Route by car: Mogón - Charco del Aceite

This winding, twisting road through delightful scenery leads to this unexplored and almost unknown paradise and unveils many wondrously beautiful landscapes, where water is often the main feature.

You will come across a number of farms, some still standing and others in ruins, which are fine examples of the local popular architecture. The route will take you past majestic pine forests, fine examples of junipers, dense forests along the banks of streams and holm and gall oaks that have stood for over a hundred years.

1.	Km 0. Mogón.This lovely village belongs to the Villacarrillo municipal district that lies in the Guadalquivir Valley. Its olive groves and fertile valley farmland are also traversed by the Aguascebas river that joins the Guadalquivir at this point. There is an extensive area for bathing with very good facilities in the El Molinillo area.
2.	Km 13.5. 9.9. Viewpoints of La Osera and Cerro Vilorto. The two viewpoints are on your left and afford spectacular panoramic views of La Osera [the Bear's Den], one of the most emblematic places in these mountains.
3.	Km 14. Tambor Curve. Tambor curve is named after the sharp drum-like curve in the mountain. From here you have a bird's eye view to the east over the Cañamares river valley, the waterfall, Peña Palomera vulture nesting place, and the towns of Cazorla, La Iruela and Burunchel.
4.	Km 18.5. Chorrogil Waterfall.There is a dirt track on the right about 500 m before you reach the Aguascebas reservoir, leading to the area surrounding this spectacular waterfall, which takes the form of a horse's tail. The exuberant vegetation includes several specimens of birch, a northern tree that is truly exceptional in such southern latitudes. The waterfall's polychrome rockface makes this a very attractive spot.
5.	Km 19. Aguascebas Reservoir. A pleasant artificial lake that supplies drinking water to the towns in the La Loma area. It is also a high mountain fishing reserve for rainbow trout. Bathing is not permitted.
6.	Km 22. La Fresnedilla. The centre of this part of Sierra de las Villas. The village features a primary school and a municipal hostel. Around 700m from the village, on the left, there are several tracks near leading to places brimming with charm that are well worth a visit, such as Arroyo del Torno, Nava del Milano and the peak known as Navazalto.
7.	Km 24. Collado del Lobo, Nava del Rico and Collado del Pocico. This area is home to a very special tree, the juniper. Superb specimens of black junipers grow in the shallow soil between the limestone at Lancha del Sabinar. A track on the right leads to some charming spots, such as Cruz de Juan Núñez and Cortijo de la Cruz, Las Castañetas or Prado de los Chopos.
8.	Km 28. Cerrada San Ginés.A track on the right leads to the highest areas of these singular mountains and to this canyon. The Aguascebas de Gil Cobo stream runs through the canyon in a series of very distinctive waterfalls and refreshing pools. The first section of this route is best visited on foot, given its indisputable attractiveness and its extraordinary botanical richness, boasting a large number of endemic species along with yews, holly trees and birches. A few meters from the start of this forest track we find the Recreational Area of Gil Cobo.
9.	Km 34.5. Cueva del Peinero. A Recreational Area set in a majestic landscape on the banks of the Aguascebas Grande river, which flows through thick riparian vegetation and huge blocks of stone.
10.	Km 40. Collado del Ojuelo. This is a crossroads. The left track leads to spots such as Collado de la Tobilla, La Muela and Cañada de la Madera. The track to the right is known as Los Tableros, which has a barrier to prevent vehicles from passing. On foot, it leads to little known places, such as Prado de los Chortales meadow, Cañada Somera ravine, Collado de los Hermanillos hill and Caballo de Torraso peak.
11.	Km 47. Agua de los Perros. The first thing that draws your attention in this spectacular spot is the colossal cupola of the Iglesia de Los Perros, a cave known as la Iglesia de los Perros, [The Church of the Dogs]. The cave is hollowed out inside, making a skylight through which the stream falls in a thin curtain of raindrops. La Piedra del Agujero [The Stone Hole] is a gigantic hole carved into the rock by erosion and a natural bridge cut out of the rock by the stream. This is a great place for a refreshing swim in the cold, crystal-clear water.
12.	Km 48. Collado del Agua de los Perros. At 1200m above sea level, the views from up here are worth a stop, as well as the pine woods and lovely specimens of Spanish juniper.
13.	Km 50. Mirador del Tapadero. An obligatory stop on this balcony overlooking the chasm. Below, the turbulent waters of the Chillar stream can be observed within its narrow banks.
14.	Km 55.4. Los Cerezos Controlled Camping Area. You will come across a pretty fountain with two spouts next to the road. Nearby, around 300m to the right, next to the first stream, you will find one of the few miereras (a furnace used to distil juniper to extract its oil) that remain intact in the Nature Reserve. It is a silent witness to the occupations the locals once had in these mountains.
15.	Km 58.2. Puente de los Agustines-Charco del Aceite. Crossing the bridge over the Guadalquivir river, a short turnoff on the right takes us to a delightful bathing area: Charco del Aceite Recreational Area is a spot where the Guadalquivir river affords a big swimming hole with cool, clean water.

USEFUL TIPS

Distance: Mogon is 60 Km from the Charco del Aceite. This unique mountain road is the main road from which many turnoffs lead to delightful, secluded treasures in Las Villas mountains. We recommend an off-road vehicle if you plan to do some exploring.

Ruta en coche Mogón - Charco del Aceite

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