La Rioja Alta is much more than vineyards and wineries. Between the peaks of the Sierra de la Demanda, the valleys of the Tirón, the Oja and the Ebro, and the beech and oak forests that blanket the hillsides, lies a network of trails that will delight any nature lover. The best part: from Casa Rural Río Tirón, in Tormantos, you are at the heart of it all.
We have selected 7 hiking trails for all levels —from family walks along the river to the ascent of the highest peak in La Rioja— with all the practical information you need to lace up your boots and head out to explore. Because after a day in the mountains, there is nothing like coming home, lighting the txoko fireplace and sharing the stories of the day.
“Walking is the slowest way to travel and the fastest way to connect with a place.”
1. Río Tirón trail: the path from our doorstep
We begin, naturally, with the trail that starts literally from the door of Casa Rural Río Tirón. The river that gives our house its name winds between Tormantos, Leiva and Herramelélluri, forming a green corridor of poplars, ash trees and alders that is a true refuge for local wildlife. Herons, kingfishers, dippers and, if you pay attention, the occasional mink coming out to fish at dusk.
The path follows the bank of the Tirón along farm tracks and trails between orchards. It is a completely flat route, ideal for families with children, for walking the dog or for an early morning run. In summer, there are pools where you can cool off. In autumn, the poplars turn golden and the walk becomes a picture postcard.
You can do the full route to Leiva and back (round trip), or simply walk upstream for as long as you like and retrace your steps. You cannot get lost: the river always guides you home.
2. Pico San Lorenzo (2,271 m): the roof of La Rioja
For the more adventurous, the ascent of Pico San Lorenzo is the great reference hike in La Rioja. At 2,271 metres, it is the highest point in the region and one of the most iconic peaks in the Iberian mountain system. From its summit, on clear days, you can see a breathtaking panorama: the Pyrenees to the north, the Castilian plateau to the south, and the Ebro and Tirón valleys at your feet.
The classic route starts from Ezcaray, one of the prettiest villages in La Rioja, and climbs through the Oja river valley, crossing century-old beech forests and high mountain meadows. The final stretches are over scree and require good fitness and proper footwear. This is not a route to improvise: bring a map, enough water, warm clothing (the summit is always cold) and let someone know your plans.
The reward is worth every step. When you reach the summit and gaze across all of La Rioja at your feet, you will understand why this mountain holds special meaning for the Riojans. If you prefer a gentler version, the climb to the San Lorenzo refuge (at about 1,900 m) is an excellent alternative that considerably reduces the difficulty.
3. Sotos del Ebro trail: a birdwatcher’s paradise
On the banks of the Ebro, between Haro and Briñas, stretches one of the best-preserved riverside ecosystems in La Rioja: the Sotos del Ebro. This riparian forest —poplars, willows, elms and ash trees— is a natural corridor for dozens of bird species, turning every walk into a privileged observation session.
The route is completely flat and follows well-signposted paths between the river and the vineyards. Besides the birds —grey herons, cormorants, kites, harriers and, in winter, thousands of cranes that roost on the Ebro’s gravel banks— you will cross the historic Puente de Briñas, a medieval bridge that offers one of the most photogenic views in the entire region.
At the end of the trail, Haro is just a step away to round off the day with some pintxos on Calle Herradura or, if you fancy, a visit to one of its century-old wineries. The combination of nature and wine tourism is hard to beat.
4. San Millán de la Cogolla: a trail between UNESCO monasteries
Few trails in Spain combine nature and culture as extraordinarily as the route connecting the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, in San Millán de la Cogolla. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are considered the birthplace of the Spanish language: here the first words in Spanish were written, the famous Glosas Emilianenses, in the 10th century.
The trail climbs from the monastery of Yuso (the large, Baroque, majestic one) to the monastery of Suso (the small, Visigothic, intimate one) through a forest of holm oaks and oaks. The elevation gain is moderate but constant, and the views of the Cárdenas valley from Suso are spectacular. Once at the top, it is worth exploring the monastery of Suso at leisure —its blend of Visigothic, Mozarabic and Romanesque architecture is unique.
You can extend the route by following the paths that lead into the Sierra de la Demanda from Suso, with beech forests and streams that invite you to keep walking. The village of San Millán has good restaurants where you can refuel after the walk.
5. Oja river gorge: the hidden canyon
The Río Oja —the river that gives La Rioja its name— has carved over millennia a spectacular gorge through the limestone rock south of Ezcaray. This is one of those trails that surprises anyone unfamiliar with the geology of the area: vertical rock walls, pools of crystal-clear water, and vegetation clinging to the cliffs creating a cool microclimate even in the height of summer.
