Mesones: Hiking Routes and Nature

For a stay in Mesones, the Mesones–Argel route and the Ruta micológica de Mesones al Quejigal offer two different options. They differ in route type and scenery: one features a challenging circular trail and pine forests, while the other is a linear path along the Río Mundo. The Fiestas de Mesones in August may also be relevant when planning your trip.

The Mesones–Argel Circular Trail

The Mesones–Argel route starts in the hamlet of Mesones and is a challenging circular trail covering 18.20 kilometres. Distance, route type and difficulty are useful details when planning an outing. Check the route conditions before setting off. It passes through extensive pine forests and takes in a small part of the Calar del Mundo.

Pine Forest, Summit and Yew

At the summit of Calar Pico Argel, at an altitude of 1,690 metres, dense forests give way to open areas with shrubs and scrubland. At the foot of Pico Argel, the route passes the thousand-year-old yew known as the “Tejo milenario”, in the middle of a doline, a natural depression in the terrain. The yew and the open summit area offer contrasting natural features along the circular trail. The route description thus takes you from extensive forest to a summit with lower, more open vegetation and a distinctive tree habitat.

The Mushroom Trail along the Río Mundo

The Ruta micológica de Mesones al Quejigal is a linear trail linking Mesones and El Quejigal. For most of its length, it follows the Río Mundo. Poplars, willows and ash trees grow near the river, with plane trees providing shade only occasionally. The river and its riverside trees define this trail. By contrast, the Mesones–Argel route runs through pine forest to open summit terrain: the two trails take in different landscapes.

The starting point of the mushroom trail is at kilometre 205 of the CM-412, which connects Elche de la Sierra and Riópar, near the hamlet of Mesones (Molinicos). The road connection, kilometre marker and location give you specific information to help identify this starting point.

Fiestas de Mesones in August

The Fiestas de Mesones, held in honour of San Antonio, take place in August. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the exact dates and programme locally. August is therefore one possible seasonal reason to visit; your plans should be based on the latest festival dates.

Route Types and Trip Planning

To choose between the routes, you can first compare their types: Mesones–Argel is a challenging circular trail with a stated distance of 18.20 kilometres, while the Ruta micológica is a linear connection between Mesones and El Quejigal. There is also the contrast between pine forest, summit terrain and the yew on the one hand, and the Río Mundo and its riverside trees on the other. This lets you plan your outing around specific route features, while a possible visit to the August festivals offers a separate reason to travel.

For the broader travel overview: Molinicos.