Navalsaz: Dinosaur Tracks, Santiago Church and Stone Architecture

Navalsaz is a hamlet of Enciso and brings together several clearly distinct themes for trip planning: dinosaur tracks, Santiago Church, a section of the GR 93 long-distance trail and the Área recreativa de Navalsaz recreation area. If you choose a destination based on your interests, the range spans palaeontology and architectural history to hiking and the landscape features of a recreation area. These themes have different focuses: the site, church and houses represent traces of the past and stone architecture, while the route and recreation area offer further aspects of the landscape.

Dinosaur Tracks in Navalsaz

The Navalsaz site comprises 138 large dinosaur footprints that form several trackways. The footprints are approximately 63 cm long and were made by several bipedal herbivorous dinosaurs. The approximate length indicates the scale of the footprints, while their classification as several trackways describes their arrangement. The site also features one of the largest Iguanodon trackways in La Rioja. Explanatory information panels are also part of the site. The number, approximate size and formation of the trackways provide concrete points of reference for anyone interested in dinosaur tracks.

Santiago Church and Stone Architecture

The parish church of Santiago is located in the upper part of the hamlet of Navalsaz. The building dates from the 16th century, is built mainly of rubble masonry and has ashlar stone reinforcement at the corners. The description identifies two elements of the construction: rubble masonry forms the main part, while ashlar stone is used specifically at the corners. This makes it possible to consider the building’s history not only through its date but also through the materials used.

Navalsaz’s architectural character also includes numerous houses and barns that have been renovated in recent years. The area’s stone aesthetic has been preserved in the process. Navalsaz is considered one of the clearest examples of the traditional architecture of these mountain ranges. The church offers a look at a single, dated building; the houses and barns broaden the view to include the traditional architecture of the settlement.

Stage 9 of the GR 93

Stage 9 of the GR 93 is 22.3 km long and connects Enciso and Cornago. Along the way, it passes through the hamlets of El Villar, Poyales, Navalsaz, Ambasaguas and Valdeperillo. The trail leaves Navalsaz beside the ruins of Santiago Church and follows a descending path towards the road. The 22.3 km refers to the entire stage between Enciso and Cornago, not just the section of trail leaving Navalsaz. This distinction is useful if you want to differentiate the length of the stage from this specific part of the route. Since trail conditions can change, check the current route before your hike.

Recreation Area and Landscape

The Área recreativa de Navalsaz recreation area is located beside the Barranco Vacirbe ravine. Its vegetation includes riverside growth with poplars, broom thickets, remnants of holm oak forests and beech forests. These plant communities therefore encompass different landscape features, from riverside vegetation to forests and forest remnants.

Wildlife is another distinct aspect of the recreation area. Animals found there include badgers, hedgehogs, short-toed snake eagles, red-backed shrikes, partridges, ocellated lizards and natterjack toads. Together with the different types of vegetation, this creates a nature-focused theme alongside the dinosaur tracks and architectural history. When planning your trip, you can therefore think of Navalsaz in terms of different interests: its tracks, architecture, the GR 93 stage, or the recreation area’s landscape and wildlife.

Discover more destinations: Bergasa, Torrecilla En Cameros, Sorzano, Badarán, Sajazarra, Villarroya, Gallinero De Cameros, San Vicente De La Sonsierra

For the main travel overview: La Rioja.