The gorge was formed by the erosive action of the Castril River carving through the Jurassic limestone of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas.
The metal and wooden walkway system was installed to allow visitors to penetrate the narrowest section of the canyon known as 'La Cerrada'.
A portion of the path requires passing through a man-made tunnel excavated into the canyon wall.
The suspension bridge at the end of the circuit provides a 360-degree view of the river's flow and the geological strata of the gorge.
The area surrounding the river is home to various species of flora adapted to high-humidity canyon environments, including maidenhair ferns.
El Sendero de la Cerrada del Río Castril is a scenic path featuring suspended wooden walkways anchored directly into the vertical limestone canyon walls. The trail traverses the Castril River, providing an elevated view of the rushing water below and the narrow gorge formation. A distinctive feature of the route is the tunnel carved directly through the rock face, which serves as a transition point between the gorge section and the surrounding valley. The path culminates at a suspension bridge crossing the river. The walkway system is designed to provide access to a rugged river environment that was previously inaccessible to the public. It serves as one of the primary natural landmarks of the Castril municipality in the Granada province. The trail is integrated into a wider network of local hiking routes focused on the fluvial landscape. Ongoing maintenance ensures the structural integrity of the wooden planks and safety railings overlooking the riverbed.
The center of the suspension bridge for a symmetrical shot looking back into the canyon corridor.
Wear footwear with high-traction rubber soles, as the wooden walkways can become slick when misted by the river.
Avoid visiting during periods of heavy rainfall, as the river levels can rise significantly and the walkway may be closed for safety.
Bring a light jacket, as the canyon creates a microclimate that is consistently cooler than the village above.
Attempting the walk if you have a fear of heights, as the walkways are narrow and look directly down into the gorge.
May be closed during periods of extreme weather, flooding, or scheduled maintenance; check local tourism office status before arriving.
Maintain a quiet volume to respect the natural soundscape; do not lean on railings or drop items into the river.
