Exploring Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains

Trekking the 3000m peaks

This 5 day trek runs from Lanjaron in the Alpujarras to Jerez de Marsquesado (or visa versa). The trek covers all the main 3000 metre peaks of the Sierra Nevada including the highest, Mulhacen.

Early autumn and the spring are ideal times to visit. The weather is cool enough for the lowlands, yet warm and dry enough for the high mountains. Snow will linger on the high peaks for much of the year. The walking is quiet and unspoilt but a certain amount of resilience is required as it is remote and rough. The trek is quite strenuous and should be undertaken by strong hill walkers. Nights are either in secluded camp sites in the mountains in both guarded or unguarded mountain huts. There are very expansive and dramatic views but in general no great head for heights is necessary. A gradual rise to the 3,000-metre level ensures altitude does not become a major problem.

Climbing Mulhacen

Mulhacen at 3482 metres is the highest peak in mainland Spain. It can be climbed throughout the year but is normally snow covered between December and April inclusive. The ascent can be done in a long day from either above Capileira or the Sierra Nevada ski station to the north west.

Better to take two days and stay overnight at the guarded Poqueira Refugio. Here there are beds, blankets, meals and drinks. This way the mountain can be traversed and a much finer mountain experience can be had.

Walking in the Cumbres Verdes

The Cumbres Verdes hills are well known to the local spanish Granadinos as they are very close to the Granada ring road, so access is easy. In spite of this the walking is quiet and unspoilt and has a certain attraction missing in the higher and wilder Sierra Nevada. Lush green valleys fight with arid badlands for possesion of the land and this gives varied and interesting scenery and views. There are many both horseshoe and linear trips available and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Included in this area is the finest summit in the Sierra Nevada, Trevenque at a mere 2079 metres. The Los Alayos del Dilar ridge gives pleasant ridge scrambling and there are countless easier summits available for you to enjoy including the easily accessible Boca de la Pesca.

Linking villages on the GR7

The GR7 path through the Alpujarra foothills of the Sierra Nevada offers walks of great variety and suits both relaxed ramblers and the more adventurous hiker. The contrasting views, the rich heritage as well as the open friendliness of the people makes this an ideal location for a walking holiday. Combine the beauty, sunshine, villages and ideal walking of the Alpujarras and the result is a enticing mixture.

Recommended is to spend a few days travelling between Lanjaron, Cañar, Soportujar, Capileira, Pitres, Busquistar and Trevelez. There is plenty of accommodation en route so you are able to be flexible in your planning.

Winter Mountaineering

This great mountaineering venue is still relatively unknown outside Spain. The area provides a fantastic alternative with guaranteed snow and ice from December until end April, together with a greater chance of that magical combination of snow and sun.

The high peaks of Mulhacen, Alcazaba and Veleta provide good sport but the possibilities are endless for day and multi day excursions. The mountaineering has a certain exploratory feel to it. Few people will be encountered. There are 2 guarded huts and many unguarded huts in various states of disrepair. Although there are no glaciers here, it is important that you possess all the necessary alpine mountaineering skills before venturing out.

Ski Touring

The ultimate way to travel in the mountains! With good snowsure conditions from December to May, the Sierra Nevada is one of Europe's best areas to learn the basics of travelling through the high mountains on skis. It is backcountry skiing at its finest!

There are many quality day excursions available from the ski area, but perhaps the best trips are multi day, taking advantage of the guarded Poqueira or Postero Alto refugios. This way more remote trips into the high mountains are possible, thus opening up more of these wonderful mountains to ski tourers.