Less than an hour from Madrid, in the quiet Segovia municipality of Valdeprados, hides one of the best kept secrets of the Sierra del Guadarrama, La Risca del Río Moros, a natural gorge that surprises by its dimensions and its wild beauty. This small canyon, sculpted over 400,000 years, rises with walls of more than 40 meters high and just 3 meters wide, hidden among oaks and gneiss rocks that give it an almost unreal appearance.
La Risca was originated by the erosion of the Moros River, whose waters carved this narrow and vertical pass that today is recognized as a Site of Geological Interest and National Geological Heritage. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that this type of formation is usually found in limestone rocks, not in gneiss, an extremely resistant metamorphic stone. The result is a miniature stone gorge where the murmur of the water and the echo of the wind create a landscape worthy of a photo.
A miniature geological canyon
To access the canyon you have to take the Camino de las Minas, a path that begins on the outskirts of the village. The route starts next to the stream of the same name and leads to the Puente Viejo and the Puente de los Enamorados, two enclaves with very good views of the area and local legends. From there, the trail skirts the Moros River and ascends gently to the viewpoint of La Risca, a wooden balcony from which the gorge and the Quintanar mountain range are completely dominated.
The route is one of the simplest and most beautiful hiking tra ils in Segovia. It is about 3 km long (round trip), has a moderate slope of about 50 meters and can be completed in an hour and a half, making it ideal for families or inexperienced hikers. In addition, on clear days, the viewpoint offers a magnificent panoramic view of the valley of the Moros River and the Castilian plains stretching towards the horizon.
Along the way, you can observe birds of prey, such as the griffon vulture or the buzzard, and geological remains that evidence the tectonic uplift that formed this area millions of years ago. In autumn, the holm oaks, oaks and junipers stain the landscape with ochre and gold, making the walk an opportunity to experience the season at its best.
Once the tour is over, it is worthwhile to visit the Lime Ovens of Vegas de Matute, constructions from the 16th century located just two kilometers away. Valdeprados also preserves a small fortified castle from the 15th century and the church of Santa Eulalia de Mérida, two jewels that complete the visit to this place full of history.