El Morredero, Cabeza de Yegua, and Pico Tuerto Trail

This hike is an out-and-back route that typically takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete at a steady pace. However, allow extra time for enjoying the stunning panoramic views and taking photos, which could extend your trip to 6 hours or more.

This trail is considered to have a moderate to hard difficulty level. It's best suited for hikers with good physical fitness due to its length, elevation gain, and varied terrain, including some steep sections and parts that may be less clearly marked.

The trail starts from Puerto de los Portillinos. You can find parking available at or near this starting point, which is a common access point for hikes in the Montes Aquilianos.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Montes Aquilianos. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially since the area is home to flocks of sheep and goats guarded by mastiffs, particularly on the north face of the mountains.

The best time to hike this route is typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these periods, the weather is generally more favorable, and you can fully appreciate the diverse flora and panoramic views. Winter can bring snow and more challenging conditions.

No, you do not need any special permits or have to pay an entrance fee to hike this specific trail in the Montes Aquilianos. The area is freely accessible for hikers.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter wide tracks or forest trails, sections along a ridge, and about 200 meters across open terrain (campo a través). Some parts, especially descents from the ridge, might be un-signposted and partially obscured by heather, requiring good navigation skills. The ascent to Cabeza de la Yegua involves a significant slope on a wide path.

This route offers spectacular panoramic views. Key highlights include the View of Valle del Arroyo de la Yegua, passing through Collado de la Silla de la Yegua, and reaching the summit of Pico Tuerto (2,051 m). From Cabeza de la Yegua, you can see Pico Teleno, the Valle del Silencio, and even the city of Ponferrada.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with parts of the official trails: [CIMA LE13] El Morredero - Llano de las Ovejas * Peñalba de Santiago and [CIMA LE13] El Morredero - Llano de las Ovejas * San Cristóbal de Valdueza.

This is a natural mountain trail, and as such, there are no dedicated restrooms or official water sources directly along the route. It's crucial to carry enough water for your entire hike and plan for your needs accordingly. The starting point at Puerto de los Portillinos is a good place to prepare.

Given the moderate to hard difficulty and varied terrain, you should bring sturdy hiking boots, sufficient water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and layers of clothing suitable for changing mountain weather. A map, compass, or GPS device is also highly recommended due to some less-marked sections.