The Tour of Mulhacen

“The best and most varied multi day trek in Spain’s Sierra Nevada”

Mulhacen is 3482m high and is the highest mountain in mainland Spain and indeed the Iberian Peninsular.  It is situated in The Sierra Nevada National Park near the city of Granada around two hours drive from Malaga.

Early season, the route from Mulhacen's South Ridge to the Refugio Poqueira.

There are several long distance trails passing through or around the Sierra Nevada but none that combine the villages, the highest peaks and pass through the different and varied climatic / wildlife zones in a way that can be enjoyed without camping or bivouacking.

Mulhacen from The Caldera

Our aim with The Tour of Mulhacen is to combine all of the best aspects that make the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Parks a special pace to enjoy into a week long holiday. This includes ascents of the two highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Veleta 3396m and Mulhacen 3482m.

The Sierra Nevada is Spain’s largest National Park. It’s uniqueness stems from the large number of endemic species (over 100 with 63 species of endemic plants). During the Tour of Mulhacen we hope you will be able to spend time appreciating the unique and special landscapes that you are passing through.

The Sierra Nevada with its proximity to Granada was part of the old Arab Kingdom of Al Andalus. In fact the name Mulhacén is derived from Muley Hasan, the penultimate Arab king, who legend states is buried on the mountain. The southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are known as the Alpujarra and are characterised by pretty white villages in the Moorish style. Capileira, where this walk starts and finishes is perhaps the prettiest.

The route is a journey through some high and remote places. In summer the weather is generally good with little rain in June and usually none at all in July and August. September is mainly fine but there are usually a couple of stormy days which can result in snow high up. In any month there can be high winds making the higher parts of the route difficult, also it can be misty with low cloud.

Apart from the (2 days) sections walking along the GR240, there is no signposting to be relied on. Good map reading skills, a compass and knowing how to use them is essential.

The Tour of Mulhacen, near Trevelez.

Day 1           

Capileira to Trevelez.

A route following the GR240 between the two highest villages in mainland Spain.

6 to 7 hours walking with about 800m of ascent.

The endemic, "Star of the Snows"

Capileira 1436m is a very pretty mountain village with lots of bars and hotels. The information centre is situated beside the bus stop almost opposite the Bar Moirama. Here it is possible to buy maps.

The Spanish are not known for their early starts, however for the first two days, starting from a lowly height of around 1400m to 1500m it is advisable to make an early (ish) start to avoid the heat of summer.

Today’s walk follows the GR240 to Trevelez, The first two hours being uphill to Hoya del Portillo 2100m. Fortunately a lot of this climb is in forest that provides shade. Once above Hoya del Portillo the mountainside opens out and we leave the forest. This is a fairly arid hillside but where there is water look out for some spectacular plants. Crossing this hillside in the afternoon regularly give sights of both eagles and vultures circling above.

Trevelez 1476m is the highest village in mainland Spain. As such it is famous and it is also a centre for curing hams in the dry mountain air. Perhaps not so pretty as Capileira but still a very nice picturesque village.

Day 2           

Trevelez to The Postero Alto Refuge.

Ascending the Rio Trevelez to Puerto Trevelez before descending to the Postero Alto Refuge. About 8 hours walking with 1500m of ascent.

Refugio Postero Alto

Today’s walk is probably the hardest day of the Tour of Mulhacen. This is due to reaching the steep slopes of El Horcaio in the heat of the day. However it is a great and varied days walking.

We head out of the village to the north following joining and following the Rio Trevelez. This is a verdant valley, very green, even in the height of summer. As we climb we pass through summer farms where the farmers still use horse to access their high farms.

Once we have scaled the slopes of El Horcaio, the mountain path is more gentle beside a nice mountain stream that we follow to today’s high point of Puerto Trevelez 2800m where we cross the main east / west ridge of the Sierra Nevada and descend down to the Refugio Postero Alto 1880m.

The Refugio PosteroAlto is a unique building sometimes described as “The Hobbit House” with its many adjoining extensions.

