laguna de los Claveles

Laguna de los Claveles is a small glacial lake in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, in the Community of Madrid, close to the village of Alameda del Valle in the Lozoya valley. Carved out by glacial action, it is one of several high-mountain lakes scattered across this part of the range.

Where exactly is the lake?

Laguna de los Claveles sits within the Pepe Hernando glacial cirque, in the upper reaches of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Its name comes from the nearby rocky outcrop known as Risco de los Claveles, which towers above the lake and is a clearly visible landmark from several points along the trail. It is only one of a handful of glacial lagoons clustered in this part of the massif, alongside Laguna Grande, the Lagunillas, the Cinco Lagunas, and Laguna de los Pájaros, spaced out at increasing distance from the Puerto de Cotos pass.

How do you get there?

Most routes into this part of the park start from the Puerto de Cotos pass, from where a path climbs into the massif toward the Pepe Hernando cirque. Several other trails cross this area, so it's easy to wander off the intended route — a good map or GPS app is essential gear here. Sections of the path run over loose, rocky ground where trekking poles come in handy, and a few stretches involve light scrambling. There are no drinking water sources along the way, so hikers need to carry all the water they'll need from the start. Alameda del Valle, down in the Lozoya valley, makes a convenient landmark and base for anyone planning a longer stay in this part of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

What will you see there?

The lagoon itself is a quiet, high-mountain pool set against the bare, rocky landscape typical of Guadarrama's upper slopes — stripped granite ridges, sparse alpine vegetation, and views toward the neighboring peaks of the Peñalara massif, the highest in the range. It's a spot best suited to hikers looking for quiet trails away from the busier routes, as well as anyone curious about the glacial cirques and valleys that shaped this landscape.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the altitude and rocky terrain, late spring through early autumn is the best window for reaching the lagoon, when the trail is clear of snow and conditions are more stable. In winter and early spring, snow and ice can linger on the higher sections, making the route considerably more demanding — worth factoring in when planning a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a suitable walk for families? Given the rocky sections and the sure-footedness the trail demands, it suits experienced hikers better than families with young children.

Where's the best starting point for the trail? Puerto de Cotos pass is the most common starting point for this part of the park, while Alameda del Valle in the Lozoya valley works well as a base for longer mountain trips.

Can you refill water along the way? No — there are no drinking water sources on the route, so you should carry everything you need before setting out.

Why is the lake called "de los Claveles"? The name comes from the neighboring rock formation, Risco de los Claveles, which rises above the lagoon and serves as one of the recognizable landmarks in this part of the massif.