This trail is among the lengthiest and most stunning in the Los Montes de Propio de Jerez. It involves conquering a 355-meter elevation gain, primarily along forest paths, to reach the mountain range's highest peak, Pico de la Gallina, at an altitude of 798 meters. From this vantage point, with clear skies, you can relish exceptional panoramic vistas encompassing the entire province, the Strait of Gibraltar, and North Africa.
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| The highest peak of the Montes de Propios, 798 metres ASL. |
This route runs through most of ecosystems found in these mountains. It ventures through cork oak and gall oak woodlands, ascends the rugged peaks known as herrizas, meanders through canutos of exceptional beauty, and passes through reforested pine forests in the most barren and elevated terrains. Along the way, you'll cross Aljibe sandstones and alluvial sediments, mainly silt and clay, which emerge in places where the slopes of Canuto de las Palas, the largest of Los Montes streams, gradually level off. This stream, which you cross several times, also boasts numerous well-preserved associated springs.
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En route, you see remarkable cork oaks and gall oaks, as well as lush vegetation typical of watercourses, such as laurels, hazelnuts, broadleaf trees, strawberry trees, and robust durillos. The diverse underbrush features ferns like calaguala.
Overall, the track is in good condition, but avoid walking here in periods of rain to avoid the mud.
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| Remarkable Oak trees |
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| Some signs along the track make it difficult to get lost |
In the highlands you can see reforestation efforts of black pine and Monterrey pine, along with grassland vegetation comprising cistus, heather, oak, some strawberry trees, and if you're lucky some populations of the insectivorous Drosophyllum lusitanicum, also known as the flytrap.
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| View from the watchtower |
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| Another view from the watchtower |
The route ensures the presence of wildlife, with game species such as deer, roe deer, and feral pigs likely to be startled by our passage. Infrastructure such as deer feeders can be found in shaded areas with water sources. In addition to ungulates and wild boars, various other mammals and amphibians inhabit ponds and watercourses. The avian population is undoubtedly the most diverse; throughout your journey you may spot birds of prey like Griffon Vultures or Short-toed Snake Eagles, as well as other species such as Tawny Owls, Little Owls, woodpeckers, Jays, and smaller forest birds like Nuthatches and Goldcrests. However, birds are harder to see here than on nearby routes because of the more dense vegetation.
Type: semi-circular (15 kilometres)
Difficulty: medium
Best season: autumn, spring
Number of species to expect: 10+
Find Sendero Pico de la Gallina on the map.
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