Hermanas Menor, because there were no sufficient snow to cut corners again. This trail is a little flat sometimes with sharp bends. Once near Dos Hermanas Menor the wind blowed more than before so we had to cloth with Gore-Tex throusers, fleeces and balaclavas or caps. We pushed forward passing Dos Hermanas Mayor to the right, descended a little to the col and finally climbed the endless slope up Peñalara. We had lunch behind a snow summital cornice in order protect against the wind guts. Some climbers came during our break but none of them stopped a lot on the top because of the cold. We stayed there 40', just eating something, taking some photos and unsticking the climb skins. My cousin mounted his snowboard and I attached my skis again.
We started the descent between some little rocks, the snow was icy sometimes. On the col we took a look to Circo de Peñalara and Laguna Grande. I unfasted my skis in order to ascend the slopes that surround Dos Hermanas Mayor and went towards Dos Hermanas Menor. Too much clouds came from the S so we were in the fog soon. We decided to descend by the wide trail because the snow didn't cover the bushes. The descent was not very fast because of the non steep slopes. Once where Area 2100 was in the past, we turned left to descend along an ancient ski track, its end joins with the forest trail by a path. There was some rocks in a short section so we had to unfast the skis and the snowboard again, and took a chocolate snack (20' break). We met people again, they had seized the good weather ot the morning to start hiking on the snow. Finally we descended towards Puerto de Cotos where we skied the ancient Pradera ski track. Total time: 4h 20 min, Tmin = -1 ºC. We took a short walk before the sunset, there were some snowboarders taking a photo session. They descended steps meanwhile the cars lighted them. The temperature was a bit low (-2 ºC) so we went back to our car in order to return to Madrid.
I used my new ski-mountaneering boots so I blistered my feet, only one was important.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: September 14, 2002
Beautiful indian summer day, 17º C at Puerto de Cotos when we started our ascent at 11AM. The path is very well marked. It took us 2:15 hours to reach the summit. Had lunch there and after 20' started our descent on the Lagunas de Peñalara Route. Made a 30' pleasure stop at Laguna de los Pajaros to sunbath and breathe the fresh air. Arrived to Puerto de Cotos at 4PM just in time to catch the train back to Madrid. Round-trip with 50' lunch and nap break: 5 hours.
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: September 19th, 2002
I've solo climbed this mountain again. I started at Puerto de Cotos in the evening. First I ascended Dos Hermanas Menor, where I had lunch meanwhile I took some photos. Then I reached Dos Hermanas Mayor. I pushed forward to Peñalara (1 h 25') where I took my time having rest. Descent was by the same route up to the ancient Area 2.100 (I wore my headlamp near Dos Hermanas Mayor), then I descended along the old ski run and the forest trail. Finally I followed PR 15 to Puerto de Cotos (2h 50'). Tmin = 7 ºC with moderate winds.
John Climber - Mar 26, 2006 5:02 pm Date Climbed: Mar 26, 2006
Normal over Dos Hermanas.Me, together with Summitposter Nikolai79 climbed Peñalara over the Normal Route (Dos Hermanas). We continued towards Risco de los Claveles and took the Lagunas de Peñalara/Circo de Peñalara to descend back to Puerto de los Cotos. 2 hours to Peñalara. Good snow conditions. A lot of wind (aprox. 60 km/h) on the ridges and tops. Easy mountain but entertaining.
pablo - Feb 6, 2006 2:23 pm Date Climbed: Feb 4, 2006
Route Climbed: Peñalara South East ClassicMy brother Gabi, our friend Jimmy and me wanted to test some climbs on ice. Finally as the day was excellent we did the ascend to the peak. It was a wonderful experience. A beautiful sea of clouds extended in the clean and sunny Sierra.
Jon Cruces - Dec 25, 2005 5:19 pm
Route Climbed: Normal 'Dos Hermanas' Date Climbed: Dec. 24th 2005Second time in my life I climb this mountain in Winter. What a beatiful day with Unai, my 2 year old brother that Dad was carrying and Mum.
mack78 - Aug 27, 2005 11:32 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Date Climbed: Summer 1999 and January 7 2002Nice easy climb in the summer/winter, it takes you about
2 hours to 2 1/2 hours from the parking to the summit.
eza - Jun 30, 2005 10:58 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Date Climbed: 29 June 2005Enjoyed this solo hike in a beautiful summer afternoon. I was lucky about weather, for it wasn't too hot (about 18º C) in the Puerto de Cotos and a cool breeze was blowing up in the ridge between Dos Hermanas menor and Peñalara. In spite of the advice from Diego, being on my own I did not dare to take the Lagunas de Peñalara Descent Route. Maybe next time... As soon as possible I hope to be able to post some of my pictures.
