Location and surroundings
Caimodorro is situated in Spain, specifically within the region of Aragon, the district of the Sierra de Albarracín, and the municipality of Albarracín. As part of the Albarracín Mountains within the broader Sistema Iberico Suroeste, Iberian System, and Iberian Peninsula, it holds the distinction of being the highest of 90 named peaks in the Albarracín Mountains. The landscape around the summit features a high density of Scots pine up to the top, alongside nearby water sources on its western slopes.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area includes several nearby hills, peaks, and mountain passes relative to Caimodorro:
- Cerro del Pozo de la Yegua (hill), 1,678 m, 5.7 km W
- Collado Cabeza Olloso (mountain pass), 1,419 m, 11.7 km NE
- Cerro de Juan Llorente (peak), 1,589 m, 15.2 km NW
- Collado de Siguenza (mountain pass), 1,419 m, 17.7 km N
- Cerro de San Felipe (peak), 1,838 m, 19.2 km SW
- Cerro de las Sandalias (peak), 1,468 m, 19.3 km NW
- Mogorrita (peak), 1,864 m, 20.0 km S
- Peña Grande (peak), 1,395 m, 20.0 km N
As the highest peak of the Albarracín Mountains at 1,936 m, Caimodorro rises above all of these neighboring elevations.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Caimodorro, observers can look out across the surrounding terrain toward other prominent elevations within a 25-kilometer radius. The highest peaks nearby include Alto del Tremedal at 1,893 m, situated 2.8 km E; Pena de la Gallina at 1,885 m, located 2.4 km NW; La Cruceta at 1,859 m, positioned 23.1 km S; Penablanca at 1,857 m, lying 5.6 km S; Sierra Alta at 1,854 m, found 8.7 km E; and Cerro de la Cebadilla at 1,838 m, located 14.9 km SW.
The range
The range hierarchy for Caimodorro spans from the broadest Iberian Peninsula down through the Iberian System and the Sistema Iberico Suroeste to the Albarracín Mountains. This range contains 90 named peaks in total. Among them, Caimodorro ranks as the highest peak of the Albarracín Mountains, serving as the high point of the range itself.
Climbing routes
Ascending Caimodorro is generally straightforward, featuring several routes to the top. Common paths include hiking routes on forest tracks and mountain paths originating from Orihuela del Tremedal or the area of the Santuario de la Virgen del Tremedal, with no technical climbing required. However, certain routes are better avoided during snow and ice conditions due to associated risks.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town for reaching Caimodorro is the village of Orihuela del Tremedal, situated 5.2 km NE of the top at an elevation of about 1,460 m. From this starting point, the route involves about 6.8 km on foot and 480 m of height gain. OpenStreetMap data lists nearby infrastructure including the wilderness hut Refugio de La Portera at 1.5 km NE, along with two mobile phone and communication masts mapped within 10 km, the nearest of which is 3.8 km NW.
Climate and weather
Based on NASA POWER climate data estimates from 2001–2020 with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation, the mean temperature at the top of Caimodorro reaches about 17 °C in the warmest month of July and about 0 °C in the coldest month of January. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 400 mm a year, with April being the wettest month at about 50 mm and July the driest at about 15 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include slippery conditions, snow, and ice during colder periods.
Best time to visit
The most favorable months to visit Caimodorro correspond to the period when monthly mean temperatures at the summit are above freezing, which includes March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Drier conditions occur around July, while spring months like April experience higher precipitation. Winter ascents require caution due to snow and ice risks on certain routes.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Caimodorro features a high density of Scots pine extending all the way up to its summit. The western falda hosts two water sources that feed the arroyo de las Truchas, a tributary of the río de la Hoz Seca bordering the mountain to the south. On the northwestern falda, underneath a boulder field of stone rivers, the Fuente de las Lanas gives rise to the río Gallo, which flows toward Orihuela del Tremedal before heading into the province of Guadalajara toward its mouth at the río Tajo.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional instruction or local expertise, certified mountain guides operate within Spain. The national mountain guide association is the Spanish Mountain Guides Association (Asociación Española de Guías de Montaña (AEGM)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing (FEDME). Established guiding companies such as Spanish Highs operate in the mountains of the country, specifically in Granada (Sierra Nevada). Visitors looking for guided ascents can also check with local tourist offices in places like Orihuela del Tremedal.
Safety and preparation
Mountain trips on Caimodorro require standard preparation for regional hiking terrain, including adequate water, proper footwear, and awareness of weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, the single emergency number in Spain is 112, which dispatches mountain rescue services across available networks.
History and name
Known historically as the highest point of the Albarracín Mountains, Caimodorro is also referred to as a cerro or pico in local documentation. Cartographic details for the area are mapped on sheet 540-IV at a scale of 1:25000 by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional.
Interesting facts
Caimodorro holds the rank of the highest of 90 named peaks in the Albarracín Mountains. It features subsidiary summits toward the north, most notably Pena de la Gallina at 1,885 m. The mountain's hydrology feeds both the arroyo de las Truchas and the río Gallo from its western slopes.
FAQ
How high is Caimodorro? Caimodorro has an elevation of 1,936 meters.
Where is Caimodorro located? It is located in Spain, within the municipality of Albarracín, district of Sierra de Albarracín, and region of Aragon.
What mountain range does Caimodorro belong to? It belongs to the Albarracín Mountains, part of the Sistema Iberico Suroeste, the Iberian System, and the Iberian Peninsula.
What are the nearest peaks and passes to Caimodorro? The closest elevations include Cerro del Pozo de la Yegua, Collado Cabeza Olloso, Cerro de Juan Llorente, Collado de Siguenza, Cerro de San Felipe, Cerro de las Sandalias, Mogorrita, and Peña Grande.
Is there water on the way to Caimodorro? Yes, water sources include the fuente de las Lanas 750 m west of the summit and the fuente de las Truchas 860 m west of the summit, along with another spring 1.2 km southwest.
Are there huts on Caimodorro? The nearest shelter is the Refugio de La Portera, a wilderness hut located 1.5 km northeast of the summit.
How long does it take to walk up Caimodorro? An estimate using Naismith's rule from Orihuela del Tremedal (5.2 km northeast of the top at about 1,460 m) suggests a walk of about 6.8 km and 480 m up, taking roughly 1.5–2.5 hours.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Caimodorro? OpenStreetMap maps two communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest 3.8 km northwest; signal may vary by operator and terrain, but the emergency number 112 reaches services over any available network.