Bola del Mundo & Cuerda Larga
The great ridge
Distance
13 km
Duration
5h
Max altitude
2.265 m
Type
Out and back
Level
Moderate
The route
Bola del Mundo (2,265 m) crowns the Cuerda Larga, the great dividing ridge of the Sierra de Guadarrama. From the top, the panorama sweeps from Peñalara across to La Pedriza and, far in the distance, the city of Madrid.
This is a moderate hike with a steady climb up to the ridgeline and spectacular views the whole way up. A full mountain day out with none of the technical demands of the tougher routes.
Route profile
Indicative profile · Max altitude: 2.265 m
Highlights
- Summit of Bola del Mundo (2,265 m)
- Panorama of the entire Cuerda Larga ridge
- Views to Peñalara, La Maliciosa and Madrid
- Steady climb across open terrain
The trail
Km 0
Puerto de Navacerrada
Meeting point and the start of the climb.
Km 4
Ridge track
Steady ascent toward the Cuerda Larga.
Km 6.5
Bola del Mundo
The summit and high point of the day.
Km 13
Back to Navacerrada
Descent along the same route.
What to bring
- Mountain boots with good grip
- 20-30 L backpack
- Water: 1.5 L minimum
- Layered clothing + windbreaker
- Cap, sunglasses and sun protection
- Food and energy snacks
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- A love for the mountains
Safety & the mountain
Certified guide
Certified mountain guide with first-aid training. Small groups of up to 12 people.
If the weather turns
The mountain rules. If the forecast isn't safe, we reschedule to another date or give you a full refund. Your safety comes first.
Meeting point
Puerto de Navacerrada
From Madrid via the M-601 road. You can also take the Cercanías train (C-9) to Cercedilla and a connecting bus up to the pass.
A moderate high-mountain hike. Transport from Madrid is optional.
