The best road cycling routes around El Atazar
4.8
(14)
1,522
riders
26
rides
Road cycling around El Atazar, located in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, offers diverse landscapes and challenging routes. The region is characterized by the large Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir), which provides consistent scenic views, and is framed by impressive mountain ranges like the Sierra de Ayllón and Sierra de La Cabrera. Routes often feature well-surfaced asphalt roads, with significant elevation gains and descents through mountain passes and river valleys.
Best road cycling routes around El Atazar
- The most popular…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
4.8
(5)
422
riders
72.5km
04:08
1,480m
1,480m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(4)
198
riders
53.6km
03:01
1,110m
1,120m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
199
riders
84.5km
04:25
1,550m
1,550m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
119
riders
59.5km
02:58
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
18
riders
31.8km
01:38
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A very pleasant pass to climb up the Puebla de la Sierra side. To do this, you have to access it from Robledillo, with very steep ramps to warm up, and a few kilometers on a narrow and bumpy road. The views and the route are totally worth it. Avoid weekends, especially busy hours, as motorcycles, and especially cars, can spoil the party a bit, as I say, the road is very narrow. There is a fountain at the lowest point between Robledillo and Puebla, and another one when leaving Puebla de la Sierra. They are the only two points where you will be able to fill your bottles "for free".
0
0
The Castle and Walls of Buitrago del Lozoya, one of the most important medieval sites in the Community of Madrid: The town has pre-Roman roots and was mentioned by Livy as a Celtiberian fortress (Litabrum). Muslim Fortification: Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Muslims built the wall to protect the territory. Reconquest: Alfonso VI conquered it in 1085, and it passed into Christian hands. Current Castle: Built in the 15th century by the Mendoza family, during the reign of John II of Castile. Historical Uses: Noble residence, defensive stronghold, and setting for events such as the imprisonment of Juana la Beltraneja.
3
0
Good place to stop before starting to climb the hill. Good product, very good people.
0
0
Beautiful town in La Sierra de Madrid with extraordinary landscapes. We recommend this town and its surroundings to isolate yourself from the world.
0
1
The Puentes Viejas reservoir is located in the middle course of the Lozoya River, in the Sierra Norte (Madrid). It belongs to the Canal de Isabel II reservoir network and is the third reservoir in the direction of the current that the river passes through.
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0
Near the town of La Cabrera we find this Visigoth Necropolis. Dated in the s. VII consists of an anthropomorphic grave and nine simple grave graves, two of which are very similar to each other, stipulating that they belong to a married couple. A curious place to stop.
0
0
Beautiful town in the Sierra Pobre, highly recommended for biking, mtb and hiking, lots of water and shade around
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find in El Atazar?
El Atazar offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find 18 routes in total, including 2 easy, 6 moderate, and 10 difficult challenges. Many routes feature significant elevation gains through mountain passes and river valleys, often encircling the scenic Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir).
Are there any beginner-friendly road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Yes, El Atazar offers a couple of easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners. These routes provide a gentler introduction to the region's beautiful landscapes without the demanding elevation of more advanced trails.
What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Route distances vary significantly. For example, the difficult Sierra de la Puebla Loop is about 72.5 km (45.1 miles) and takes around 4 hours 8 minutes. A moderate option like the El Berrueco Watchtower – View of El Atazar Reservoir loop from El Berrueco is approximately 41.6 km (25.8 miles) and can be completed in about 2 hours. Routes range from shorter, moderate rides to longer, challenging excursions.
What kind of terrain and road surfaces should I expect when road cycling in El Atazar?
The roads around El Atazar primarily consist of well-surfaced asphalt, ideal for road cycling. You'll encounter many curves and impressive views, especially when descending towards the dam. The terrain is characterized by mountain passes, river valleys, and routes that often circle the reservoir, providing consistent scenic vistas.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features to see along the road cycling routes?
Road cycling routes in El Atazar offer stunning views of the Embalse del Atazar (Atazar Reservoir) and are framed by impressive mountain ranges like the Sierra de Ayllón and Sierra de La Cabrera. You can also spot the towering Pico Peñalara on clear days. Key attractions include the Cancho de la Cabeza Summit, El Villar Reservoir and Gorge, and the El Berrueco Watchtower.
Are there any charming villages or historical sites I can visit while cycling?
Absolutely. Many routes pass through or near charming villages with rich history. Patones de Arriba is known for its unique 'black architecture' slate houses. Torrelaguna boasts impressive Gothic architecture, such as the Church of Santa María Magdalena. Buitrago del Lozoya features the Alcazaba de Buitrago. These villages offer great opportunities for a break and exploration.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in El Atazar?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in El Atazar are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the difficult Berzosa de Lozoya, Puebla de la Sierra, Paredes de Buitrago – circular route, which covers 53.6 km.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in El Atazar?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning reservoir views, the challenging yet rewarding mountain roads, and the opportunity to combine natural beauty with visits to historic villages.
When is the best time of year for road cycling in El Atazar?
El Atazar is a classic road cycling destination in the central region. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the diverse landscapes and impressive views suggest that spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be hot, and winter might bring colder conditions in the higher mountain passes.
Are there places to eat or drink along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the charming villages mentioned, such as Patones de Arriba, Torrelaguna, and Buitrago del Lozoya, are excellent places to find cafes, restaurants, or pubs to refuel during or after your ride. These villages are often integrated into the cycling routes, making them convenient stops.
Where can I find parking for road cycling in El Atazar?
Many road cycling routes start from or pass through the various villages in the El Atazar region, such as El Berrueco, Patones de Arriba, or Torrelaguna. These villages typically offer parking facilities, making them convenient starting points for your cycling adventures.
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