The Viewpoint of the Torrejón a balcony to the imposing gorge of the river Leza
The Camero Viejo, in the south of La Rioja, has in the Viewpoint of the Leza River Canyon one of its many charming corners that we can find throughout this region. Included within the Biosphere Reserve of the valleys of Jubera, Leza, Cidacos and Alhama, given its special ecological value, this steep gorge is home to different species, both animals and plants, which have known how to adapt to the rugged rocks that form it.
The route, along its 4.6 km, transports us from Soto en Cameros, cradle of illustrious characters, recovered traditions, crowded fairs and well-known sweets, through the narrow Canyon of the Leza River following a path in quite good condition. The relative simplicity and comfort of the layout allows us to contemplate with calm the vertical walls that precipitate towards the riverbed. A channel that in this stretch is usually hidden underground, to suddenly resurface downstream in the known as Las Fuentes del Restauro, a place almost magical and legendary.
The Viewpoint of Leza River Canyon or Viewpoint of the Torrejón, as it is also known, awaits us in its spectacular location from where, in addition to the breathtaking landscape, we can contemplate the rhythmic flight of the griffon vultures or eagles that inhabit the area, without forgetting the harsh flora that populates the walls of the gorge. Taking advantage of its hollows and fissures grow lichens, ferns or the typical boxwood that shares the limelight with quejigos, carrascales and the occasional beech forest. A natural place of incalculable value that undoubtedly cost us to say goodbye to return on our steps again to Soto en Cameros,
We have the possibility to extend or vary the route following from Soto en Cameros the circular route of the Leza River Canyon. Its route crosses the river bed repeatedly, to then ascend the slope of the gorge and join our route shortly before reaching the Viewpoint of the Leza River Canyon, and then return together to Soto en Cameros. This option presents a greater physical and technical difficulty in addition to a notable exposure to the environment, so it is important to assess all factors before venturing to travel.
To get to Soto in Cameros we have to follow the LR-250, either from Logroño, passing through Villamediana de Iregua and Ribafrecha or in the opposite direction, from the different options we have to access it from the N-111 that communicates Logroño and Soria. This other possibility will take us to pass before reaching Soto en Cameros through the towns of Jalón de Cameros, San Román de Cameros and Terroba, among others. Once there we will find the beginning of the route in the middle of the road, just at the entrance of the locality, as we arrive at Soto in Cameros coming from Logroño. Next to the park where the route begins, there is a small parking area.
A whole walk for our friend, in which it is convenient not to lose sight of him, more than anything for the wild of the land.
It is not superfluous to bring him some water, since except at the beginning we will not pass by points where he can drink.
Except for a few more pets and of course the birds that fly over our heads, it is not very common to run into other animals, although at first we will pass by some stables where we can find some company.
Except from the car park next to the viewpoint, the other options are longer than this route.
The many stops we will make and the time we dedicate to the Viewpoint of the Leza River Canyon will undoubtedly increase this figure in a few minutes.
With the exception of a few days when the weather complicates access to this area of La Rioja, the rest of the year we will be able to enjoy the different peculiarities that each season brings to the landscape of the Leza River Canyon. We must not forget that we are in an area of special ecological value, a biosphere reserve, where the birds have special protection given that it is the habitat chosen for breeding, so we must avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Although under normal conditions the route has practically no difficulty, we can not forget that we are in the middle of nature therefore wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for this type of activity is essential. The camera and binoculars will help us not to lose detail of what surrounds us. The walking sticks can also be of help to us when facing the ramps that we have in this route. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Physical
Except some ramp that we will have to take us with certain calm the itinerary, given its distance, should not suppose great efforts to us, except that we are not accustomed to walk habitually.
Severity of the environment
The trail runs at all times wide enough not to expose us to the cuts it passes through. However, it is advisable to be attentive to children and apply common sense to avoid possible falls. It is important to try not to throw stones, as other hiking routes run under our path, which also start from Soto en Cameros and run along the canyon next to the river, paths traversed by other hikers to whom we could cause problems.
Orientation
With hardly any crossings and with a well-defined and signposted layout, this section should not be a problem, in any case it will be the different routes and trails that Soto en Cameros has that may make us hesitate when choosing our activity.
1-Soto en Cameros | 0:00h | 712m | 0Km | 30T 547160 4681856 |
2-Junction route Leza River Canyon | 0:30h | 752m | 1.6Km | 30T 547610 4682560 |
3-Viewpoint of the Leza River Canyon | 0:55h | 800m | 2.3Km | 30T 547731 4682939 |
4-Junction route Leza River Canyon | 1:05h | 752m | 3Km | 30T 547610 4682560 |
5-Soto en Cameros | 1:20h | 712m | 4.6Km | 30T 547160 4681856 |
Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 216m
Slope +: 108m
Slope -: 108m
Maximum altitude: 800m
Minimum altitude: 712m
This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.
This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 242-1, 25.000"
Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.
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¿Did you know that...
The town of Soto en Cameros is famous, among other things, for the marzipan of Soto, the typical Christmas candy that is still produced today by hand in the town, along with the ingredient that distinguishes them from the rest take advantage of the magnificent almonds that are given in the area.
Don't miss out...
The visit to the region of Camero Viejo, this area of La Rioja treasures landscapes of great beauty, also has other attractions such as the archaeological sites of Icnitas or an important cultural heritage in addition to countless hiking trails.
From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go.
Besides sharing with all of us your experience on the route we would be grateful if you could write to us to inform us of any erroneous or outdated information you may have found, or simply to let us know what you think at Thank you.
This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 16-12-2017. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.
All the times are approximate and take an orientative character, the stops have not been taken into account, no matter how small they are. All the information related to the route, texts, images, videos, maps, diagrams, tracks, towns, and places of tourist interest are published as a guide, and may not coincide with the current state of each place. Before undertaking any activity, assess your technical knowledge, your physical condition, find out about the weather and the variations that the route may undergo, equip yourself correctly, be prudent and responsible at all times, and do not exceed your capabilities. SENDITUR is not responsible for any misuse or inappropriate use of the comprehensive guides of its routes and/or publications as well as its electronic guides, nor for any variations in their descriptions for the aforementioned reasons, and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. We also encourage you to read books and specialised guides to complement the information described above.
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