Neither the Caminito del Rey nor El Torcal: the refreshing route in Malaga that captivates for its tranquility and hides the highest waterfall in the province

In the lushest interior of the province of Málaga, where the landscape turns into dense forest, flowing water, and natural silence, a trail makes its way quietly among mountains and streams. In the area of the Sierra de las Nieves, the municipality of Tolox hosts a trail that combines waterfalls, unique geological formations, and forest masses, on a low-difficulty route that runs away from the more frequented itineraries of the Málaga territory.

This is the Sendero Tolox–La Rejía, a circular route of approximately five kilometers that allows direct observation of one of the most outstanding natural elements of this enclave: the La Rejía waterfall, considered the highest in the province of Málaga. The route unfolds in a protected environment, characterized by its biodiversity and the alternation of forest landscapes, geological cliffs, and watercourses.

Sendero Tolox–La Rejía: a circular route in the Sierra de las Nieves

The start of the trail is located about 4.4 kilometers from the balneario de Tolox, in the area known as Alto de la Cuesta. Access from Málaga is via the N-340 towards San Pedro de Alcántara, connecting later with the C-337 towards Ronda. From this point, the route begins after parking the vehicle in an area before the initial ascent.

The first stretch consists of a forest road of approximately 1,700 meters, with a gentle slope that ascends to a sharp curve. This initial ascent allows reaching a high point from which the valley of the river Los Caballos is visible, forming a first visual contact with the environment of the Sierra de las Nieves.

Throughout this beginning of the route, the landscape is dominated by black pines and insignis pines, in an environment where the shade of the forest and the ambient humidity define the character of the trail.

The La Rejía waterfall, a natural landmark of the route

As the trail progresses downhill, the landscape opens up and one of the most representative elements of the route appears: the La Rejía waterfall, a waterfall integrated into the natural environment of Tolox. This point constitutes the main landscape landmark of the route and stands out for its presence within the valley.

The route then continues towards the Palmarejo stream, where the vegetal environment transforms. In this section, species of the Mediterranean scrubland such as gorse, fan palm, and sticky rockrose predominate. The space allows the observation of the valley of the river Los Caballos and its upper course, in a transition environment between forest and scrubland.

Arroyo La Rábita and the most demanding section of the trail

The itinerary reaches its most complex point at the arroyo La Rábita, where the terrain becomes rockier and the slopes intensify. This section, though brief within the route, concentrates the most demanding conditions of the route, especially in situations of humidity or low visibility.

After this point, the trail continues ascending towards more open areas, where the landscape offers new perspectives of the mountainous environment. The route maintains at all times the connection with the watercourses and the riparian vegetation that accompanies much of the itinerary.

Huerta de Paco Reina and the biodiversity of the environment

One of the unique elements of the Sendero Tolox–La Rejía is the Huerta de Paco Reina, an old space linked to forestry uses that is currently integrated into the natural environment. This point is surrounded by species such as willows and reeds, which contribute to the biological diversity of the route.

In this same section of the trail, one of the most characteristic geological features of the area is observed: the presence of peridotites, with a brownish-red hue, contrasting with the limestones of the Torrecilla environment. This mineral contrast configures a landscape of high geological value within the scope of the Sierra de las Nieves.