Day 3            Postero Alto Refuge to The Pena Partida Refugio (shelter).

An easier day with a chance to pass the spectacular waterfalls of Los Lavaderos de la Reina. About 6 hours walking with about 650m of ascent.

Iberian Ibex, a common sight

Today we will follow the GR240 path past the Lavaderos de la Reina, spectacular waterfalls in the early summer due to the vast amount of  melting snow on the high peaks. A chance to follow some spectacular “acequia’s” which are old water channels originally constructed by the Arabs to share the water around the mountain sides brining more farmland into use.

The Pena PartidaRefuge 2451m is just a stone shelter with a wooden sleeping platform. For this night you will need to carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and any spare clothes you need. This is the only night on The Tour without a manned refuge or hotel. If undertaking this trip with Mountain Walking Holidays, there is a certain amount of support available so a meal will be prepared for you!

Day 4           

Pena Partida to The University Albergue at Hoya de la Mora

16.5Km with 1400m of ascent. About 8 hours walking.

The Virgin of the Snows,
Hoya de la Mora

We continue along the GR240 descending to cross the Rio Genil and to a path know as the “Vereda de la Estrella” or “Path of the Stars.”  From here we start our ascent on little used paths to the Valley of San Juan which we cross to the old observatory and to The University Albergue atHoya de La Mora 2500m where we will spend the night in relative comfort.

Day 5           

Hoya de la Mora to the Refugio Poqueira via the high peaks 
of Veleta (3394m) and Mulhacen (3482m).

Not as hard as you might think!  We take the National Park bus 
from the Albergue to 3000m before the ascent of Veleta. 
Between Veleta and Mulhacen it is mainly easy walking apart 
from the final 400m climb. Our descent off Mulhacen is down 
the gentle South Ridge to the Refugio Poqueira. We end the

day with a celebration in the Refugio Poqueira 2500m. 
16.8Km with around 950m of ascent.

Refugio Poqueira with Veleta 3396m in the background

Day 6            Refugio Poqueira to Capileira

A descent of the delightful Rio Poqueira back to Capileira. 4 to 5 hours.

When to do this route

Enjoying the Summit of Mulhacen 3482m.

This route really needs to be done after the snow has melted making it a safer undertaking. Most years The Tour will be in condition from mid June through until mid October. The Alpine flowers are especially good at the beginning of July.  That said there are some areas of concern:

i.          The Refugio Postero Alto is only open throughout the week in July, August and September. Other months it is only open at weekends.

ii.         Snow often lies across the route near the Carrihuela Refuge (Day 5) until mid July. This re-freezes overnight and can be difficult to cross especially early in the day without crampons.

Accommodation and Campsites

There is plenty of hotel accommodation in both Capileira and Trevelez. In Capileira we have used several Hotels but the cheapest is the Hostal Moirma which we found perfectly adequate. If you need an early breakfast, best buy provisions in and have it in your room as you are unlikely to get anything before 8am. The Bar Meson Poqueira does a good tostada from 7.30am.

In Trevelez The Refugio Alpujarra Alta is good basic accommodation, though there are plenty of hotels.  Both Capileira and Trevelez have mini supermarkets.

A beer at the Refugio Poqueira.

The Refugio Postero Alto and  Refugio Poqueira need to be booked in advance. They provide good wholesome meals, have a bar and limited shop where you can buy basic items such as chocolate and biscuit bars.  The Refugio Poqueira has hot showers available and you can rent a towel.  For both refugio’s you will need a sheet sleeping bag.

The refugio Pena Partida is a basic bothy with table and chairs and a sleeping platform.

The University Albergue at Hoya de la Mora is a very basic hotel. They serve reasonable meals and will make you a packed lunch. If you are intending to use the National Park bus to gain height from here, this can be booked when you make the Alberge booking.

There are Official Campsites at Trevelez and Pitres (20 minutes drive from Capileira).

It is possible to wild camp in the National Park though there are some rules to follow (available either direct from the National Park or in leaflet form in English from the Information Centres). However this route as described does not require “wild camping” in the traditional sense and would be difficult within the rules dictated by the National Park.

