El Camino del Cid is a great tourist and cultural route inspired by the adventures of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, the Cid Campeador, as recorded in the “Cantar de mío Cid” (Song of the Cid).
It is not a strict historical route, because the poem mixes real facts with literary elements, but it is a route that follows the main scenarios linked to the character, both documented and legendary.
It is an itinerary of more than 1,500 km, which crosses eight provinces (from Burgos to Valencia and Alicante).
Montanejos, in the Alto Mijares, is part of the stretch known as “The Conquest of Valencia”, when the Cid advances through Levantine lands in his campaign towards the city. Part of this experience also runs through the Anillo del Maestrazgo, mentioned in medieval sources related to the Cid.
In this municipality, we also find the Alto Mijares Mountain Bike Centerwhere you can find mountain bikes for rent.
This is the beginning of this exclusive experience for the most physically and technically prepared.
Pure mountain biking that will lead you first along the track that turns the Peña del Cinglo, but not before visiting the church and the Arab tower in Montanejos, also crossing the bridge with views of the Aqueduct of San José.
Arriving at Montán you will pass by the Hermitage of Santa Bárbara, and you will also visit the Convent of the Servite Fathers in this town before ascending the Camino de Pina towards the Alto Rosada, in one of the most demanding parts of this route, with 9 kilometers of almost constant ascent.
You will descend to the Barranco de la Maimona Pass and, from there, and optionally, we recommend you climb up to the Morrón de Campos.
The views will be incredible after having faced a 6.5 kilometer pass at 5.6%. The last stretch, the out and back to Morrón, is a kilometer and a half each way, which you can decide to skip if you are too tired or don’t have time, although we definitely recommend the experience.
In addition, then practically the entire route will be downhill, towards Los Calpes along the track to Montanejos. You will find a viewpoint from which you will see the immensity of the Arenoso Reservoir, as well as the Viñaza Castle.
You will connect with the road parallel to the reservoir, in the section of the Anillo del Maestrazgo, in the direction of Puebla de Arenoso.
On the way you will pass through the Barranco la Viñaza ravine and you can take a detour to the Mirador el Morrón.
It is time to regain strength in Puebla de Arenoso where you will find different dining options, some of them overlooking the reservoir, and visit the Town Hall Square with the Church of Our Lady of the Angels.
When you resume the route you will return along the same road, this time to Montanejos, passing by the viewpoint of the Estrecho de Chillapájaros, and descending to the Fuente de los Baños. A thermal spring of mineral-medicinal waters that springs from the Mijares River, with temperatures around 25-40 °C depending on the flow and the season. Its waters, rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates, have been appreciated since ancient times for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, especially for muscular, rheumatic and skin problems.
The surrounding environment, surrounded by mountains and canyons, makes the fountain a natural landmark, where visitors can enjoy outdoor bathing while surrounded by the Mediterranean landscape characteristic of the Alto Mijares region.
The path parallel to the river will take you to the starting point of the route, the Alto Mijares MTB Center.
You can complete the experience with a circuit in the Balneario de Montanejos or, if you need to stay overnight, book in the resort Campuebla Apartments & Spain the same BTT Center.
A relaxing end to an unforgettable mountain experience.
