Peña Bajenza

Peña Bajenza
"Gate of La Rioja", "Mountains of Islallana", "Rocks of Viguera"
Peña Bajenza with the village of Islallana below
Highest point
Elevation	941 m (3,087 ft)
Prominence	763 m (2,503 ft)
Coordinates	42°19′17″N 2°31′9″W / 42.32139°N 2.51917°W / 42.32139; -2.51917Coordinates: 42°19′17″N 2°31′9″W / 42.32139°N 2.51917°W / 42.32139; -2.51917
Geography
Peña Bajenza La Rioja
Location	La Rioja,  Spain
Parent range	Peñas de Viguera
Geology
Mountain type	Rock formation
Climbing
First ascent	No date
Easiest route	From Islallana (4,000 meters)

Peña Bajenza (also known as "Gate of La Rioja", "Mountains of Islallana" or "Rocks of Viguera") is a large rock formation situated just above the village of Islallana, part of the municipality of Nalda, in the Spanish province of La Rioja. The 400 metre high red coloured rocks sculpted by erosion are part of the Peñas de Viguera and one of the most well-known landmarks of the region.

The formation has several hiking and climbing trails and is home to colonies of griffon vultures and other wild birds such the Egyptian vulture in summer. Two big crosses stand at the mountain. The first one can be found just in the beginning of the route (475 meters above the sea level). The second one (which is the most famous one) stands at the summit of the highest rock (941 metres above sea level). Each year on May 3, it becomes the destination of a pilgrimage known as the Romería de la Cruz. According to local legend, the cross commemorates a monk who killed himself by jumping from the top of the rock formation.

Although there are more than ten routes to arrive to the mountain, the most used one is the one which starts in Islallana walking through the asphalted ground crossing the Iregua river. Once crossed the river, the route begins to be full of land on the floor and the slopes start. Continuing in this way, the first cross, which is situated on the feet of the mountain can be seen. There the route finishes, and it starts a path. That zone is all covered by pines and some water pipes that indicate the fastest way to go up. Going through that way in slopes with a 28% of ramp, the route to finish at the top of the mountain is going to be clearly indicated. Once in the top, this route starts to go back to return to Islallana. This route takes 2 hours and a half and 8,45 kilometers to be done.

Another very common route for pilgriners is the one which is like the first one, but instead of going back to Islallana, continues going through the South-West taking in all crosses the option of going to the left. On this route, the Hermitage of San Marcos is going to be found, and once there, passing through a valley and several hills, the route takes you directly to Castillo de Viguera mountain. The step is not very difficult, with an easy climb, so, if the rock is wet, is overcome with ease. The route finishes going to the North-East to arrive to Viguera village. Joinning Viguera and Islallana there is a road, which has to be taken to return to the beginning of this route. This route takes 5 hours long and 18,26 kilometers to be done.