Sierra de Guadarrama

Water features in Sierra de Guadarrama

Water Features of Note

The Sierra de Guadarrama features a diverse range of aquatic landmarks, from the intricate 18th-century Baroque fountains of the Royal Palace of La Granja to natural waterfalls like the Chorrera del Hornillo. The region's hydraulic history is visible in its numerous reservoirs and dams, such as Navacerrada and La Jarosa, which regulate the water supply for the Madrid region. Natural springs and high-altitude lagoons offer insight into the mountain range's ecosystem and traditional water management.

Water Features of Note — Map

A

Fuente de los Vientos

One of the monumental Baroque fountains in the gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, representing the four winds.

Bocachete / Public domain

B

Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, known as La Granja, is an early 18th-century palace in the small town of San Ildefonso,…

Esetena / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Embalse de Gabriel Enríquez de la Orden

Also known as Los Peñascales, this reservoir in Torrelodones was built in 1962 to provide a local water supply.

D

Chorrera del Hornillo

A 10-meter high waterfall on the Aceña River, located near Santa María de la Alameda.

E

Ducha de los alemanes

A small waterfall in the Fuenfría Valley named after early 20th-century hikers from the German Alpine Club who frequented the site.

F

Chorros del Manzanares

A series of cascades located in the upper reaches of the Manzanares River within the granite landscape of La Pedriza.

G

Cascada del Covacho

A waterfall located near Hoyo de Manzanares on the Arroyo de Manina.

H

Cascada del Chorro Chico

A slender waterfall on the northern slopes of the mountain range near San Ildefonso.

I

Cascada de La Chorranca

A waterfall located within the Valsaín pine forests, formed by the descent of the Cambrones River.

J

Embalse de la Presa del Pradillo

A small reservoir on the Lozoya River characterized by its stone dam and surrounding forest scenery.

K

Presa del Embalse de Navacerrada

A mid-20th-century gravity dam built to regulate the Samburiel River and provide water to the surrounding municipalities.

L

Presa de Los Peñascales

The dam structure that creates the Gabriel Enríquez de la Orden reservoir in the Peñascales area.

M

Presa del Tobar

A dam located near San Lorenzo de El Escorial that manages the flow of the Tobar stream.

N

Camino presa Pontón Alto

A riverside path following the Eresma River near the Pontón Alto dam, used for walking and birdwatching.

O

Embalse de La Jarosa

The smallest reservoir in the Community of Madrid, located in the municipality of Guadarrama and covering the remains of a submerged hermitage.

P

Presa de La Jarosa

The main dam structure for the La Jarosa reservoir, completed in 1968.

Q

Presa del Pradillo

A stone dam on the upper Lozoya River known for creating a wide waterfall effect when the water levels are high.

R

Laguna Raso del Baile

A small mountain wetland and seasonal lagoon located near the Puerto de la Morcuera.

S

Fuente Cubeiro

A natural mountain spring in the Fuenfría Valley providing fresh drinking water along the historic Roman road.

T

Fuente de las Hondillas

A traditional stone-built spring located along the hiking trails near the La Jarosa reservoir.

Other Lists

Sierra de Guadarrama's Absolute Essentials Mountains and Viewpoints Spain's Religious Heritage Parks and Gardens Historical Ruins and Sites Mountain Huts & Shelters