Diego Sahagún - Apr 5, 2005 8:51 pm
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal passing Peñalara to Risco de los Claveles and back Date Climbed: 1 April 2005Nadie and me started climbing at 2:55 PM on Puerto de Cotos. The ascent to Dos Hermanas Menor was on the normal route thought we stoped (20 min) for having lunch on the forest trail that leads to the top. The final section to the summit was straightly and we had to put our gaiters on before reaching the top. We wore hiking boots but previously (on Puerto de Cotos) we had put water-repellent on them. Once on Dos Hermanas Menor (4:35 PM) we ascended Dos Hermanas Mayor (4:55 PM) and continued to the summit of Peñalara leaving the big cornice to the right. At 5:35 PM we reached the top and did a break for 10 minutes eating something.
Continued sinking in the snow to Risco de los Claveles. The mixed ridge to Risco de los Claveles was a little risky but the rocks were dry and we didn't slip though the snow was very wet. At 6:25 PM we were on the top of Risco de los Claveles, where we decided not to descend on the "Lagunas de Peñalara Descent Route" because it was late and there was deep snow in the area between the mountain lakes. So we traversed the ridge and ascended to Peñalara (7:05 PM) again, where we rested for 10 minutes. Then we descended leaving the big cornice to the left and avoiding the snow fields. Past Dos Hermanas Mayor to the right and ascended Dos Hermanas Menor (7:45 PM). Finally we descended mainly on the forest trail to Puerto de Cotos (8:55 PM). We found deep snow until the old Area 2.100 but later there was no snow. Tmin = 5ºC Tmax = 22ºC (in the sun).
Diego Sahagún - Feb 27, 2005 7:17 pm
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal on the right wood variant and the ski-run of La Pradera Date Climbed: 10 February 2005I forgot my camera in the rear seat of my car while ski touring Peñalara, Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain. Nadie and me had to descend from an approximate height of 2085 m in order not to be stolen. There were many people that day on Puerto (pass) de Cotos (1830 m). After having lunch in my car I drove to Puerto de Navacerrada (1860 m) and we ascended Bola del Mundo (2255 m) and enjoyed a nice descent.
Jon Cruces - Jan 19, 2005 5:50 am
Route Climbed: Cotos - Dos Hermanas - Peñalara, and back Date Climbed: Dec. 24th 2004It was my first real mountain ascent. I like the snow very much. I might be the youngest person to reach this summit in winter. We had a pretty day !!
Luidger - Sep 10, 2004 3:36 pm
Route Climbed: Cotos - Dos Hermanas Mayor, descent via Risco de los Claveles and all the lagunas Date Climbed: 6 September 2004Nice tour in alpine scenary esp. on the east side with the glacial lakes. Few people during the week.
Diego Sahagún - May 8, 2004 10:02 pm
Route Climbed: Lagunas de Peñalara descending on Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 23 April 2004Nadie and me started at Puerto de Cotos at 3:40 PM, late but she leaves her job 1:30 PM in Madrid. Firstly we took the right forest trail (PR 15) til Fuente del Cubeiro, where we drank some water. Then a pair of old women who ascended to Mirador de la Gitana asked us where were we go so late. We proceed on ours way and took the fire-lane wich rises to the ancient Area 2100 (4:20 PM). Put some clothes on and traversed to Refugio Zabala, then we descended to Laguna Grande and stoped 20' for having lunch. Ascended the moraine and reached PR 15 again, then we descended to some beautiful pools dotted about the meadow. The snow layer became to be continuous (aprox. 2.050 m), so we pushed forward to Laguna de los Pájaros (2.180 m - 7:10 PM) passing Cinco Lagunas. We sometimes sank the whole boots in the snow but we could pass P 2.264 to the left and continue on the NW side of Risco de los Claveles, always following PR 3, to the summit of Peñalara (8:20 PM). Did a stop of 20' for eating something and take some pics and started the descent. Passed the cornice over Laguna Grande, left Dos Hermanas Mayor to the left and reached Dos Hermanas Menor (9:20 PM). The darkness had come down so we put our headlamps on and descended on the forest trail first (we did a short break there), then on the fire-line and the forest trail again. Drank water at Fuente del Cubeiro and reached my car parked on Puerto de Cotos (10:20 PM). It had been a nice day on the mountains, with good weather (sunny and calm) and not low temperatures (over the freezing point). We had not seen any people since we left Laguna Grande til we were driving back to Madrid. When reaching Puerto de Navacerrada a fox crossed the road in front of us.