The trail follows the course of the Oja from the outskirts of Ezcaray, heading upstream towards its source. The terrain is varied —forest tracks, narrow trail sections and some rocky areas where you need to watch your footing— which makes the route entertaining and never monotonous. As you climb, the valley narrows, the forest thickens and the feeling of venturing into a wild place grows.
Ezcaray, the starting village, is a delight in itself: stone mansions, fine gastronomy (this is the land of caparrones beans) and an authentic mountain atmosphere. If you visit in winter, the Valdezcaray ski resort is just a few kilometres away.
6. Hermitage trail: Anguciana, Cihuri and vineyards
This is the perfect route for those seeking a leisurely stroll, without haste, among vineyards, cereal fields and small rural hermitages that dot the landscape of La Rioja Alta. The trail connects the villages of Anguciana and Cihuri —both a few kilometres from Haro— along farm tracks that offer sweeping views of the Ebro valley and the Sierra de Cantabria in the distance.
Along the route you will find several Romanesque and Baroque hermitages, small stone jewels that bear witness to centuries of rural devotion. The Ermita de la Virgen de Cihuri, surrounded by century-old vines, is a place of extraordinary peace. In spring, the poppy fields between the vines create scenes that look like Impressionist paintings.
This is an ideal route to combine with an afternoon of wine tourism in Haro or for those days when you simply want to walk without thinking about elevation gains or technical difficulties. Bring a camera: the sunsets over the vineyards from these paths are among the best in La Rioja.
7. GR 99 — Ebro Trail: the great traverse
The GR 99 is one of Spain’s great long-distance trails: it follows the River Ebro from its source in Fontibre (Cantabria) to its mouth at the Ebro Delta (Tarragona), covering more than 1,280 kilometres. Its passage through La Rioja Alta offers some of the most beautiful and varied stages of the entire route.
The section we recommend from Casa Rural Río Tirón runs from Haro to San Vicente de la Sonsierra (or the reverse), a stretch that combines riverside, vineyards, medieval villages and views of the Sierra de Cantabria. The trail passes through Briñas, with its historic bridge, crosses the riparian woods you already know from route 3, and winds between vines until reaching San Vicente, crowned by its castle and Gothic church.
The beauty of the GR 99 is that you can adapt the distance to suit you: walk a full stage, do just a section and return by car, or even link several stages if you fancy a multi-day traverse. The waymarking with red and white blazes is excellent throughout La Rioja.
Practical tips for hiking in La Rioja Alta
Basic equipment
You do not need to be an expert mountaineer to enjoy these trails, but it is worth being prepared:
- Footwear: Hiking boots or trail shoes for the mountain routes (San Lorenzo, Oja gorge). For the flat routes, comfortable trainers are enough.
- Water: Minimum 1.5 litres per person. On the San Lorenzo route, bring 2 litres. There are no reliable water sources on many stretches.
- Sun protection: The Riojan plateau has strong sun even in spring. A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
- Layered clothing: In the mountains, the temperature can change drastically. Always carry a lightweight windbreaker in your backpack.
- Map or GPS: Download the tracks on Wikiloc or similar apps before setting out. Mobile coverage is patchy in the mountain areas.
When is the best time?
Every season has its charm, but if you had to choose:
- Spring (April–June): Perfect temperature, fields in bloom, the rivers carry good flow. The best time overall.
- Autumn (September–November): The vineyards turn red and gold, the beech forests explode with colour and the temperature is mild. Coincides with the grape harvest.
- Summer (July–August): Intense heat on the flat routes. Best to start early and choose the mountain or shaded routes (Río Tirón, Oja gorge).
- Winter (December–March): Days are short but the snow-capped mountains are beautiful. Ideal for the lowland routes. San Lorenzo only with experience and snow gear.
After the hike: the reward
One of the advantages of staying at Casa Rural Río Tirón is that after walking you return to a real home, not a hotel room. The txoko with fireplace is the perfect place to rest your muscles, prepare something on the barbecue and open a bottle of Rioja —which you will have bought at one of the wineries in Haro— while reviewing the photos of the day. With 6 bedrooms and space for up to 14 guests, it is the ideal base for a group of hiking friends.
“After climbing San Lorenzo in September, we went down to Ezcaray, bought cheese and wine, and had dinner in the txoko with the fire lit. One of those days you never forget.”