NATURAL HERITAGE AND GEOMORPHOLOGY. SITES OF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL INTEREST IN THE LOBOS RIVER CANYON NATURAL PARK

Relief and geomorphological elements constitute a highly valuable asset for understanding, enjoying, and managing the territory. This is especially relevant in Protected Natural Areas, and particularly in those whose enjoyment and protection lies in the relief, a fundamental element of their geodiversity, landscape, and ecosystems. This is the case of the Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park, where geomorphological elements—the canyon that gives it its name, the walls, the karst formation, and the mountain ranges, among others—geology, and hydrology are an essential part of its raison d'être. These elements are admired, but poorly understood by visitors, managers, and often by residents. This work summarizes the constitutive characteristics of the relief and formation and considers their potential use by visitors from different perspectives: cultural, educational, tourist, and hiking. The book provides support for the management, proper use, and enjoyment of a natural park of singular value, extraordinary beauty, high interest for users, and highly significant within the context of the network of natural spaces in Castile and León.