Diego Sahagún - Mar 1, 2004 6:02 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 19 February 2004I drove with Nadie to Puerto de Cotos and soon we saw an 112 Emergencies 4WD. We started climbing at 3:11 PM following the trail through the pinewood. We stayed 20 minutes for having lunch at aprox. 2.145 m (3:51 PM). Then proceeded walking on the forest trail. We saw a 4WD of the Civil Guardian but didn't ask anything. Took a short cut and passed Dos Hermanas Menor to the right. Two helicopters were flying over us, one of them was very low. The other landed on the parking of Puerto de Cotos once. Passed Dos Hermanas Mayor to the left. Pushed forward to the summit of Peñalara (5:20 PM) where we stayed 20 minutes putting our crampons on and taken some photos. We didn?t figure that 2 climbers had died 4 hours ago when they fell on the clifs between Peñalara and Risco de los Claveles. The descent was quick because we walked on the icy snow. We had some fog but it disappeared at 2.300 m aprox. We trod Dos Hermanas Mayor (6:20 PM), took our crampons off and reached the summit of Dos Hermanas Menor (6:40 PM). Finally we followed the forest trail taking some short cuts, put our headlamps on and reached the car at 7:40 PM. In the car we read the worrying SMS of my mom and answered. Finally, when driving back to Madrid she told us the accident of those climbers. The conditions had been bad on the summit but we took the compass and had not problems, the minimum temperature was -8 ºC / 18F and there was ice in some areas. Probably the fog covered them and they wanted to descent on a difficult gully between Peñalara and Risco de los Claveles. Some of them didn't wear crampons... It's very sad!
Diego Sahagún - Nov 10, 2003 9:07 pm
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 5 November 2003I drove to Puerto de Cotos, Madrid, with nadie. There were many cars on the parking though it was a labour day, but when we started to hike (2:40 PM) we found out that almost all the people ramained on the col. We went through the pine wood firstly, reached the place where was the ancient Area 2.100 bar and ascended the last part of the SE slope of Dos Hermanas Menor. We saw a hiker in that area of the old bar, and a 4WD wich came with crew for working on the forest trail, it sliped on the snow. At 4 PM we were having lunch (20 min) on the Dos Hermanas Menor summit. The wind blowed lightly. Then we restarted walking leaving Dos Hermanas Mayor top to the righ, and ascended to the summit of Peñalara (5:10 PM). The snow of the final slopes was soft but we only sank the half of our plastic boots. There was not sufficient ice for crampons, it only covered the rocks. We stayed 20 minutes at the top, where I put my inner trousers on and ate a power bar with water. The temperature was not low (2 ºC minimum) but the wind was rather strong. Then we started descending to the col, where the usual snow cornice was already forming. We ascended Dos Hermanas Mayor (5:45 PM) and followed quickly to the Menor, wich we left to the right. Then we took two short cuts of the forest trail in order to descent fastly, the night was coming and we didn't carry lights. So we descended the final section on the old ski run of the pine wood. Finally we followed the forest trail, reached Casa del Depósito and Fuente del Cubeiro (where we drunk water). At 6:50 PM we were in my car having hot tea. The Puerto de Cotos area was covered with fog but we could see a nice fox when starting our drive to Madrid.
Diego Sahagún - Jun 26, 2003 3:57 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: 8 June 2003Leyre and me drove to Puerto de Cotos after having had some baths with friends in Las Presillas, Rascafría (Madrid). We started at 8:20 PM and hiked up taking the final short cut to Dos Hermanas Menor (9:20 PM). Then I ran to Dos Hermanas Mayor and back (9:30 PM). The descent to Puerto de Cotos (10:30 PM) was on the forest trail to the left. It was a nice hike though we didn't reach the top of Peñalara, the weather was nice and it remained some snow patches as well as the cornice between Dos Hermanas Mayor and Peñalara. Leyre didn't want to use the lights so I had no chance of summitting.
