The natural pools of Los Pilones are located in the heart of Garganta de los Infiernos, the spectacular ‘Gorge of hell’ in Jerte Valley in the north of Cáceres. These natural granite pools, carved out by river erosion, get their crystalline water from the mountains of Extremadura. Los Pilones offer visitors spectacular views and a chance for a refreshing swim in a spectacular natural environment.
Los Pilones, the best kept secret of the Jerte Valley
The beautiful Jerte Valley, a natural passage between Extremadura and Duero, lies between the Sierra de Gredos mountain range and the picturesque town of Plasencia. The valley has several streams, gorges and welcoming natural pools, perfect for cooling off in the summer. The Jerte River running through the valley is surrounded by chestnut, olive and cherry trees. Every spring, during flowering season, Jerte is covered by a delicate white blanket of blossom produced by the one and a half million cherry trees scattered across the valley.
The name ‘Jerte’ comes from the Arabic word xerit, meaning narrow and crystalline river. The Jerte river, born of melting ice and snow, meanders through the mountainous valley forming waterfalls, pools and lagoons in this superior natural setting.
History lovers will be interested to know that it was not until 1186 that King Alfonso VIII of Castile founded the town of Plasencia, in the place of an earlier settlement, to exert his power over Gredos and the Jerte Valley.
Garganta de los Infiernos
The Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve in the Jerte Valley is delimited by the Sierra de Tormantos and Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges, and the Jerte River.
It is known for its characteristic granite rock formations and high mountains: Cerro de Estecillo reaches 2,290 metres and Cuerda de Infiernillos 2,281 metres. Both are located in an old glacial valley, moulded into its current shape by the Quaternary glaciation.
Plant life in the reserve is highly diverse. Ash trees, willows, and alders stand out on the river banks, whereas oaks, chestnut trees, and the famous cherry trees predominate on the valley’s sunny slopes. Alpine meadows cover the mountain tops, helping to foster diverse ecosystems and habitats.
The Brown trout is the most common fish found in the valley’s rivers and streams, while birds of prey predominate in the sky. Common mammals include wildcats, genets, otters and mountain goats.
There are numerous ponds and waterfalls in the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve. However, the main attraction of the valley is without doubt Los Pilones, enormous pools that have formed in the rock as a result of the river’s erosive force, where people swim in the summer.
Los Pilones trail, Cáceres
The Los Pilones trail starts from the local Interpretation Centre. The path is straightforward and marked with green and white stripes. You can walk this 3-kilometre trail in an hour while enjoying the silence and the beautiful landscape. Stroll amongst beautiful chestnut trees and through fern and cherry tree forests on this path that, because of its low level of difficulty, is also suitable for children.
The best times to visit are autumn, winter and spring, as that is when the waterfalls cascading from the mountain tops flow strongest. You should take a detour to the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint about a kilometre before reaching Los Pilones.
Once you are back on the forest track, have passed the wooden bridge and climbed the stairs carved into the rock, you will start to catch glimpses of the peculiar giant cauldrons of Los Pilones.
Each pool has its own waterfall, filling it to the brim with foamy water. These stunning natural pools are connected to each other by the flowing water in a spectacular network of natural Jacuzzis.
The river has eroded the sides of the pools and made them into natural slides, a treat especially for children, who can slide down the smooth sides and jump into the crystalline waters to enjoy a swim in this picturesque natural setting.
Hiking in the Jerte Valley
Even though the Los Pilones trail is the most popular hiking trail in the Jerte Valley, there are several other marked trails to choose from, over 20 to be precise, as well as three high mountain paths.
The second most popular trail is probably a 16-kilometre circular route through the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve that takes about six hours to complete. Whether you prefer a walk or a swim, don’t miss the chance to visit this stunning natural setting, praised by many as the most remarkable swimming spot they know.
