Chorro Grande

Chorro Grande is the tallest waterfall in the Sierra de Guadarrama, tucked into forested slopes on the range's northwestern side, within the municipality of Palazuelos de Eresma in the province of Segovia, Castile and León. The water drops in three successive stages down a near-vertical gneiss rock face, adding up to a fall of roughly 80 metres — an unusually dramatic sight for central Spain.

How do you get there?

The hike to Chorro Grande starts in La Granja de San Ildefonso, the small town best known for its Royal Palace and gardens. From there, a marked trail climbs steadily up the mountainside toward the falls. The route is open year-round, and its difficulty can be adjusted by choosing shorter or longer, easier or steeper stretches. Sturdy hiking boots are worth packing, since the path narrows in places and low vegetation closes in higher up the slope.

What will you see?

The waterfall itself sits at around 1,530 metres above sea level, framed by a forest of Scots pine that gives way in places to oak woodland. Its three drops are separated by small natural pools, so instead of one single plunge, hikers encounter a sequence of striking cascades. The higher the trail climbs, the wider the views open up — from near the top you can look out over La Granja and Segovia itself, and on clear days pick out the Valsaín valley along with the peaks of Peñalara and Siete Picos.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring is the prime season, when melting snow and winter rainfall keep the falls running at full strength and the surrounding forest turns a deep green. By summer and autumn the flow tends to thin out noticeably, though the trail itself stays scenic all year. Winter hikes are best avoided by casual visitors — snow accumulates on the upper sections, making the route considerably harder and suitable only for experienced, well-equipped hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chorro Grande the tallest waterfall in the Sierra de Guadarrama? Yes, it is the highest waterfall in the entire Sierra de Guadarrama range, falling in three stages that together reach around 80 metres.

Where does the trail to the waterfall begin? The route starts in La Granja de San Ildefonso, the town famous for its Royal Palace, and climbs uphill through pine forest toward the falls.

Is the hike suitable for beginners? Difficulty can be tailored by picking shorter or longer segments, but the upper stretches narrow and require reasonable fitness and proper footwear.

When does the waterfall carry the most water? Spring, right after winter snow has melted, is when the flow is strongest and the falls are most impressive.