Borosa River

Borosa River

Spectacular 13 km long river with a very diverse landscape, crystal clear emerald green natural pools and waterfalls. Located in the Sierra de Segura, Jaén.

The Borosa River is a small tributary of the Guadalquivir River. It’s born in the Natural Park of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas, the largest protected area in Spain and the second largest in Europe. The river is crystalline, with many stunning natural pools and waterfalls. Hence, it is the most popular route in the Natural Park.

The route along the Borosa River is long (24 km round trip) and linear, so it can be shortened whenever you want. The first 8 km runs along a path with little gradient and includes the canyon called Cerrada de Elías. The last 4 km are very steep and have impressive waterfalls. In theory, the route can be done in 7 hours, but don’t be surprised if it takes longer.

The route starts at the Borosa River Visitor Center (see the How to Get There section below).

After passing the trout farm, you reach a forest track. The route runs alongside the river at all times.

As soon as you start, you see the stream ‘Arroyo de las Truchas’, which joins the Borosa river. Then you have to cross several wooden bridges.

In many parts, the forest track turns into a narrow path, surrounded by gall oaks, holm oaks and pines.

Soon you will see beautiful natural pools and huge rock formations with layers and folds, such as ‘Pliegue del río Borosa’.

The natural pools have crystal clear water with emerald green tones. Ask at the Visitor Centre if bathing is allowed during this season.

The route then passes through Vado Rosales, which leads to the gorge or Cerrada de Elías.

This bridge is where the Cerrada de Elías begins, 4.4 km from the start of the route.

Cerrada de Elías is an impressive gorge in the river.

An old fishermen’s path runs along wooden walkways hanging over the river.

Cerrada de Elías is the most visited part of the route. Some days in summer it can be very crowded.

It is easy to get here. Many people only get this far.

This narrow karst valley is 400 m long and has vertical walls more than 10 m high!

Once you leave the canyon of Cerrada de Elías, you return to the forest track. Alongside it, you’ll see more crystal-clear pools.

8 km from the start of the route, there is a fountain next to the old power station. A signpost indicates ‘End of route’, but the most impressive part is what comes next!

From here onwards, the landscape changes radically. The last 4 km of the route is a steep climb.

You’ll walk between vertical walls and spectacular waterfalls. These get more stunning as you keep on walking.

The scenery is very diverse. On every step along the route, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the Borosa River.

As you continue to climb, you’ll pass the ‘Cascada de Tres Colas’ waterfall.

If you look back, you see the beautiful valley of the river.

A little further up is the ‘Cascada de la Calavera’ waterfall.

The Cascada de la Calavera has a deep, rounded and perfect natural pool at its feet.

Climbing further up, you reach the biggest waterfall, Salto de los Órganos. It is 60 m high! The route continues to the left, with a very hard, steep ascent without shade.

Then the route passes through two tunnels inside the huge rock to the left of the ‘Salto de los Órganos’ waterfall.

The tunnels have a canal that carries water to the power station. The first tunnel leads to a small meadow. The second one is a short distance to the ‘Laguna de Aguas Negras’ reservoir.

The ‘Laguna de Aguas Negras’ reservoir has a deep blue-green colour. If you cross the bridge over the dam, after 1 km you’ll reach the ‘Laguna de Valdeazores’ lagoon.

But if you do not cross the bridge and go left, in 300 m you’ll reach the source of the Borosa River. The water flows out from under the flat rock on the left.