Canyon hiking and warm springs, all day, makes this Montanejos trip a great Valencia escape. I love the Maimona ravine views and the chance to cool off at Fuente de los Baños thermal pools with licensed guide Jan.

The hike is for moderate fitness, so if you want an easy stroll, this isn’t it; it can still feel challenging, even with Jan choosing the more manageable lines on the day.

Key highlights worth planning for

• A guided canyon hike with real-time pacing and a route chosen for your group
• Maimona ravine scenery along huge rock walls, then a mix of climbs and descents
• A river crossing plus a stop for lunch nearby so you’re not rushed through the middle of the day
• Fuente de los Baños entrance included, which saves time and hassle
• Optional brave-bathtime in the Mijares river after the hike (only if you feel up for it)

Montanejos From Valencia: Canyon Walks and Thermal Springs in One Day

If you’re based in Valencia and want something more active than museum-and-cafés, Montanejos hits the sweet spot. You get a guided hike in and around the canyon carved by the Maimona ravine, then you finish with thermal spring time at Fuente de los Baños.

I like the way the day mixes effort and reward. The views come during the uphill moments, and the soaking happens after. That pacing makes the whole thing feel sensible, not like you’re “doing exercise” and then hoping the payoff is worth it.

The Start: Pickup, a Smooth Ride, and Coffee to Get Going

You meet at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, El Pla del Real, 46023 València, with the tour starting at 9:00 am. If pickup is offered for your option, you’ll be collected by vehicle before you head out to Montanejos.

On the ride, you’re not just sitting around. You get coffee and/or tea, which is a small thing, but it helps when you’re heading out early for a hike. Also, the transport is air-conditioned, useful if Valencia is already warm when you leave.

One more practical note: this is a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group. That can matter on a hiking day—your guide can adjust to your pace without juggling strangers.

Climbing the Maimona Ravine Walls: Where the Effort Shows Up Fast

The hike starts with an ascent from Montanejos up toward the top of the canyon formed by the Maimona ravine. The walk along the huge rock walls is where the day starts to feel special, because you’re not just walking between points—you’re moving through a dramatic setting with the canyon shaping your views.

Expect a real climb. Reviews back that up with the advice that this is better for seasoned hikers than true beginners. Even when Jan keeps the route workable, you’re still going upward, then downward, with uneven ground and natural trail challenges.

Why it’s worth it: canyon routes tend to reward steady effort. As you gain height, your sense of the river’s bend and the scale of the ravine becomes clearer. It’s not “pretty postcard scenery” from one spot—it’s a steady sequence of angles as you move.

Crossing River Maimona and Taking a Lunch Stop With Real Scenery

After the first big push, the hike descends to cross the river Maimona. This is the moment where the day adds variety: you’ll swap “climb for views” energy for “focus on footing and timing” energy.

Then you stop for lunch by the area near the river. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll either need to bring your own or plan to buy it on the go if that’s possible at your stop. (I’d treat this as a bring-a-snack-or-actual-meal situation, not an afterthought.)

Even though lunch isn’t part of the package, the stop is valuable because you’re not eating in a parking lot. You’re eating while the hike’s geography is still around you—river, canyon walls, and that mountain-water atmosphere you can feel even without getting in.

The Second Ascent, Pine Forest Descent, and the Village Area Near Fuentes de los Baños

Once lunch is over, you start the ascent to the other side of the ravine. This second climb is where the workout really becomes obvious. You’re doing the same concept twice: go up for the perspective, then drop back down toward the river system again.

After that, you cross into a dense pine forest and descend toward the village area near Fuentes de los Baños. This section often feels different from the open canyon walking. Under pine shade, the pace can feel steadier, and the air tends to feel cooler even if it’s still warm outside.

This is also where your day transitions from pure hiking into the thermal-springs payoff phase. By the time you reach the village area, you’re ready for a slower rhythm—changing from trail mode into soak mode.

