Turia - Cabriel Nature Trail. Jaraguas - Cabriel section

The traveller leaves the town of Jaraguas along calle Almendros, crossing the CV-475 road, where precautions should be taken when crossing. The wide dirt path runs up among patches of Aleppo pines, vineyards and almond groves. A little further, the Nature Trail shares the tracing of the road for over two kilometres. After crossing the underpass under the Eastern Highway (A-3), the two tracings divide and our route takes a dirt path among vineyards and almond groves that stretches for over three kilometres, and crosses the N-III road more or less at the middle of this section.

Villargordo del Cabriel welcomes hikers as the route enters Calle Utiel, then Calle Carretera and finally Calle Moluengo before leaving the town behind. Some of the points of interest of this town are located outside the town centre. This is the case of the telegraph tower and the trenches that were dug in the Puerto de Contreras back in the Carlist wars.

Two underpasses follow, that allow to cross both the N-III road and the Eastern Highway (A-3). The tracing continues along a wide dirt path among vineyards and almond groves, which slowly give over their prominent role to pine woods as the Nature Trail gains altitude.

At kilometre point 108 there is a rest area where it is possible to find a panel with information on the natural beauty of the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park, since the road now goes deep into this space. Shortly afterwards, a magnificent specimen of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) locally known as Árbol Monumental (monumental tree) Pino de los Dos Hermanos. Standing tall with its 25 m of height, this tree clearly deserves a stop to be admired.

Once that the climb has been completed, the trail starts to go down, now completely surrounded by pine trees. After hitting kilometre point 111, the last section of the path begins. This time, it is short, a kilometre and a half, and known as Senda de la Cueva de los Ladrones. A remark for cyclists, though. Contrary to some previous sections, which may be suitable for cyclists provided that they are skilled enough, this section is not, because cycling along this path is prohibited according to the regulations of the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park.

This traditional road zigzags down the pine woods and is signalled by the Nature Trail logo carved in stone. Thus, an effective signalling system is achieved with minimum impact on the environment. After hitting kilometre point 122 and arriving at the La Manchuela viewpoint, which offers spectacular views from a sort of natural window. This pretty path winds slowly down the slope until it reaches a wide path shortly after kilometre point 113.

Less than a kilometre afterwards stands the Fuente de la Oliva rest area, where a water spring and adjacent pond offer a perfect habitat for many species of amphibians. It is also frequented by many other wildlife species, which use its water to drink and be refreshed.

The last part of the route runs steeply down to the basin of the Cabriel River, in pine-covered area dotted by some small crop fields. Once kilometre point 121 is reached, and after a couple of curves, the finishing point is finally reached: the majestic Vadocañas Bridge over the waters of the River Cabriel, which makes a magnificent end to this Turia – Cabriel Nature Trail.