La Pedriza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids La Pedriza
View of La Pedriza.
Highest point
Geography
La Pedriza Location in Spain
Location	Spain
Parent range	Guadarrama mountain range

La Pedriza is an amazing natural area in the Guadarrama mountain range in Spain. It's a fantastic place for outdoor fun and seeing beautiful scenery. You can get there from Manzanares el Real, a town near Madrid.

Over many years, natural forces have shaped the rocks here. They look like giant, strangely carved sculptures! This makes La Pedriza a very popular spot for people who love rock climbing. There are nearly a thousand climbing routes for all skill levels. Hiking is also very popular, especially on weekends.

La Pedriza is one of the largest areas of granite rocks in Europe. It has many tall peaks, rocky cliffs, small streams, and green meadows. This special area covers 32 square kilometers. It is part of the Regional Park of the high river basin of the Manzanares. This is the biggest park in the Community of Madrid.

What Makes La Pedriza Special?

This natural area is known for its unique landscape. The rocks are made of granite, which is a very hard type of stone. Over millions of years, wind and water have carved these rocks into incredible shapes. It's like a giant outdoor art gallery!

Amazing Animals and Plants

Even though the area can look rocky, it has interesting plants and animals.

• Plants: You'll find tough Mediterranean shrubs like the rockrose. There are also alpine plants, which are used to mountain conditions.
• Animals: La Pedriza is a great place for birds of prey. These are birds that hunt other animals. The biggest group of griffon vultures in the Madrid area lives here. There are over 100 pairs of these large birds!

Fun Activities to Do

La Pedriza offers many exciting things to do for visitors.

• Rock Climbing: With almost a thousand routes, climbers of all levels can find a challenge.
• Hiking: Many trails wind through the unique rock formations and beautiful landscapes.
• Exploring: You can discover hidden corners, small streams, and amazing views.

This natural area has even been used as a filming location for movies! Films like El Cid, The Fall of the Roman Empire, and Conan the Barbarian were shot here.

Protecting La Pedriza

To keep La Pedriza beautiful and safe for everyone, there are some rules. In 2016, new measures were put in place to protect the park from too many visitors.

• Parking: There are limits on where and when you can park your car. For example, in summer, access to the main car park (Canto Cochino) is restricted in the mornings.
• Swimming: Swimming is not allowed in the Charca Verde. This is a popular swimming spot in the Manzanares River within the park. These rules help protect the river and its environment.
• Overnight Stays: During the summer months (June, July, August, and September), you cannot leave your vehicle in the park overnight.

These rules help make sure that La Pedriza stays a wonderful place for nature and people to enjoy for many years to come.

See also

In Spanish: La Pedriza para niños