Laguna Chica de Peñalara

Laguna Chica de Peñalara is a small glacial lake in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, in the Community of Madrid, Spain, sitting at the foot of the Peñalara peak. The lake lies roughly 600 meters southwest of the Peñalara cirque, at an elevation of nearly 1,970 meters above sea level.

What will you see?

Laguna Chica has a circular shape and a surface area of only about 700 m², making it one of the smallest lakes in the whole Peñalara massif. Despite its modest size, it's one of the more visited spots in the area, since it sits right next to the trail leading to the larger and better-known Laguna Grande de Peñalara. The surrounding landscape is shaped by rocky slopes, high-mountain meadows, and vegetation typical of the upper reaches of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

In winter, from December through March, the lake freezes almost completely due to the sub-zero temperatures at this altitude. Because of this, no fish live in its waters — but the area around the lagoons is an important habitat for amphibians and birds that rely on this damp, high-mountain microclimate.

How do you get there?

Trips to the Peñalara lagoons usually start from Puerto de Cotos, a mountain pass that serves as a popular trailhead for hikes across this part of the Sierra de Guadarrama. From there, the path climbs toward the Peñalara cirque and its string of glacial lakes, including Laguna Chica. Access within the national park can be subject to restrictions on vehicle traffic or visitor numbers during peak season, so it's worth checking current rules at the park's information center before setting out.

The route crosses mountainous, occasionally rocky terrain, so sturdy hiking boots and proper preparation are essential — especially outside summer, when weather in the Sierra de Guadarrama can shift quickly.

When should you visit?

The best time to visit runs from late spring through early autumn, when the trails are clear and mountain temperatures are more favorable for hiking. In summer, the vegetation around the lagoons is at its most lush, and views of the Peñalara peak and the surrounding granite ridges are at their clearest.

In winter, Laguna Chica turns into a quiet, ice-covered spot — appealing to those who enjoy mountain silence, but it demands winter gear and experience moving through snow-covered terrain. In spring, as snow melts, the lake's water level tends to be at its highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Laguna Chica de Peñalara? No. It's a protected lake within a national park with a fragile ecosystem, and swimming or entering the water is not practiced there.

Are there fish in the lake? No. Since the lake freezes from December to March, conditions don't support a permanent fish population — though amphibians and various bird species live in the surrounding area.

How big is the lake? Laguna Chica covers roughly 700 m² and has a circular shape, making it one of the smaller lagoons in the Peñalara massif.

Is the trail to the lake difficult? The path crosses mountainous terrain at close to 2,000 meters altitude, partly over rocky ground. It requires basic fitness and proper footwear, but it isn't a technical climb during the summer season.