Guadarrama

Guadarrama, or the Sierra de Guadarrama, is a mountain range in central Spain that forms part of the Sistema Central. It runs roughly northeast to southwest, spanning portions of the Community of Madrid and the provinces of Segovia and Ávila in Castile and León, and it serves as a natural barrier north of the Madrid Basin.

The range’s highest peak is Peñalara, at about 2,428 meters. Other notable summits include La Mujer Muerta and Siete Picos. The mountains encompass a variety of landscapes, from forested slopes to alpine-like stretches, and host diverse flora and fauna.

In 2013, the Guadarrama National Park was established to protect parts of the range. It covers about 33,960 hectares across Madrid and Castile and León, preserving habitats such as pine and fir forests, high-mountain meadows, and associated wildlife, including several birds of prey and ungulates.

Nearby towns at the foothills include Cercedilla, Navacerrada, Collado Villalba, and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The area is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking and rock climbing in the warmer months, and winter sports at ski facilities such as Navacerrada and Valdesquí.

The name Guadarrama has uncertain origins, with suggestions ranging from historical linguistic roots in Arabic or other languages. In contemporary usage, it designates both the mountain range and the surrounding communes and protected areas.