Puntos de Interés
Orography
Urbion Peak
Urbion Peak is the most significant peak of the Picos de Urban mountain range, which forms part of the Iberian System. This formation, regarded as one of the highest mountain ranges in the Iberian System, delineates the boundary between the Ebro and Duero basins, separating the provinces of Burgos, Soria and La Rioja.
This imposing peak is situated between the municipalities of Derulo de la Sierra, Kovaleva and Viniegra de Abajo, at an altitude of 2,228 metres above sea level, where the provinces of La Rioja and Soria converge.
The region's orography is representative of the area, with steep mountains, faults, folds and dislocations from the Hercynian and Alpine eras, as well as a series of glacial lakes, including the Laguna Helda, the Laguna Negra and the Laguna Large.
The presence of moraines is a clear indication of the activity in question. These moraines prevent the evacuation of water from the lagoons by forming morainic arches of great geomorphological interest. They also demonstrate the glacial descent from the Urbión Peak, which resulted in the formation of a rocky belt that closed Laguna Negra and the Revinuesa valley.
Due to the challenging climatic conditions, only small, cushiony species of alpine flora can flourish at the higher altitudes. These include some endemic species exclusive to the Sierra de Urbión, such as the armeria (Armeria losae) and the alpine daisy (Leucanthemopsis alpina).
Those who reach the summit will also have a wide view of the extensive forest below 1,500m, which is mainly made up of European red pine (Pinus sylvestris). It is situated within the largest wooded area on the Iberian Peninsula.
The area's fauna offers birdwatchers the opportunity to observe a variety of birds of prey, including the short-toed snake eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the golden eagle. These species have led to the area being designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds.