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Sierra Nevada Guide

Hikes in Sierra Nevada

High trails in the Sierra Nevada, from the Sulayr and Poqueira gorge to the lakes and the Vasar de Mulhacén.

High routes around the massif that are not single-summit days. They follow the Sulayr above Capileira, the Poqueira gorge, historic acequias, and the lakes and shelves on the north side, including the Vasar across the face of Mulhacén.

All routes

Vereda de la Estrella & Cortijos del Hornillos

Challenging

Vereda de la Estrella & Cortijos del Hornillos

Sierra Nevada
Distance
16 km
Ascent
844 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The Vereda de la Estrella is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada, offering breathtaking views of the region's highest peaks, including Mulhacén, Veleta, and Alcazaba.

An enriching extension to the Vereda de la Estrella is the route leading to the Cortijo del Hornillo, an old summer farmhouse nestled at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). This site offers expansive vistas of the Sierra Nevada's prominent peaks and serves as a testament to the region's agricultural heritage.

Laguna Misterioso and Molinillo Waterfall

Moderate

Laguna Misterioso and Molinillo Waterfall

Sierra Nevada
Distance
12 km
Ascent
125 m
Time
6 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The trail leading to Lagunillo Misterioso begins at the Hoya de la Mora car park. Hikers traverse past the Virgen de las Nieves shrine, continue towards the Collado de las Yeguas, and pass by the Laguna de las Yeguas before reaching Lagunillos de la Virgen and ultimately Lagunillo Misterioso

By undertaking these hikes, you can experience the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada, from the tranquil waters of Lagunillo Misterioso to the refreshing cascades of the Molinillo Waterfall.

Acequia Los Hechos, Laguna del Puesta Cura

Challenging

Acequia Los Hechos, Laguna del Puesta Cura

Sierra Nevada
Distance
11 km
Ascent
590 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The Acequia de Los Hechos, also known as the Acequia de la Alfaguara, is a historic irrigation channel that winds through the Sierra Nevada.

Walking alongside the acequia, you'll traverse lush forests and open landscapes, with views of prominent peaks like Los Alayos and El Trevenque. The gentle gradient makes it accessible for most fitness levels.​ Along the way, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls, diverse flora, and fauna, and remnants of historical structures, offering both natural beauty and cultural insights.

The Laguna del Puesto del Cura, also known as Laguna del Cabrero, is a picturesque mountain lagoon nestled in the Sierra Nevada. It's a serene spot that reflects the surrounding peaks and offers a tranquil resting point for hikers.

Loop around the GR240 above Capileira

Moderate

Loop around the GR240 above Capileira

Sierra Nevada
Distance
12 km
Ascent
546 m
Time
5 hrs

Optimal months: Jan to Dec incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The GR-240, also known as the Sulayr Trail, is a renowned long-distance footpath encircling the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia, Spain. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, it's divided into 19 stages, offering hikers diverse terrains and breathtaking vistas. ​One of the notable segments of the GR-240 is the stretch between Capileira and Trevélez, two picturesque villages in the Alpujarras region

Lavaderos de la Reina

Challenging

Lavaderos de la Reina

Sierra Nevada
Distance
18 km
Ascent
700 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The Lavaderos de la Reina hike is one of the most beautiful and iconic routes in the Sierra Nevada, located in the province of Granada, Andalusia. In spring, melting snow creates stunning cascades that feed into the lavaderos. Expect wildflowers, lush pastures, and panoramic views. On clear days, you’ll see Mulhacén, Veleta, and other 3,000m+ summits.

Tajos Campanario

Moderate

Tajos Campanario

Sierra Nevada
Distance
7 km
Ascent
512 m
Time
5 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

Embarking on a hike along the Tajos del Campanario ridge, situated north of Pico del Veleta in Spain's Sierra Nevada, offers adventurers a chance to experience rugged terrains and breathtaking vistas. This route is ideal for those seeking a moderately challenging trek with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Threading the Raspones

Very Tough

Threading the Raspones

Sierra Nevada
Distance
13 km
Ascent
674 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The Raspones de Río Seco are prominent peaks in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountain range, situated between the glacial basins of Río Seco and Veleta. This ridge features two main summits: the northern peak at 3,141 meters and the slightly lower southern peak at 3,137 meters, separated by a small breach which we pass through.

Refugio Cebollar

Challenging

Refugio Cebollar

Sierra Nevada
Distance
15 km
Ascent
926 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

Hiking to Refugio Cebollar from Puente Palo is a beautiful, moderately challenging route in the Alpujarras sector of the Sierra Nevada, offering forested trails, alpine meadows, and big views toward the Las Alegas ridge and the high peaks beyond.

