In the south of Navarra, bordering the province of Zaragoza, it is possible to enjoy a Biosphere natural reserve that stands out for its arid roads and dry vegetation, which contrast with the humid and rainy climate of the north of the peninsula. This is the Bardenas Reales desert, which is an ideal alternative to carry out magical hiking routes throughout its vast sand and dirt routes, appreciating the high quality of its local fauna and flora. The enclave, which has received several names throughout history, was a source of dispute on more than one occasion. For this reason, the Kingdom of Navarra commissioned the construction of several monuments preserved today, such as castles or hermitages.
History of the Bardenas Reales Natural Park
The territory has several archaeological sites that confirm human presence during the Iron and Bronze Age, although over the years it has been occupied by a large number of different civilizations, such as Romans, barbarians or Christians.
With the formation of the Kingdom of Navarra in the 9th-10th centuries, the enclave gained relevance as it was considered a border against the Arab occupation of the peninsula, attracting the support of several peoples from the North and becoming an alternative to fight against the Muslim peoples. .
In this way, the use of the resources of the area depended on the monarch of the moment, varying between the crown of the Kingdom of Navarra and later the Kingdom of Castile. Although after the War of Succession it would be bought by the councilors of the area in exchange for twelve thousand reales. Currently, the enclave is supervised by the regional government, which in 1999 declared it a Natural Park, protecting some areas and caring for the local fauna and flora to conserve the species that inhabit it.
Hiking route through Bardenas Reales
This semi-desert area has several trails available, among which you can enjoy the nature that the enclave houses, so it is possible to travel multiple trails and visit several historical and religious monuments during the tour. One of the most notable is the Fraile route in the Bardena Negra.
It is a linear route, just under 5 kilometers long and lasting two and a half hours. The trail is fully marked and has white and green markings along the entire route, making the activity ideal for doing with friends or family.
The route begins next to the parking lot near the Corrales de Bea, where it is possible to find an information panel with all the details of the route. Thus, the path borders the fields to the west and along the way it is possible to travel through cattle paths and find some hills.
The first complication is found in the climb to the slopes of El Fraile, where the terrain, made of loose stones, slopes, slightly complicating the ascent. Upon completing it, it will be possible to enjoy some of the best views of the enclave, a large part of the Bardena Negra.
After overcoming the slopes, you will have to decide between two possible paths, the path on the right leads to the top of the enclave; while the one on the left forks towards another path with views of the desert. By continuing along the first, it will be possible to access Cabezo del Fraile, just 600 meters away.
At the summit, there are still remains of one of the medieval castles of the Bardenas Reales, such as stone courses or the cistern excavated in the rock. In addition, at the top there is a mailbox where climbers can leave cards or other documents proving that they managed to reach the summit.
Recommendations for the route
Before starting the route, it is important to keep in mind that the route does not have places to rest in the shade, so it is important to check the weather report for the day and start the route first thing in the morning if it is going to be very hot. In addition, it is also advisable to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear to avoid possible complications during the activity.
During the route, the NA-126 highway borders the Bardenas, although several paths lead towards it, so it is important to follow the signs and choose the correct one. Along the route it is possible to see the Cabezo del Fraile mountain from the distance, so it is possible to confirm that the path is correct in this way.
#impressive #hiking #route #runs #natural #park #desert