Maps and Guidebooks

The Editorial Penibetica 1:40k Map, “Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, La Alpujarra, Marquesada del Zenete” is perfectly adequate for the route and comes with a guidebook (in English) to the Area. It is available from Stanfords and we recommend that you get it laminated prior to your trip as it is very flimsy.

It is also available from the Information Centre in Capileira and some shops and bars.

Other multi day treks in the Sierra Nevada

There are several other long distance routes that pass by or through the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra. 

The GR240 is Spain’s longest circular long distance footpath that circumnavigates The Sierra Nevada in 19 stages. The only villages it passes through are Capileira and Trevelez so stocking up with provisions is difficult if doing it in one complete outing.

The GR7 crosses the western edge of the Sierra Nevada near Lanjaron and continues through the Alpujarra.

The “Integral” is a traverse of all the 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada, usually from east to west.  There are some variations on the route and most people spend 3 or 4 nights wild camping along the route.

The Tour of Mulhacen as a Supported Trek:

Our sister company, MountainWalking Holidays offer this itinerary as a supported trek.

The route to Mulhacen as seen from the Carrihuela Refuge near Veleta.

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only Qualified British Guides living and working in Spain's Sierra Nevada.

Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

All mountain guides and International Mountain Leaders have to undertake “C.P.D.” (Continuous Professional Development) annually to maintain their registration as a guide. For British International Mountain Leaders this is a minimum of two days per year (not including 1^st aid).

Looking at the North Faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce that we have been accredited  to run a CPD event in the Sierra Nevada during 2016 which will provide 2 CPD events for those attending.

The Parnassius apolo butterfly feeding on Thyme 3000m asl.

This will be a “showcase” event demonstrating the uniqueness and very best that the Sierra Nevada has to offer as well as climbing the four highest mountains including Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. The specific details of the event are:

Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3^rd to 8^th July, 2016

Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Erigeron frigidus an extremely rare endemic species

Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Situated in Spain’s largest national park, The Sierra Nevada is surrounded by a natural park. Together they have some wonderful scenery, early summer flowers and fascinating geology. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species with over 100 endemic species.

An Iberian Ibex near the summit of Mulhacen

An easy (grade 1) scramble on slabs to ascend Veleta

In addition to the natural history of the area we will be aiming to ascend the four highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Mulhacen 3482m, Pico del Veleta 3394m, Alcazaba 3371m and Cerro de Los Machos 3329m. 

The itinerary will include some easy scrambling and crossing a short exposed section of chain. Participants will need to bring suitable slings to safeguard themselves. Aspirants will be equipped and coached by the three qualified IML’s from Sierra Nevada Guides who will be leading this event. Four days in the mountains with three nights will be spent in mountain Refugio’s. The cost not including travel or accommodation is £200 per person.  

Full details of the event are here.

The Sierra Nevada Camomile, Artemisia granatensis another very rare plant.

Whilst this event is designed to provide CPD for IML’s it would also provide good experience for Aspirant IML’s and Mountain Leaders considering becoming IML's.

Crossing a section of chain at 3200m near Veleta

Learning Outcomes

To see how plants adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.

To observe the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.

To observe the impact man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.

To learn how the National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the environment.

Understand the range of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of less reliability than O.S. maps.

Crossing exposed fixed equipment.

Crossing snow patches.

The ''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad.

Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera bivouac Refuge.

This course is being led by qualified International Mountain Leaders from Sierra Nevada Guides: Michael Hunt, Jane Livingstone and Martin Riley. Both Jane and Michael are members of BAIML whilst Martin is the first British member of AEGM, the Spanish Guides Association.

Jane, Michael and Martin
Sierra Nevada Guides

Training Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Training Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Sierra Nevada Guides will be providing (CPD) training for U.K. International Mountain Leaders in Spain’s Sierra Nevada in July 2016.

