Hoces del Río Riaza Natural Park

Hoces del Rio Riaza Natural Park is a protected area with deep river gorges carved through limestone rock across multiple kilometers. The park features steep valley walls rising from the waterway, shaped by centuries of erosion and water flow.

The site was officially designated as a protected natural park by the Spanish state in 2004 to safeguard its geological and ecological value. This formal protection came after growing recognition of the area's importance to the wider region.

The settlements nearby have names rooted in the river and its landscape features. Local people have long used these valleys for farming and herding, and this tradition continues alongside the park's protection.

The park is open year-round with multiple trails suitable for different hiking abilities, though sturdy footwear is essential due to rocky and uneven ground. Early mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter if you prefer fewer visitors on the paths.

The canyon hosts significant nesting populations of griffon vultures, which inhabit the high limestone cliffs and can be spotted soaring along the gorge. These large birds are especially active during early morning and evening hours when they hunt for food across the landscape.

Location: Segovia Province

Inception: 2004

GPS coordinates: 41.52722,-3.59583

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45