Valle de los Milagros: red sandstone towers in Riba de Saelices

A journey through geological history

Walking through the valley is like crossing different chapters in Earth’s history. First come the limestones, formed on the floor of an ancient sea. Then the red sandstones, which are the fossilized riverbeds of large waterways from more than 250 million years ago. And finally the shales, very old rocks transformed by pressure and heat.

The two towers

On an open flat beside the Linares River rise the two monoliths that give the valley its name: Puntal del Milagro, nearly cylindrical, and Peña Eslabrada, more pointed. They are the result of differential erosion: rock does not resist equally everywhere, and water, frost, and plant roots work into fissures until isolating entire blocks.

A symbol of recovery

In 2005, a wildfire that started just a few metres away, at the Cueva de los Casares recreation area, burned through the valley. The sparse tree cover seen today is the consequence of that fire, and the towers have become a symbol of the land’s recovery.

Very close by

Cueva de los Casares, with its Paleolithic cave art, is right next door. The georoute of Valle de los Milagros explains the whole area.

Planning the visit

Set aside part of the day for the valley and another for Los Casares if you have a confirmed booking. A georoute can combine different stops; check which sections you will walk.

Before you go

Bring water and sun protection. Do not extend the walk to connect every point if that compromises getting back in daylight; respect regenerating vegetation.

Pairing your trip

Continue to Cueva de los Casares. Check its page to see if it fits into your visit.