Spain bucket list item! It has been for me since 2018 when I saw a snapshot of the Caminito. I ran out of time on that trip to hike it, which sent it to the top of my list for this journey. I wasn’t dissapointed.

Starting the Caminito at 9:45 am. Lovely light as we makeour way into the gorge.

If you have never stood next to a towering rock face this path is mindblowing. The 7 km walk is a one way path with large stretches built into the side of the gorge walls. You are over 100 meters (330 ft) above the river and the feeling can be quite heady. It was originally built for workers at the Hydroelectric plants to move materials and perform maintenance and inspections on the water channels. It is now a HUGE tourist attraction.

Safety First! Hard hats issued in case of falling rocks.
Entering the gorge. Note the people on the path (center low)
The path high above the river and the final bridge that crosses the gorge.
The current trail with the orginial (made from concrete) below it.

The drama of sheer cliffs falls away as you amble through a forested section. At one point you walk through the old concrete water channel.

Walking through a defunct water channel .
Exiting the gorge onto this sheer face above the lake.

The path finishes by exiting the gorge and walking across this sheer face. The lake below is home to the hydroelectric plant and sits below El Chorro.

zoomed out photo showing hydroplant

El Chorro is a tiny town of 300 with a stunning backdrop. It brought me back to my climbing days… folks living out of their vans, spending thier days sending these rock faces, living for the moment and dropping out of regular societal routines. Come to think of it, I am still living a bit like that now.