Diego Sahagún - May 31, 2003 3:42 am
Route Climbed: Cotos - Peña Cítores - Dos Hermanas Mayor, descent via Risco de los Claveles and all the lagunas Date Climbed: 26 May 2003I left Puerto de Cotos with Nadie at 2:20 PM in a sunny but cool day. We first hiked through Pinar (pinewood) de Valsaín following the PR 3 trail. After an hour we were on the first top, Peña Cítores, a rounded mountain separated of Dos Hermanas Menor to the west. Then we descended a little to an ancient cow-fold where we took shelter of the cold north wind guts. We were there a lot of time (2 h 20 min), having lunch and taking rest, so at 6 PM we restart fastly ascending Dos Hermanas Mayor (6:20 PM). They rested some snow patches, some big as the one that forms the cornice between Peñalara and Dos Hermanas Mayor. Soon we hiked to the top of Peñalara (6:50 PM), so the pace has been fast aside the long rest on Peña Cítores. Had a short break (10 min) and started the descent to the col between Risco de los Claveles and Peñalara. Then we did the arete of Claveles reaching its summit at 7:30 AM, followed the ridge a little and descended Laguna de los Pájaros passing Risco de los Pájaros. The area was in the shadow so the temperature has lowed to 4 ºC, drunk and ate a little (there is a water source there) and restarted the descent passing some nice meadows and ponds as Cinco Lagunas. The trail goes up and down but the descent is more common than the ascent. We could see Laguna Grande from the moraine until descending to the little wooden bridge over Arroyo de la Laguna (9:10 PM). Then we did the final section, almost plain following the trail PR 15, wich comes from La Granja via Puerto de los Neveros. At 9:40 PM we were alone at the parking drinking some nice coffee and tea. We'd had a nice 7 h 30 min hike counting all the breaks and had sawn no mammals but many different birds, lads and wild flowers. We hadn't met anybody in the whole hike.
Huberschwiller - Mar 27, 2003 11:16 pm
Route Climbed: Normal Date Climbed: 26 august 1989I reached the summit with my 7 years old daughter Carole from Los Cotos. No problems.
Diego Sahagún - Mar 18, 2003 6:36 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal and Risco de los Claveles skiing Date Climbed: 10 March 2003At 2:50 PM I left the lower parking (1.830 m) of Puerto de Cotos alone. Firstly I carried my skis on the backpack because there wasn't sufficient snow. So I hiked up to Fuente del Cubeiro, where I put my skis on. The snow was rotten because of the high temperatures buy I pushed forward along the forestr trail. I took of the old ski tracks of Valcotos resort to reach the place where once was Area 2.100 bar (3:30 AM). Then I took a short cut on a steep slope in order to go to Dos Hermanas Menor (2.268 m). I passed the summit to the right and traversed searching the snowed areas to Dos Hermanas Mayor (2.285 m) 4:10 PM. I was taking lunch when I saw the last climbers descending to Dos Hermanas Menor. After 30 min I desdended to the col that separates Peñalara (2.428 m), where the usual cornice of the springs is. The final slope to the top was not covered with snow at all, there were many rocks so I had to look for the adequate track. At 5:20 PM I was on the summit but I didn't rest there because i t was late and I wanted to go to Risco de los Claveles. I descended to the col and ascended a little to the ridge. I took my skis off and climbed the snowed narrow arete that leads to the summit (5:40 PM).
I started to go back firstly descending to the place where I had taken my skis off and then to the col. I ascended the steep slopes of Peñalara and passed the top to the right. Then I descended to the cornice without taking the skins off (I still hadn't done that in the whole traverse) because it rested two ascents, one bordering Dos Hermanas Mayor and the other to reach the to top of Dos Hermanas Menor (withouth skis) 6:40 PM. I still descended a little with the skins on because of the steep and narrow slope. The temperature has lowed to 4º C (39 F) with a slight wind so the snow had turned hard. Soon I took the skins off and started to descend quickly on a narrow and steep slope first, and then on the wide bed where once were the upper ski tracks. Then I traversed to the ski track of the ascent, where the snow had too much deep footprints; my legs burnt so I fell twice. Finally I took the forest trail and descended smoothly to Puerto de Cotos, where I drunk water at the fountain. I took my skis off and went back to the car (7:20 AM).
