Sendero Nuevo Acceso a Los Cahorros por cauce Río Monachil

Los Cahorros is one of the most exhilarating and accessible hikes in the Sierra Nevada, located just outside the village of Monachil and a 20-minute drive from Granada. This new access route follows the course of the Río Monachil, leading hikers through a spectacular limestone gorge carved over millennia by the river. The trail is famous for its hanging bridges — narrow suspension bridges that sway gently (and sometimes not so gently) as you cross them, clamped to the vertical gorge walls high above the crystal-clear water below. It is a trail that combines natural beauty with a genuine sense of adventure from the very first step.

The route winds along the riverbank, crossing back and forth over the Monachil via a series of bridges, some of which are fixed stone crossings and others are the famous suspended cable bridges with wooden slats. You'll pass through short tunnels carved into the rock, scramble over boulders in sections, and stop at natural pools where the water forms inviting turquoise swimming holes. The sound of the river echoes through the canyon throughout, and in spring the flow is strongest, with small waterfalls cascading over moss-covered rocks. The rock formations along the route are dramatic — smooth limestone walls polished by water, overhanging cliffs, and deep narrow sections where the canyon walls close in.

The round trip covers roughly 6 kilometres and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace, including time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Sturdy footwear is essential as the rocky terrain can be uneven, and the suspension bridges can be slippery when wet. The trail is moderately demanding due to some elevation changes and the rocky sections, but it is well within reach of most reasonably fit hikers. Early morning starts are recommended on weekends and during peak season (spring and autumn) as Los Cahorros is very popular and the car park in Monachil fills quickly. The best conditions are in spring when the river runs high and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green, and in autumn when the temperatures are mild and the crowds thin out.