This route covers 7.7km return.It involves around 50m of cumulative elevation gain.
The route reaches roughly 300m at its highest point.
Technically, the El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path standard trail is a scramble. The walk is generally straightforward, with varying conditions depending on the immediate environment.
Overview
Technical Summary
Once considered the most dangerous hike in the world, the Caminito del Rey (Little Path of the King) is now a spectacular, safe, and exhilarating walkway through the Gaitanes Gorge. The trail consists of steel-and-wood boardwalks suspended 100 meters high on the vertical limestone walls of the canyon.
The Vertical Walkway. The 'X-Factor' is the suspension bridge (Puente Colgante) at the end of the gorge. Walking over a metal grid bridge with a several-hundred-foot drop between your feet while the wind tunnels through the canyon is as close to bird-like as hiking gets. The blend of early 20th-century industrial history and raw geological drama is unique in Spain.
Hazard Assessment
Even though the trail is perfectly safe, the psychological impact of being suspended on a cliff can be intense.
The Gaitanes gorge is a south-facing limestone oven; temperatures can soar above 40°C in July/August.
Route Summary
This is a scenic and highly accessible route.Check the local forecast and plan your schedule to allow ample time to enjoy the views.
Stage Breakdowns
Northern Access
Walking 1.5km from the restaurant El Kiosko to the official control cabin.
The Suspended Boardwalks
Entering the first major gorge section on the wooden walkways.
Valle del Hoyo
A wider valley stretch between the two major gorge sections.
The Suspension Bridge
Crossing the final bridge and exiting toward El Chorro.
Route
Geometry
Topographical Data & Reference Points
- Route Typehiking
- Highest Pointpeak elevation on route300m
- Lowest Pointvalley floor elevation200m
- GPS Location36.9150°N 4.7720°W
Technical Profile
Vertical Ascent Profile
An almost entirely horizontal or slightly descending linear path along the canyon wall.
Terrain Characteristics
Scramble terrain (Class 2) — involves fixed-rope sections or often required hand-use on steep terrain.
The physical demand is defined by the 7.7km distance and local environmental conditions rather than vertical gain.
Data referenced from regional park authority sources and topographic surveys.
Technical
Matrix Profile
The HikeMetrics Global Matrix provides an objective, multi-dimensional assessment of technical difficulty, exposure risk, and environmental load.
Risk Summary
Professional evaluation of route mechanics and environmental stress factors. Recommended for participants within specified technical scope.
This profile uses the HikeMetrics v1.0 risk matrix, prioritizing environmental stress and movement complexity over simple elevation metrics.
Technical Specs
Access & Logistics
Regulations
Book strictly in advance at caminitodelrey.info
Seasonality
Closed on Mondays. Tickets should be booked online 1-3 months in advance as they sell out globally. Regulations change; verify with the official park or local authority before departure.
Safety Index
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Cross-Reference Analysis
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Next Operational Phase
Get Field Ready
Logistics & Permits
Verify all permit requirements and regional park access rules. High-season routes often require advance coordination for logistics.
View Requirements Protocol 02Field Preparation
Ensure equipment matches the technical demands of the specific terrain. Check current trail reports and humidity/wind variables.
View LoadoutExplore Similar Journeys
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Region Cluster
Core Concepts
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Topic grouping based on geography, physical exertion profile, and technical movement typology.
Route Questions
Can children do it?
Only children 8 years and older are permitted. ID is required for age proof.
Do permit rules stay constant year-round?
Not always. Permit and guide requirements can change by season and region. Verify the latest rules with the official park office or local authority before departure.
What is the safest start-time strategy?
Start early and plan to clear exposed sections before midday. This reduces heat, storm, and visibility risk on most mountain routes.
How much water capacity is usually needed?
For exposed hiking days, carrying 2-3 liters is common. Increase capacity when refill reliability is low or temperatures are high.
Is mobile signal reliable on route?
Coverage is often patchy outside towns and major valleys. Treat phones as secondary tools and carry offline navigation resources.
Dossier Verification & Sync
Data points indexed in this dossier are cross-referenced against authoritative land management records and regional mapping. HikeMetrics maintains independent verification protocols for all primary route geometry.