TodoVertical - Feb 23, 2003 4:28 pm
Route Climbed: Anonymous Icefall and Gully, 60º/75ºIce & 45º/50ºSnow. S-SE Face Date Climbed: Sat 1st. Feb. 2003We went to iceclimb some of the Peñalara ice falls and ended enjoying a beautiful cold a sunny day and reaching the summit via this elegant and never crowded line.
Diego Sahagún - Nov 23, 2002 4:59 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal skiing Date Climbed: 20 November 2002Me and a cousin started at Puerto de Cotos in a nice day. I was ski-mountaneering and he was by foot and snowshoes. Firstly we went fast along the wide forest trail in the right wood, soon we took a short cut by the old ski track comming from the ancient Area 2100. We joined the trail again until that place, the slope became steep. There, the wind blew a bit so we had to cloth a bit, the temperature was just over the freezing point. Then we followed the trail that climbs to Dos Hermanas Menor, because there were no sufficient snow to cut corners again. This trail is a little flat sometimes with sharp bends. Once near Dos Hermanas Menor the wind blowed more than before so we had to cloth with Gore-Tex throusers, fleeces and balaclavas or caps. We pushed forward passing Dos Hermanas Mayor to the right, descended a little to the col and finally climbed the endless slope up Peñalara. We had lunch behind a snow summital cornice in order protect against the wind guts. Some climbers came during our break but none of them stopped a lot on the top because of the cold. We stayed there 40', just eating something, taking some photos and unsticking the climb skins. My cousin mounted his snowboard and I attached my skis again.
We started the descent between some little rocks, the snow was icy sometimes. On the col we took a look to Circo de Peñalara and Laguna Grande. I unfasted my skis in order to ascend the slopes that surround Dos Hermanas Mayor and went towards Dos Hermanas Menor. Too much clouds came from the S so we were in the fog soon. We decided to descend by the wide trail because the snow didn't cover the bushes. The descent was not very fast because of the non steep slopes. Once where Area 2100 was in the past, we turned left to descend along an ancient ski track, its end joins with the forest trail by a path. There was some rocks in a short section so we had to unfast the skis and the snowboard again, and took a chocolate snack (20' break). We met people again, they had seized the good weather ot the morning to start hiking on the snow. Finally we descended towards Puerto de Cotos where we skied the ancient Pradera ski track. Total time: 4h 20 min, Tmin = -1 ºC. We took a short walk before the sunset, there were some snowboarders taking a photo session. They descended steps meanwhile the cars lighted them. The temperature was a bit low (-2 ºC) so we went back to our car in order to return to Madrid.
I used my new ski-mountaneering boots so I blistered my feet, only one was important.
flearreta - Sep 27, 2002 6:57 am
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: September 14, 2002Beautiful indian summer day, 17º C at Puerto de Cotos when we started our ascent at 11AM. The path is very well marked. It took us 2:15 hours to reach the summit. Had lunch there and after 20' started our descent on the Lagunas de Peñalara Route. Made a 30' pleasure stop at Laguna de los Pajaros to sunbath and breathe the fresh air. Arrived to Puerto de Cotos at 4PM just in time to catch the train back to Madrid. Round-trip with 50' lunch and nap break: 5 hours.
Diego Sahagún - Sep 19, 2002 4:27 pm
Route Climbed: Dos Hermanas Normal Date Climbed: September 19th, 2002I've solo climbed this mountain again. I started at Puerto de Cotos in the evening. First I ascended Dos Hermanas Menor, where I had lunch meanwhile I took some photos. Then I reached Dos Hermanas Mayor. I pushed forward to Peñalara (1 h 25') where I took my time having rest. Descent was by the same route up to the ancient Area 2.100 (I wore my headlamp near Dos Hermanas Mayor), then I descended along the old ski run and the forest trail. Finally I followed PR 15 to Puerto de Cotos (2h 50'). Tmin = 7 ºC with moderate winds.