Fuente de los Baños Thermal Springs: Entrance Included, So You Can Focus on Relaxing

Once you arrive near Fuentes de los Baños, you get your thermal time. Entrance to Fuente de baños is included, so you’re not juggling tickets or trying to figure out where to line up after the hike.

This is the best part of the day if you like your recovery to feel earned. Your legs will be tired from the climbs and descents, and the warm water gives you that “okay, I’m back” feeling fast. I also like that the springs are part of a guided flow—no wandering off alone to locate the right entrance.

There’s a bonus option too. Near the area, the bravest can bathe in the river Mijares. That dip sounds tempting if you enjoy contrast—warm springs first, then a cooler river. If you’re not into cold-water surprises, you can still enjoy the main thermal-springs time without forcing the extra plunge.

What to Pack and How to Judge Fitness (So You Don’t Regret It Midday)

This trip is labeled for moderate physical fitness, and the hike can still feel challenging in practice. If you’ve done only flat walks lately, you might want to think twice. The good news is that Jan leads a group-focused route, so you’re not left to guess how hard it should be.

For a smooth day, plan for both hiking and soaking:

• Good footwear for rocky, uneven ground on canyon trails
• Swimwear and a small towel for spring time
• A water bottle (even if coffee/tea is included early, you’ll still want water on the trail)
• A light layer if mornings or spring areas feel cooler than Valencia city heat

Also, remember that lunch isn’t included. If you show up hungry, you’ll feel it during the second ascent.

Who should go: if you enjoy hikes with real elevation change and you want the reward to be water-based, this fits. If you’re traveling with someone who needs low-effort activity, you may end up negotiating the day.

Price and Value Check: Is $143.29 Fair for a Full Guided Day?

At $143.29 per person for about 8 hours, this works best when you value guidance and convenience. You’re paying for more than just the hike: you get a licensed guide, air-conditioned vehicle transport, coffee/tea, and entrance to Fuente de baños.

That combination changes the math. If you tried to DIY it, you’d still need transport out of Valencia, a guide to navigate the trail safely, and the springs entry sorted. Here, those parts are bundled and handled.

One extra detail that adds value: the tour is private (only your group). Private hiking days often cost more than shared tours, so the pricing can feel more reasonable if you have a small group and want a guided pace instead of a crowd.

And demand is real. The experience averages being booked about 27 days in advance, so if you have a tight schedule, don’t wait until the last minute.

Who This Montanejos Hike and Springs Trip Suits Best

This is for you if:

• you want a Valencia day trip with nature and movement, not just sightseeing
• you like guided hiking where someone helps you choose the route and keeps the group together
• you want thermal springs as the finish, not as a separate plan

It’s also a good match for couples and friends who communicate well on a hiking day—pace, breaks, and comfort in water.

It’s less ideal if:

• you want a beginner-friendly walk (moderate fitness is the baseline, and the vibe is still a workout)
• you hate planning meals, since lunch isn’t included
• you’re not comfortable with some uphill effort and natural trail conditions

Quick decision: should you book this one?

I’d book this if you want a true Montanejos experience: canyon walking with guidance, then thermal springs time that’s built into the schedule. The best reason is the pairing—Maimona ravine effort followed by Fuente de los Baños recovery—so the day feels complete.

I’d hesitate only if your fitness is closer to easy strolling. The thermal part is relaxing, but the hikes to get there aren’t described as gentle, and the moderate rating is real.

FAQ

Where does the tour start, and what time is it?

The tour starts at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, El Pla del Real, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain at 9:00 am.

How long is the Montanejos hike and thermal springs experience?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Is pickup available from Valencia hotels?

Pickup is offered. The tour also has a specified meeting point where you can start.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What language is the guide?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, coffee and/or tea, entrance to Fuente de baños, and a licensed guide.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch isn’t included.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have moderate physical fitness. The hiking is still described as challenging by people who did it, so it’s not aimed at total beginners.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

You Might Also Enjoy

Valencia: Tuk Tuk Historical TourSmall-Group Wine Tour with Local Expert (7 max)Valencia: Paella Cooking Class with Central Market TourHiking Experience between Waterfalls in Buñol from Valencia