Prado Llano and Refugio Poqueira

Moderate

Prado Llano and Refugio Poqueira

Sierra Nevada
Distance
17 km
Ascent
758 m
Time
6 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

Hiking from Hoya del Portillo to Prado Llano and Refugio Poqueira is a fantastic route that explores the high slopes of the Sierra Nevada, blending alpine forests, historic trails, glacial valleys, and stunning views toward Mulhacén and the Poqueira Gorge.

Northern Flanks of the Sierra Nevada

Tough

Northern Flanks of the Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada
Distance
15 km
Ascent
857 m
Time
9 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

Embarking on a trek from Posiciones del Veleta through Corral del Veleta, Veta Grande, Laguna de la Gabata, and Pico de los Bolos, returning via the old road, offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sierra Nevada's diverse terrains.

Posiciones del Veleta: Offers panoramic views and serves as a historical site from the Spanish Civil War. Corral del Veleta: A glacial cirque beneath the Veleta peak, showcasing remnants of ancient glaciers.​ Veta Grande: A prominent ridge leading towards Cerro de los Machos, providing challenging terrains for seasoned hikers.​ Laguna de la Gabata: A high-altitude glacial lake offering serene landscapes and opportunities for rest.​ Pico de los Bolos: A notable summit providing expansive views of the surrounding ranges.

Vasar de Mulhacen

Very Tough

Vasar de Mulhacen

Sierra Nevada
Distance
15 km
Ascent
925 m
Time
8 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

Hiking the Vasar de Mulhacén is one of the most spectacular and exposed high-mountain routes in the Sierra Nevada, traversing the dramatic north face of Mulhacén (3,479 m) — the highest peak in mainland Spain. This route is not a typical hike: it’s an aerial traverse along a narrow ledge halfway up a steep glacial cirque, offering breathtaking scenery and a dose of adrenaline.

Barranco del Cerezo and Hoya del Portillo

Challenging

Barranco del Cerezo and Hoya del Portillo

Sierra Nevada
Distance
14 km
Ascent
564 m
Time
6 hrs

Optimal months: Jan to Dec incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

The Barranco del Cerezo is a picturesque ravine located in the Sierra Nevada region, known for its natural beauty, diverse vegetation, and serene environment. Hiking in this area typically involves traversing narrow paths alongside streams, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna

Hoya del Portillo serves as a common starting point for several high-altitude hikes in the Sierra Nevada, including routes leading to Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain. Located near the village of Capileira, it's accessible by vehicle up to a certain point, after which trails of varying difficulty levels are available.

Barranco de Poqueira circular

Challenging

Barranco de Poqueira circular

Sierra Nevada
Distance
20 km
Ascent
930 m
Time
8 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

A must do circular offering a contrasting day walk from Capileira that provides a good introduction to the delights of the Sierra Nevada. Initially follows irrigation channels (acequias) on the eastern side of the gorge, returning high above on its western side before joining the river towards the end.

Around Mulhacén via the Vasar and Siete Lagunas

Challenging

Around Mulhacén via the Vasar and Siete Lagunas

Sierra Nevada
Distance
12 km
Ascent
900 m
Time
7 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

3D Guide Photos

This circular walk around Mulhacén takes an improbable looking horizontal shelf (Vasar de Mulhacén) across the seemingly vertical north face of Mulhacén to reach the peak of Puntal de Siete Lagunas. An adrenaline-filled but very straightforward walk to a superb summit with only one short section where the hands need to leave the pockets. A head for heights is advisable though.

It continues round into Siete Lagunas and returns to the refuge via the eastern traverse of Mulhacén. A relatively unknown route that visits some remarkable situartions on rarely visited paths

Cueva Secreta and Refugio Cucaracha

Challenging

Cueva Secreta and Refugio Cucaracha

Sierra Nevada
Distance
19 km
Ascent
1245 m
Time
8 hrs

Optimal months: May to Nov incl

Map 3D Guide Photos

a circular hike that encompasses both Cueva Secreta and Refugio de la Cucaracha offers an immersive experience into the natural beauty and historical significance of the Sierra Nevada. This route combines lush river valleys, ancient mining paths, and serene mountain refuges, making it a favorite among seasoned hikers.

Walking along ancient mining routes and visiting traditional refuges provides a deep connection to the region's cultural and industrial past.​ The area is rich in biodiversity, with opportunities to observe native plant species and, occasionally, wildlife such as mountain goats and various bird species.