UNIQUE MTB in canyon 🏜️ HIDDEN trails 2: 🇪🇸 Spain, Jaraba
MTB in canyon: Discover perfect MTB trails in 🇪🇸 Spain – winter escape ☀️ at Jaraba. Navigate dramatic gorges where only your tires break the silence.
(Longer desktop version of the video available on your computer or youtube)
This second episode of our Hidden Trails series takes you deep into the dramatic canyon Barranco de la Hoz Seca landscapes where time stands still. Feel the rush as you navigate through monumental passages and witness the raw beauty of Spain’s forgotten wilderness.
The Barranco de la Hoz Seca delivers an unforgettable riding experience through a majestic gorge carved by ancient waters. Experience the thrill of riding along cliff edges and alongside towering rock walls that few riders have ever seen. This pure Western-like landscape features dramatic red rock cliffs, rugged canyons, and vast open terrain that will leave you speechless.
The incredible silence and tranquility here is broken only by the sound of your tires on the trail. Eagles soar above the canyon, adding to the wild and untamed atmosphere. The area is home to towering sandstone formations, winding riverbanks, and you might even spot the ancient rock paintings at Roca Benedí.
Hidden caves, rustic trails, and the peaceful Río Mesa flowing through the valley make it a perfect setting for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to escape the noise of everyday life. The profound quiet of this place is perhaps its most precious treasure.
🔍 MTB in canyon 🏜️ trail Details:
It is best to leave the car either at the monastery or somewhere near the Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Jaraba on the way to the village of Calmarza, which is also the best starting point for crossing the canyon.
At the video I did opposite direction, which is I think less fun (Uphill canyon trail, than downhill Calmarza – Monastery road/trail.
📍Location and how to get there?
The canyon is located near the town of Jaraba (Aragonia, Spain), about 2.5 hours by car northeast of Madrid.
💻 Trailforks links
🗺️ Trail map and overview
🔀 Route Options
1. Complete loop by bike/foot:
Park near the monastery (Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Jaraba) Ride uphill part of the low-traffic road to Calmarza village.
Then follow the dirt road to point 5 on the map, where tre canyon trail starts.
Ride downhill through the canyon to the monastery.
2. Easier option is one-way downhill with shuttle:
Get dropped off at Calmarza village.
Then follow the dirt road to point 5 on the map, where tre canyon trail starts.
Ride downhill through the canyon to the monastery.
⚠️ IMPORTANT additional informations
🔴 Best ridden downhill (from Calmarza village to the monastery). Opposite direction than in the video.
🔴 ⚠️ !E-bike warning! ⚠️
You will need to carry your bike down a 2m high vertical rock step with iron footstools at two points (near the beginning). Easy managable with two people, can be done in one without e-bike!! After these initial obstacles, the trail becomes relatively manageable.
🔴 Some parts can be overgrown bushes
📊 Difficulty
🔵 – 🔺 intermediate to difficult
⛰️ Terrain
Canyon single-track with limestone features, flowing sections and small natural rock gardens.
🌤️ Season
Spring, Fall and Winter (avoid summer heat).
🔥 What you'll see
Stunning canyon 🏜️ walls with unique geological formations
Several species of eagles 🦅, including the golden eagle and the booted eagle
Ancient cave dwellings and historical sites including famous prehistoric rock paintings
🟢 Rock paintings (Pinturas rupestres de Roca Benedí) can be seen if you make a slight detour from the canyon route (at Roca Benedí – GPS 41.1626814N, 1.8805039W)
🟢 At the end/beginning, there is the beautiful rock monastery Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Jaraba, you can check out the tour possibility.
🛠️ Gear Recommendations
✅ Cross country, trail or all-mountain bike
✅ Plenty of water (The running stream is on the Jaraba – Calmaza road, but not drinkable I think)
✅ Sun protection
✅ Offline or paper maps (no signal inside Canyon)
