Top 5 Gorges around Santo Tomé
Canyons around Santo Tomé, located within the Parque Natural Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, feature deep river gorges and notable geological formations. This region is known for its rugged terrain, carved by rivers like the Borosa, creating a landscape suitable for exploration. The area offers a variety of natural monuments and trails that traverse these unique environments.
Best canyons around Santo Tomé
- The most popular canyons is Elías Gorge, a gorge that runs through a winding path carved by the Borosa River. This natural canyon is known for its geological and vegetal richness.
- Another must-see spot is Borosa River Water Canal Tunnel, an other man-made structure that brings water from the Borosa River. Visitors can walk through this tunnel, which has sections requiring a flashlight.
- Visitors also love Poyos de la Mesa, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Sierra de Castril and Sierra de Cazorla. This plateau features impressive rock cuts and stands at 1586 meters.
- Santo Tomé is known for its river-carved gorges, natural monuments, and challenging trails. The area provides a variety of canyons to see and explore, from accessible paths to more demanding routes.
- The canyons around Santo Tomé are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 80 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Elías Gorge
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Borosa River Water Canal Tunnel
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Poyos de la Mesa
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Tranco del Perro
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The path is impeccable, it passes a gate at the entrance to Tranco del Perro, where it has a stark section, and climbs to the lunar terrain of Puntal del Águila and its procession of limestone “banderillas” that form the pedestal of the summit of Banderillas. The path leaves Tranco del Perro and a crossroads appears on a hill marked with stone markers. The summit route turns left, there is still a good squeeze left. The path on the right is the way down.
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Salto de la Puerta Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
From this place there are impressive views of this part of the Sierra de Cazorla and Segura.
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Beautiful trail in a narrow canyon formed by the river.
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It is one of the many waterfalls in this gorge, and because the reservoir is not yet full of water, the falls are very weak, although they can still be enjoyed.
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It is convenient to carry a headlamp so you have your hands. In some short stretches there is not enough natural light.
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This tunnel was made to bring water from the source of the Borosa River and the Aguas Negras lagoon to the hydroelectric plant. Inside there are quite dark sections, so it is good to bring a flashlight.
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This stretch of path is difficult to cycle because it runs through areas of hard rock and is designed for walking, but in any case it is worth seeing and enjoying.
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The Cerrada (or Cerrá) path runs through a winding gorge broken by the patience of the Borosa River, in the Sierra de Cazorla.
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Observe the greatness of Nature
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the canyons around Santo Tomé?
The canyons around Santo Tomé, located within the Parque Natural Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, are characterized by deep river gorges and notable geological formations. You'll encounter winding paths carved by rivers, impressive rock cuts, and diverse vegetation. Highlights include the geological and vegetal richness of Elías Gorge and the limestone formations around Tranco del Perro.
Are there any unique man-made structures to explore within the canyons?
Yes, visitors can explore the Borosa River Water Canal Tunnel. This man-made structure was built to channel water from the Borosa River to a hydroelectric plant. It has sections that are quite dark, so bringing a flashlight is recommended for your visit.
What are the best viewpoints for panoramic scenery in the canyon area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Poyos de la Mesa. This plateau, standing at 1586 meters, offers impressive rock cuts and expansive vistas of the Sierra de Castril to the east and the Sierra de Cazorla to the west.
What is the difficulty level of the trails in the canyons near Santo Tomé?
The trails in the canyons around Santo Tomé offer a range of difficulties. Some paths are accessible, while others, like parts of Tranco del Perro, are considered challenging due to their rugged, labyrinthine terrain. Many trails, such as those through Elías Gorge, are intermediate.
Are there any waterfalls to see in the gorges?
Yes, you can find waterfalls within the gorges. One notable example is the Salto de la Puerta Waterfall, which is one of several cascades in the area. While its flow can vary depending on reservoir levels, it remains a beautiful natural feature to enjoy.
What outdoor activities can I do near these canyons?
The area around Santo Tomé offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and cycling. For hiking, popular options include the Río Borosa Trail and the Borosa River Route. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Santo Tomé, Running Trails around Santo Tomé, and Cycling around Santo Tomé guides.
Are there specific hiking trails that explore the canyons?
Absolutely. The Hiking around Santo Tomé guide features trails that traverse the canyon landscapes. For instance, the Río Borosa Trail and the Borosa River Route are excellent choices for experiencing the deep river gorges and natural beauty of the area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons around Santo Tomé?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and geological richness of the area. The winding paths through gorges like Elías Gorge, the panoramic views from Poyos de la Mesa, and the unique experience of walking through the Borosa River Water Canal Tunnel are frequently highlighted. The region's rugged terrain and diverse trails also provide a rewarding experience for explorers.
Is the area suitable for family-friendly activities?
While some trails can be challenging, there are accessible paths within the canyons suitable for families. The general appeal of river-carved gorges and natural monuments offers opportunities for nature walks and exploration that can be enjoyed by various age groups. Always check specific trail descriptions for difficulty and suitability before heading out with children.
What should I wear or bring when exploring the canyons?
Given the varied terrain and potential for dark sections in places like the Borosa River Water Canal Tunnel, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Layered clothing is also recommended to adapt to changing conditions within the gorges and at higher viewpoints.
Are there any specific natural monuments to look out for?
Yes, the area is rich in natural monuments. Beyond the gorges themselves, you'll find impressive rock formations and features like the 'stone benches' at Poyos de la Mesa and the limestone 'trancos' (towers, spiers, and canals) that characterize the mountainous terrain around Tranco del Perro.
Most popular attractions around Santo Tomé
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