Path of the dinosaurs of Enciso

We visit some of the best archaeological sites of Ichnites in La Rioja

In the south of La Rioja, specifically in the region of the Upper Cidacos Valley, we can find some of the best preserved Ichnite sites in the Peninsula, and even in the whole of Europe. These sites date back millions of years, to the Cretaceous period, and are spread over much of the territory of La Rioja Oriental, being able to reach them in many cases with our own vehicle. But if there is an unbeatable way to visit some of the best sites of Ichnites in La Rioja, it is through the Path of the Dinosaurs of Enciso. A hiking route of just over 7 km that takes us to three of the most important and best preserved sites in La Rioja, while we discover life-size dinosaurs, we approach spectacular viewpoints and we have fun in the different recreational areas through which it passes. In short, this is an ideal route to do with children, and the not-so-children won't be left behind either.

Itinerary of the Path of the Dinosaurs of Enciso

From Enciso to the site of Valdecevillo 1.8 Km

We start the Path of the Dinosaurs in Enciso (0h 00min), taking as our starting point one of the car parks that we will find just after crossing the bridge over the river Cidacos. This initial section follows the course of the road that links Enciso and Cornago. On this road we will also find more dinosaur footprints, such as those at the Navalsaz site, the Villar-Poyales site or the La cuesta de Andorra site along the GR 93 route. After a while of walking up the road we arrive at the Valdecevillo site (0h 30min), where there is also a large car park available.

From the Valdecevillo site to the Senoba site 2.1 km

At this site there are a good number of footprints of theropod, ornithopod and sauropod dinosaurs, as well as life-size reproductions of several different species, Tarbosaurus and Brachiosaurus, as well as explanatory signs that will guide us through the site. The Enciso Dinosaur Trail runs along this first stop on its itinerary and makes us start to ascend the steep, conditioned path that borders the site. After saying goodbye to Valdecevillo, the route makes us gain height as we pass through different recreational areas, designed for children. Almost without noticing we start to lose some of the height we have gained to reach the recreational area that precedes the Senoba site (1h 10min), a little further up from the location of the recreational area.

From the Senoba site to the Virgen of the Campo site 2.6 km

In addition to the different dinosaur footprints that can be seen at this site, we can also highlight the panoramic views that can be enjoyed from here. On the way back to the recreational area we take the path next to it to follow the course of the Carrascal ravine in the direction of Enciso. After a while descending we arrive after a short detour at the site of the Virgin of the Campo (1h 40min), perhaps the best preserved of them all.

From the site of the Virgen of the Campo to Enciso 0.5 km

A wooden walkway allows us to visit this spectacular site where we can see more than 500 dinosaur footprints. Even the marks of their skin and the traces of their tails have been imprinted on the rock. Undoubtedly a great number of curiosities that the information panels will be explaining to us as we visit the site. Once we have enjoyed the visit, all that remains is to return to the path by which we arrived and walk the short distance that separates us from Enciso (1h 50min) and the parking area from where we left.

Coordinates UTM Datúm WGS84

Profile of the path of the dinosaurs of Enciso

Cartography

This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 280-2 1:25.000".