The Bardenas Reales is a so-called semi-desert between the cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. Semi-desert because, unlike the full desert, there is still some vegetation. The ochre-colored Bardenas Reales is characterized by its bizarre formations of sandstone and limestone. In contrast to the soft clay of the surrounding area, this has resisted the erosion of millions of years and over time has formed well-known rock formations such as Castil de Tierra and Barranco Grande.
The Bardenas Reales is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, but you can drive on it. Fortunately for us off-roaders, it is on wide, flat gravel roads. Not exactly a driving challenge, but let's not complain and enjoy the drive through this fantastic landscape.
The start of the approximately 15-kilometer-long route is north of the town of Tudela and leads as a circular route past the information center to the classic photo spots such as the Castil de Tierra and the Barranco Grande.
Very important: All paths leading off the main piste are closed to public traffic. Please abide by this.
Conditions, closures and tips — from members who drove here recently.
The route cannot be followed as described, as some sections are closed: the roads north of the NA 125 are blocked. From the loop starting at the National Park Center, you may head north toward Carcastillo; the detour described in the guidebook is not permitted (see photo)
The landscape is breathtaking, so it doesn't matter that the gravel road is undemanding. Be careful, you should really stay on the permitted paths, i.e. a large part of the route is not permitted, prohibition signs indicate this and you are also clearly informed of this in the visitor center. So just follow the track on the map you get at the visitor center. If you want unlimited desert tracks, you can get them in the Monegros Desert.
Hi, is the route still worth it? How many kilometers of the route are actually passable? Or can you continue on via an alternative detour?
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Spain
