Ravine of La Hoz from Calomarde (SL-TE 40)

🏞 Another renowned hike in Sierra de Albarracín is the Barranco de la Hoz trail that starts its circular tour in the town of Calomarde. It’s known for the picturesque views of the ravine as well as for the gangways of the alternative route that runs along the Río Blanco. 🏁 The trail enters the Canyon de los Arcos, in Calomarde and its destination is Frias de Albarracín in a one way direction. From Calomarde, the route climbs through the right bank of Blanco River. In this part of the route, you can see the Moricacho and the dam of "El Ahogado'' and the cave of "las Albardas", and suddenly you arrive at the riverbank. Here you can choose the way up with amazing views or the way down along the entertaining gangway trail. Either one will take you back so it’s really up to you! ♾️ The alternative path, either on the way up, or down the trail, is the route of the ”Puente de Toba del Río Blanco”, a charming and entertaining detour. The Puente de Toba was formed due to the river flowing along Jurassic rocks forming limestone plateaus. During this mountain drainage process, the mountain chain, on its way, drags the carbonate minerals dissolved by the superficial waters as well as the carbonate minerals coming from the underground aquifer. These carbonate minerals dissolve in the water flow and fall later, forming accumulations of tufas. 🌉 During this itinerary, it can be admired the narrow bend that the river has eroded in the rock, all that by walking on gangways where you’ll be literally walking over the river. ➰ The turning point in the route is the ruins of el Molino de las Pisadas, where both trails meet again. ⚠️ You don’t have to be a pro hiker but I must say some sectors of either trail can be a bit tricky if you are inexperienced or suffer from vertigo. If you take it easy it’s definitely THE trail to hike around the area so enjoy it!!!