Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada

This guidebook presents 33 graded walks and 5 high mountain scrambles in the striking Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in mainland Spain and in Western Europe outside the Alps. Easily accessible from Granada and Málaga, it is a world of soaring, snow-clad peaks and deep valleys, far removed from the crowded beaches of the Costa del Sol just two hours away. The routes are spread across the national park, with attractive towns and villages such as Trevélez, Lanjarón, Hoya de la Mora and Cumbres Verdes serving as potential bases for a walking holiday.

 

The walks have been carefully chosen to showcase the Sierra Nevada's dramatic scenery, taking in barren rocky peaks, lush green valleys, arid badlands and tranquil lakes. From more leisurely outings in the Cumbres Verde area to ascents of mainland Spain's highest summit, Mulhacén, there are routes to suit a range of abilities, although most require a reasonable degree of fitness, navigational skill and experience of high mountain terrain. Whilst some are day or half-day walks, others take advantage of the region's network of mountain shelters or offer an opportunity to wild camp. Also included are three longer traverses: 'Los Tres Picos' (the Spanish Three Peaks – Veleta, Mulhacén and Alcazaba), 'Los Tres Miles' Integral (a multi-day trek covering all the major 3000m peaks in the range) and an overview of the 302km Sulayr GR240. The walks can be enjoyed most of the year, however conditions may prove too hot at the peak of summer and extra care and equipment will be required in snow or ice: the descriptions assume summer conditions, but include additional notes for winter walking.

 

The guide also includes advice on transport, bases and safety, a tick-list of the 3000m peaks and a Spanish-English glossary. Information on plants, wildlife and local points of interest will further enhance your visit and the glorious colour photos provide a taste of what the region has to offer. For those who like their mountains rough and rugged, Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada is a perfect companion to escaping the crowds and discovering a different side to Andalucía.

Contents
Trevélez

Route 1 Ascent of Alcazaba via Cañada de Siete Lagunas

Route 2 Ascent of Mulhacén via Cañada de Siete Lagunas

Route 3 Round of the Río Juntillas and Trevélez valleys

Capileira

Route 4 Barranco de Poqueira circular

Route 5 Ascent of Mulhacén from Hoya del Portillo

Refugio Poqueira

Route 6 Ascent of Mulhacén from Refugio Poqueira

Route 7 The Caldera peaks

Route 8 Around Mulhacén via the Vasar and Siete Lagunas

Route 9 The Púlpitos

Western Alpujarras

Route 10 Pico del Tajo de los Machos and Cerrillo Redondo

Route 11 Ascent of Cerro del Caballo from the south

Route 12 Ascent of Cerro del Caballo via los Tres Mojones

Dílar valley

Route 13 Silleta de Padul

Route 14 Integral de los Alayos

Cumbres Verdes

Route 15 Boca de la Pesca

Route 16 Trevenque via Cuerda del Trevenque

Route 17 Circuit of Trevenque and Dílar valley

Route 18 The Cerro Huenes group

Route 19 Pico del Tesoro and Cerro del Cocón

Route 20 Trevenque direct

Ski area – Hoya de la Mora

Route 21 Veleta, Tajos de la Virgen and Lagunillas

Route 22 Veredón Superior and Cerro de los Machos

Route 23 Veredón Inferior, Veta Grande, northern flanks and lakes

Route 24 Across the mountains to Lanjarón via Refugio Elorrieta

Vereda de la Estrella/Genil valley

Route 25 Vereda de la Estrella, Refugio Cucaracha and Cueva Secreta

Route 26 Cortijos del Hornillo circular

Route 27 Ascent of Mulhacén via Cueva Secreta

Route 28 Round of the northern peaks via Peña Partida

Jérez del Marquesado and Refugio Postero Alto

Route 29 Ascent of Picón de Jérez and round of the Alhorí valley

Puerto de la Ragua

Route 30 The Eastern Peaks

Main Ridge Traverse and Longer Treks

Route 31 ‘Los Tres Miles’ Integral 3000m peaks

Route 32 ‘Los Tres Picos’ – Veleta, Mulhacén and Alcazaba

Route 33 The Sulayr GR240

High Mountain Scrambles

Route 34 Espolón de Alcazaba

Route 35 Traverse of Puntal de la Caldera

Route 36 Espolón de la Caldera

Route 37 Arista de las Campanitas

Route 38 North ridge of Tozal del Cartujo