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MONTERREY - Ventana del Visitante
The starting point of the trail is next to a small car park on the left side of the access road to the El Nacimiento recreational area. From here, we take the hiking trail which goes from the road and follows a track giving access to this recreational area. At the end of the uphill climb, we go into the outer parts of the pine forest on our right, and continue ascending north. We will go deeper and deeper into the pine forest, until we meet the river Andarax. Continue through a dense pine forest of repopulation, with alternating small inclines with flat sections, heading towards the old Monterrey Nursery.
Further on, to our right, on the other side of the ravine, we see the tubes of the canal of the Hydroelectric Power Plant (now abandoned) that crosses a very steep slope which is densely populated with pine trees. The view from the ravine in this first section is of cliffs and small calcareous walls that emerge from the green pine forest. Despite being a very closed pine forest, the undergrowth is full of aromatic plants, rockrose and thorny plants such as gorse. After about 25 minutes of gentle ascent through the pine forest, we come out onto a firebreak, which descends to the bottom of the ravine and climbs the opposite slope to the limestone cliffs of Cerro de las Cabañuelas (1,588 m). From here you can see the Pico Almirez (2,517 m), one of the main peaks in the province of Almería. Towards the northeast, on the other side of the ravine we see the Peñón Blanco (1,786 m) with Cerro de la Mora (1,682 m) to its right and the Chillo ravine between them.
After the firebreak we go back into the pine forest to cross a second firebreak shortly afterwards, this one narrower than the previous one but also with excellent views. The path continues through the dense pine forest. Later, when arriving at a small ravine repopulated with false black locusts and blackberry bushes, the pine forest becomes lighter, mixing holm oaks and evergreen oaks with an undergrowth composed mainly of thyme, rosemary, lavender, rockrose and gorse.
Finally, upon reaching the nursery the panoramic view opens up, giving us a view of the confluence of the Barrancos del Horcajo (to the north) and the Aguadero (to the east). For the latter, we must go up a track that gives access to the farmhouses in the upper part. Nowadays, the Monterrey forest nursery is closed and is completely fenced off with several closed up houses. Following the fence we come out onto a lane that leads from the recreational area and goes up to the Monterrey shelter.
We will make our way back along this lane. Going down this lane to the river we find two turn-offs on the left. The first is cordoned off by a chain as it leads to a private farm, and the second goes towards the Aguadero ravine. We will continue to the right. After these turn-offs, we will see the abandoned channel of the hydroelectric plant on the other side of the river, next to the remains of some structures, and a little further up in the same river course, we’ll see the small waterfall of the Murilla dam. After crossing the bridge the track runs parallel to the course of the river through a cool avenue. A pleasant walk, of just over one kilometre, takes us back to our starting point.
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Provinces Almería
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Municipalities Laujar De Andarax
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Tracing Circular
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One way distance (meters) 9.670
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Duration 4 hours
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Difficulty Alta
From Laujar de Andarax, take the road that goes to the El Nacimiento recreational area, heading north. After travelling for 1.5 km you will reach the beginning of the path, which coincides with the highest bridge that crosses the river.
Do not disturb or feed the animals. You would negatively alter their behavior.
Check the weather forecast before starting your activity.
Bring water, sun protection, suitable clothing and footwear.
Bring a mobile phone with enough battery in case of emergency (112), but remember that there is not always coverage.
For your safety and that of the environment, do not go off the signposted trail or take shortcuts.
Extreme caution in adverse conditions and in the occasional presence of animals or motor vehicles.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Avoid going out alone. If you do, communicate the route and time of return to other people.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
Find out in advance about the possible existence of hunting activity and remember that all public use facilities are declared safety zones.
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Thursday, 15 August 202429°C
- WIND SPEED 0km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
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Friday28° max.18° min.
- WIND SPEED 10km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 95%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 95%
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Saturday29° max.17° min.
- WIND SPEED 10km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 95%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 10%
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Sunday32° max.18° min.
- WIND SPEED 5km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%