High-mountain granite peak with views over the Jerte Valley and La Vera.
Municipality
Piornal
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
Mixed
Peña Negra is a large granite rock formation located in the Sierra de Tormantos mountains, within the municipality of Piornal, at an elevation of over 1,400 metres. It is one of the highest and most scenic viewpoints in the area, offering wide panoramic views of the Jerte Valley and the neighbouring region of La Vera. The site can be reached via the Peña Negra Trail (PR-CC 13), a hiking route that starts in Piornal and passes through high-mountain landscapes with oak woodland, shrublands and open pasture areas. The final approach to the summit involves scrambling over large granite blocks and may feel exposed in places, so caution is recommended. From the top, visitors can enjoy some of the best panoramic views in northern Cáceres.
Address
Sierra de Tormantos, zona de montaña al sureste de Piornal (Cáceres)
From Piornal, follow the marked PR-CC 13 trail that starts from the town center and heads towards the upper part of the mountain range, keeping the rocky massif of Peña Negra as a visual reference. Alternatively, it is possible to drive along the road towards Garganta la Olla and, near the mountain pass (around 1,250 meters), take a track that allows part of the route to be covered by car before continuing on foot to the base of the rock formation and its summit.
Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons to complete the route, with mild temperatures and good visibility to enjoy the views. In summer, it is advisable to avoid the central hours of the day due to heat and the lack of shade in the upper areas, while in winter snow, ice, and fog may appear, requiring experience and appropriate equipment.
MEDIA
Resource access level
It is advisable to undertake the route with good physical condition, proper hiking footwear, windproof warm clothing, sufficient water, and sun protection, planning the schedule carefully due to the length of the route. If attempting to reach the summit rocks, this should be done with great caution, avoiding climbing on days with rain, dense fog, or strong winds, and always staying within the safest areas.
The route is long and largely follows forest tracks and high-mountain trails, making it unsuitable for people not accustomed to long-distance walking or with mobility limitations. The large granite blocks at the summit can be very slippery when wet or icy and include exposed sections, so climbing them without proper experience is not recommended and extreme caution should always be exercised.