4.3
(19)
188
riders
20
rides
Mountain biking in Sierra De Castril offers diverse landscapes within the Granada province of Andalusia, Spain. The region features a rugged limestone massif with altitudes varying significantly, creating dramatic scenery with towering cliffs, gorges, and ravines. The Río Castril carves deep valleys, and the Embalse del Portillo provides impressive views of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains. This varied topography and significant elevation changes make it suitable for mountain biking.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
37.3km
03:31
770m
770m
This moderate 23.2-mile mountain biking loop in the Castril Geopark offers diverse scenery and views of the dramatic Castril Gorge.
3.8
(4)
16
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
1
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
riders
41.0km
03:58
1,080m
1,080m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This bivouac shelter is a very unique construction, basically composed of a room with a door, windows, and a cistern to collect rainwater, with a manual pump for its extraction. It should be remembered that this is, therefore, water without any sanitary treatment. It is especially important to be respectful in the use of these shelters, whose maintenance and good condition are basic for shepherds in an area as isolated as this. If you walk the marked trail Bosques del Sur, you will find it at kilometer 11.4 of stage number 15.
1
0
Last year in August (2024) it was brimming with energy and enthusiasm, but this year (2025) it's dry again. There's water, but it doesn't even fill half the pool. The water filters a few meters down, into Fuente Segura de Abajo.
1
0
The pine tree is estimated to be around 500 years old and about 40 meters tall. From the trail, it doesn't look so large, but as you get closer (now via some stairs made of logs), you realize its true size.
1
0
Castril is a wonderful destination in the province of Granada! Castril Castle: Located on La Peña, this castle offers stunning views of the town and its surroundings. Although it is in ruins, it can be visited on guided tours Historic Center: Stroll through the cobbled streets and white houses adorned with flowers. Don't miss the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles Sendero de la Cerrada del Río Castril: A spectacular walk through walkways and wooden bridges over the Castril River Sierra de Castril Natural Park: Enjoy nature with trails, waterfalls and stunning landscapes
8
0
The El Portillo reservoir or El Portillo Dam is located on the Castril River, in the municipality of Castril, in the province of Granada. This reservoir belongs to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, in the Granada area.
2
0
The El Portillo reservoir or El Portillo Dam is located on the Castril River, in the municipality of Castril, in the province of Granada. This reservoir belongs to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, in the Granada area.
1
0
The El Portillo reservoir or El Portillo Dam is located on the Castril River, in the municipality of Castril, in the province of Granada. This reservoir belongs to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, in the Granada area.
1
0
The river valley and its tributaries with gorges and waterfalls are the main attraction for numerous hikers.
7
0
Sierra De Castril offers a diverse network of over 15 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars.
The terrain in Sierra De Castril is characterized by a rugged limestone massif, featuring dramatic scenery with towering cliffs, gorges, and ravines. You'll encounter deep river valleys carved by the Río Castril, as well as pine forests and rocky sections, providing a varied and challenging experience.
While many trails are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy mountain bike trail available. For families or those seeking a less strenuous ride, it's advisable to check the difficulty ratings on individual tour pages to ensure suitability.
Mountain biking in Sierra De Castril offers stunning natural sights. You can ride past the impressive Portillo Reservoir with its turquoise waters, or explore areas near the Source of the Castril River. Other notable features include gorges like Barranco de Túnez and the unique Cuevas Bermejas Arch.
Yes, Sierra De Castril features several excellent circular mountain bike routes. A popular option is the Embalse del Portillo — circular desde Castril, which offers stunning mountain and river views. Another is the Castril a El Almicerán a las Cuevas Bermejas — circular por el Parque Natural Sierra de Castril, leading through the Natural Park.
The varied topography of Sierra De Castril means conditions can change. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. Summers can be hot, especially at lower altitudes, while higher elevations may experience cooler weather and occasional snow in winter. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
The komoot community highly rates the mountain biking experience in Sierra De Castril, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 18 reviews. Riders often praise the dramatic and diverse landscapes, the challenging elevation changes, and the immersive experience of riding through pine forests, ravines, and along the scenic Río Castril and Embalse del Portillo.
Absolutely. Sierra De Castril's rugged limestone massif features significant elevation changes, with altitudes varying from 855 to 2,138 meters. Routes like the Castril Village – Portillo Reservoir loop from Castril, a difficult 41 km trail, involve over 1100 meters of ascent, providing a demanding and rewarding experience for advanced riders.
Yes, Sierra De Castril is a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and home to diverse fauna. You might spot raptors such as griffon vultures, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons soaring above the cliffs. Elusive mammals like ibex and fallow deer also inhabit the park, especially in quieter areas.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the Rambla Seca Shelter – Source of the Segura River loop from Pino del Barranco del Tornajuelo II is a challenging 69.5 km route with over 1400 meters of elevation gain, offering an extensive exploration of the region's rugged beauty.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, areas around towns like Castril and popular attractions such as the Embalse del Portillo typically offer parking facilities. It's recommended to check the starting points of individual routes on komoot for more precise parking information.
Generally, permits are not required for mountain biking on established trails within Sierra De Castril Natural Park. However, it's always good practice to respect park regulations, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of other users and wildlife.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.