Autumn in the Sierra de Guadarrama: colours on the trail
When autumn arrives, the Sierra de Guadarrama changes colour: the pine woods mix with oaks and chestnuts that turn the slopes around Collado Villalba gold and copper. It's a good time to put on comfortable boots and head out for a walk before the cold sets in. Here's where to see the colours, what to pack and how to plan the walk from the area around Bingo Villalba.
Autumn in the Sierra de Guadarrama: what to expect from the landscape
Autumn paints the oak woods and riverside trees around the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in yellow, ochre and copper. The pine trees stay green all year round, but they stand out against the oaks and chestnuts, which usually turn colour between October and November, depending on the year's rainfall. Temperatures are milder than in winter, and the mountain air feels different as soon as you leave Collado Villalba: it's a good season for walking without rushing, with plenty of daylight left in the afternoon and a late-afternoon light that favours photographs of the landscape.
Where to see the autumn colours near Collado Villalba?
There are several classic spots near Collado Villalba for autumn colour in the mountains. La Pedriza, within the national park, has walks among granite outcrops with the colour of the hillside behind them. Towards the Puerto de Navacerrada and the Valle de la Fuenfría, the oak and chestnut woods show some of the richest autumn colour in the range, usually between late October and November, though this varies from year to year. Cercedilla is another common starting point for several easy walks through the pine woods. Before you set off, it's worth checking the official park information for the state of the paths.
What should you pack for an autumn walk through the pine woods?
- Closed, comfortable shoes with a good grip, even for a short walk
- Layers of clothing: autumn mornings in the mountains are colder than they look from Madrid
- A light rain jacket, in case the weather turns
- Water and something to eat along the way
- A charged phone, in case you need to check the map or ask for help
Is there an easy route for any level?
If you're not after a demanding route, the area around Cercedilla and the Valle de la Fuenfría has flat, well-marked paths, such as the historic Camino Schmidt, which runs along the hillside through the pines. La Pedriza also has short walks along the Manzanares river, without much climbing. Before choosing a route, always check the park's official maps.
Mushroom season, with care and respect for the park
Autumn is also when some people head out to look for mushrooms in the mountains. If that's your plan, it's worth checking beforehand at the official information points of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, since there are protected areas where picking is limited or not allowed. Many of these information points are near the main entrances to the park, and staff there can help with questions about the state of the paths on the day. Always stick to marked paths and respect the surroundings: that's what keeps the mountain looking this good every autumn.
How to get to the Sierra de Guadarrama from Collado Villalba?
Collado Villalba works well as a gateway to the mountains: from here, the Puerto de Navacerrada, Cercedilla and El Escorial are a short drive away. If you'd rather stay closer to town, the colours are already visible in the parks and green spaces around Collado Villalba. If you're coming from Madrid or another point in the mountains, our how to find us page has the exact address of Bingo Villalba, which can also serve as a reference point for the area.
Practical tips for the walk
- Set off early, the light changes earlier than in summer
- Check the weather forecast before you leave home
- Stay on marked paths, even if the one next to it looks nicer
- Pack an extra layer, even if it's warm when you set off
- Follow the park's signage at all times
Another mountain plan to round off the week
If you fancy another plan in the area after the mountains, our post on Navacerrada, the closest mountain day out from Collado Villalba has more ideas for planning the day.
Rounding off the day at Bingo Villalba
To round off the day, Bingo Villalba is on Calle Honorio Lozano, 14, in the centre of Collado Villalba, with free parking for anyone arriving from the mountains by car. It's open every day: Sunday to Thursday from 12:30 to 03:00, and Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays from 12:30 to 03:30. If you fancy a quiet stop after the walk, its café and restaurant is a comfortable spot for a snack or dinner, no booking needed.
18+. Gambling can be addictive. Over-18s only. More information on responsible gambling.
Bingo Villalba is an in-person bingo hall at Av. de Honorio Lozano, 14, Collado Villalba. Open every day from 12:30. Over-18s only, with ID card, NIE or passport. Please gamble responsibly.
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