Risco de El Pájaro

Risco de El Pájaro is a rocky mountain summit in the Sierra de Guadarrama that rises to approximately 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) in the Community of Madrid. The peak features distinctive granite rock formations that shape its rugged appearance and are characteristic of this central Spanish mountain range.

The peak was first documented as a climbing destination in spring 1916 when four climbers including José Fernández Zabala and Joaquín G. Bellido reached the summit. This early expedition marked the beginning of the mountain's modern mountaineering history.

The summit forms part of Guadarrama National Park, contributing to the natural heritage of central Spain through its granite formations and ecological diversity.

Climbers typically start from Laguna de los Pájaros on the northern approach, following unmarked trails that require careful route-finding and good navigation skills. Bringing a map and compass or GPS device is recommended since the path is not clearly signed throughout.

The east-facing rock face contains unusual formations called organ tubes, created by concentrated quartz crystallization within the granite bedrock. These striking geological features develop through natural fracturing patterns and often go unnoticed by casual hikers.