La Yecla is a deep and narrow gorge in limestone, 1km long, formed by processes of karst solution and collapses, along which the Helechal Rivulet flows. Travellers on the road are amazed by its vertical rock walls, which are the shelter of one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures in Burgos, and the birds can often be seen gliding or warming themselves in the sun in the early morning.
However, the greatest surprise is found at the exit of the tunnels, where there is a carpark. A short but impressive footpath enters the canyon and follows it along metal gangways less than two metres wide, hardly reached by sunlight. From the gangways travellers will be able to discover a long series of landforms created by water erosion, such as sink-holes, giant river pot-holes and cascades. It is a short route that takes about 15 minutes, without any difficulties, that is very suitable for children.
The gorge is part of the Natural Park of the Arlanza Juniper Woodland; a protected area in which limestone escarpments alternate with eroded synclines and karst landforms, such as La Yecla, with its vegetation of junipers, holm oaks and riverbank woodland, overflown by griffon and Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagle.
- Access by car: La Yecla is accessed by a tarmac road. Travellers should leave their car in the carpark and visit the canyon along the footpath.
- Access for people with limited mobility: there are no infrastructures adapted for people with limited mobility.
- Legal protection: it forms part of the Natural Park of Los Sabinares del Arlanza-La Yecla and the Special Protection Area of Sabinares del Arlanza.
- Seasonality: although it can be visited at any time of the year, in summer there is less water flowing in the canyon and it is less spectacular. In winter, there may be ice in part of the route, so travellers should take care to avoid slipping.
- Recommendations, what to see and do: it is well worth visiting Santo Domingo de Silos to discover its historical-artistic heritage.
Rev.: PAB 11.05.23
