This classic hiking route in the Guadarrama Mountains (Madrid) was marked in 1926 by an Austrian, member No. 13 of the Royal Spanish Mountaineering Society Peñalara: Eduardo Schmidt. Since then, this trail, which winds through the shaded pine forests of Siete Picos, has been used to travel from the Navacerrada Pass to the Fuenfría Pass.

The Schmidt Trail, as it’s known, is easy to follow, marked by yellow paint on trees and rocks, and is low in difficulty. This hiking route is 7 km long and linear, with separate start and end points.

If you’d like, you can request information about other hiking routes here.


Schmidt Hiking Route


The Route

The hiking trail mapped by the Austrian adventurer can be divided into 2 sections:

  • Navacerrada Pass – Collado Ventoso (4km; approx. 1.5 hours)
Starting at the Navacerrada Pass (N601), take the paved road to the right of Venta Arias (the highest point of the pass).

Further on, you’ll leave the Telegraph Ski Runs to your left and continue along the paved track leading to the Escaparate trail. Shortly after, at the end of the road, you’ll face the Air Force Residence. Leave the road via the Escaparate access, cross a forest track westward, and pass beneath a cross-country ski trail to begin the Schmidt Trail.

Follow the path and the clearly visible yellow circles, which will guide you throughout the route.

Fog in Navacerrada


Shortly after entering the trail, you’ll cross the El Bosque ski run. Take the descending path into the valley, and after half an hour, you’ll enter woodland with diverse pines, broom, ferns, and rocks. After this descent, you’ll reach the Telegraph Stream.

Following the right side of the stream, you’ll find a small spring and, about 10 minutes later, pass a campsite with views of the Valsaín Valley. The trail then alternates between ascents and plateaus, growing steeper as you progress.

After an hour, you’ll reach a fork. Take the left path to the meadow of Collado Ventoso.


Walking among trees



  • Collado Ventoso – Fuenfría Valley Hostel (3 km; approx. 1.5 hours)
Once at Collado Ventoso, the Fuenfría Valley comes into view. The Schmidt Trail continues across an open meadow, descending southwest. As you descend, you’ll meet the Senda de los Alevines. Pay close attention to the yellow markers here, as it’s slightly confusing—this path shares the same markings as the Schmidt Trail (though following it would also lead to Collado Ventoso Spring, near the Alevines Spring).

The Schmidt Trail narrows through a gully, ending at a stream. Now better marked, the path zigzags, and in about 15 minutes, you’ll reach the Fuente de Antón Ruiz de Velasco.


Hiking in the mountains



Descending further, you’ll reach the República Forest Track, which ends at Fuenfría Pass. To get there, enter a pine forest with a steeper incline than before. However, the path levels out as you advance along the forest track. Exiting via one of the accesses, you’ll reach Pradera de los Corralillos. To your right, the Roman road leads to the Fuenfría Pass.

Though this is the most popular section among hikers, the original Schmidt Trail includes an additional segment to the right, ending at the Peñalara Royal Mountaineering Society Hostel (now closed).

This hike showcases the Guadarrama Mountains and the Siete Picos range, straddling Madrid and Segovia.

Vegetation in the Madrid mountains


By the end, you’ll have completed a Short-Distance Trail (PR-M/SG-5) rich in history and breathtaking views. A perfect adventure near Madrid, blending sport and nature—ready to take it on?