Las Dehesas is a recreation area about 3 km along the Camino from Cercedilla centre, nestled in the Valle de la Fuenfría pine forest. There are youth hostels here, and staying overnight makes strategic sense — you'll shave 3 km off tomorrow's climb.
Accommodation in this area is popular with weekend visitors and youth groups, especially in summer. Book ahead and confirm availability — don't show up without a reservation.
From July 1st, parking at Las Dehesas is limited to 240 vehicles and must be pre-booked online. This doesn't affect pilgrims on foot, but it's a sign of how popular this area gets in summer.
From Las Dehesas, the real climb begins. You'll enter the Valle de la Fuenfría and start ascending toward the pass. The first section follows a broad forest track before joining the Calzada Romana — the old Roman road that has served as the mountain crossing for two millennia.
