La Chorrera del Lanchón

La Chorrera del Lanchón, near Navalonguilla, ranks among the tallest waterfalls in the Sierra de Gredos. Set in the western part of the range, in Ávila province, it drops down a sheer granite wall for an estimated 80-90 meters, making it one of the most striking natural sights in the area.

Where exactly is it?

The falls sit close to the small settlement of Navalguijo, reached by a road running from Navalonguilla. Most visitors begin their walk from Navalguijo, since it's the closest access point to the base of the cascade. The same area is also home to the Garganta de los Caballeros, a mountain stream that starts in the municipality of Navalonguilla — many hikers combine both in a single outing.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is Navalguijo, accessible via the road connecting it to Navalonguilla. From there, a loop trail of roughly 4 kilometers leads to the waterfall and back. It's considered a moderate route — no technical climbing sections, with a fairly gentle overall elevation gain, which makes it manageable for hikers with average fitness as long as they wear proper trekking footwear. Bring water and a map or GPS track, since the path runs through mountain terrain with patchy phone coverage.

What will you see there?

The centerpiece is the cascade itself: a strong flow of water plunging from a considerable height onto a vertical granite face, framed by the typical mountain vegetation of Gredos. In summer, when the flow thins out, the exposed rock becomes a well-known climbing spot — the wall hosts numerous routes rated above the sixth grade, drawing experienced climbers from across Spain. Even for hikers with no interest in climbing, the surrounding landscape — granite outcrops, the stream valley, and views over the western slopes of Gredos — makes the walk worthwhile regardless of how much water is actually falling that day.

When should you visit?

The waterfall is at its most dramatic in spring and early summer, when snowmelt and rainfall keep the mountain streams running high. By midsummer the flow drops considerably, but that's also when the rock face dries out and becomes suitable for climbing. Autumn and winter can be scenic too, though they call for extra caution — the trail can turn slippery and mountain weather shifts quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is La Chorrera del Lanchón? The waterfall is estimated to drop around 80-90 meters, placing it among the tallest cascades in the entire Sierra de Gredos.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Navalguijo is the most convenient starting point, reached by road from Navalonguilla. A signposted loop trail of about 4 km leads from there to the falls.

Is the trail difficult? No — it's rated as a moderate route with no technical obstacles and a gentle climb, suitable for hikers with an average fitness level.

Can you climb there? Yes. Once the granite wall dries out in summer, it becomes a popular climbing venue, with many established routes graded above the sixth grade.