The Bardenas Reales, where this landmark resides, was formed during the Tertiary period by the sedimentation of the Ebro Basin.
Cabezo de las Cortinillas is officially protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site.
The erosive force that created this formation is part of a process that lowers the soil level by several millimeters per year.
The site has been used as a filming location for international productions due to its stark, otherworldly appearance.
Cabezo de las Cortinillas is a distinctive geological formation located within the Bardenas Reales semi-desert in Navarre, Spain. It stands as a prominent "cabezos," which are isolated, flat-topped hills sculpted by centuries of water and wind erosion. The formation is composed of clay, chalk, and sandstone, characteristic of the Badlands landscape. It is situated within the protected Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve of Bardenas Reales. Visitors gain access via a gravel track that winds through the arid terrain. The structure serves as a natural viewpoint offering panoramic vistas over the surrounding badlands and ravines. It is a key site for observing unique erosional patterns typical of the region. The area is part of a military-civilian shared space, requiring visitors to stay strictly on marked paths.
The base of the formation looking up to capture the contrast between the layered sedimentary rock and the blue sky.
Bring a minimum of two liters of water, as there are no services or shade in the Bardenas Reales.
Wear closed-toe, sturdy hiking boots to navigate the uneven, loose, and dusty trail surface.
Check weather reports for wind speeds, as the area is highly exposed and can become difficult to traverse during gusts.
Do not attempt to visit during heavy rain, as the clay soils turn into extremely slippery and impassable mud.
Access may be restricted during military training exercises or severe weather events; check local park status updates before departure.
Stay strictly on the marked roads and designated trails to protect the fragile soil crust; off-roading and hiking off-path are strictly prohibited.