Jane scrambling on Veleta 3396m 2nd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada

All International Mountain leaders have to complete a minimum of 2 cpd training days a year, and we are privileged here in the Sierra Nevada to be a provider of such training. Though the course is primarily aimed at qualified International Mountain leaders, it is also suitable for Aspirant IML’s already undertaking training to qualify or qualified British Mountain Leaders considering applying to be accepted on the IML training courses.

Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3^rd to 8^th July, 2016

Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera Bivi Refuge 3080m

Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Situated in Spain’s largest national park, The Sierra Nevada is surrounded by a natural park. Together they have some wonderful scenery, early summer flowers and fascinating geology. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species. There are over 100 endemic species recorded including 63 different endemic plants.

Alpine Accentor

In addition to the natural history of the area we will be aiming to ascend the four highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Mulhacen 3482m, Pico del Veleta 3394m, Alcazaba 3371m and Cerro de Los Machos 3329m. The day we ascend Mulhacen will be enroute to overnight in the Refugio Poqueira. The ascent on this day will be approx 1500m and taking around 4.5 hours.  This will be a good opportunity for aspirants to experience a “fitness test.”

The itinerary will include some easy scrambling and crossing a short exposed section of chain and probably patches of snow. Participants will need to bring suitable slings to safeguard themselves. Aspirants will be equipped and coached by the three qualified IML’s from Sierra Nevada Guides who will be leading this event.

Whilst this event is designed to provide CPD for IML’s it would also provide good experience for Aspirant IML’s and Mountain Leaders considering becoming an IML.

Papaver lapeyrousianum an endemic species

Jane negotiating a section of "fixed gear"

Learning Outcomes

To see how plants adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.

To observe the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.

To observe the impact man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.

To learn how the National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the environment.

Understand the range of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of less reliability than O.S. maps.

Crossing exposed fixed equipment.

Crossing snow patches (probably).

The ''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad. Martin Riley of Sierra Nevada Guides is the first British member of the Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM).

Estrella de las Nieves (Star of the Snows) an endemic species with Trumpet Gentians.

Programme

The Caldera from Mulhacen

Day 1

Make own way either to Capileira or to Lanjaron (see note on travel or accommodation options).

Day 2

Breakfast in Capileira. We depart the mountain village of Capileira at around 8.30am, driving up to a high road head at Hoya del Portillo 2100m, where we commence our walk up Mulhacen 3482m. Our descent to the Refugio Poqueira 2500m is via the Caldera and the Rio Mulhacen.  Spend night at the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 3

An ascent of Alcazaba 3371m the most remote of the “big 4” is via Siete Lagunas, returning to the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 4

Departing the Refugio, we ascend Pico de los Machos 3329m and down to the University Albergue at Hoya de la Mora 2500m via an interesting easy scramble into the San Juan valley.

Day 5

Taking the National Park bus back up to 3000m we a scramble up Pico del Veleta 3394m and return back to the Refugio Poqueira via a section of fixed chain and back to our starting point at Hoya del Portillo for around 5pm. Spend night in either Capileira or Lanjaron (see accommodation options as before).

Day 6

Depart

The Iberian Ibex, common throughout the Sierra Nevada

Cost

Sierra Nevada Guides are not charging for their time running this event.  All the costs below are options and reflect prices locally. The charge we are making for this CPD event covers our travel expenses and hut fees.

£200 per person towards Sierra Nevada Guides.

You pay your own accommodation fees locally.

You will need your own travel, medical and rescue insurance.

"Blue Deeams" Chaenorrhinum glareosum an endemic species

Accommodation Options

For those wanting to keep costs down there is an option of camping at Jane and Mike’s mountain farm situated at 1305m above the spa town of Lanjaron. This is a bit remote and not the sort of place where you can just nip out for a beer! Jane and Mike will provide a BBQ evening meal with plenty of beer and wine along with breakfast on the day of departure. 20 Euro’s per night

For those wanting superior accommodation we recommend a hotel in Capileira (where we will meet for breakfast before heading into the high mountains) or Lanjaron a spa town with plenty of hotels close to our base. You will need to book your own hotel but we can help with this. Allow 50 to 70 Euro’s per night for this option.

Whilst in the mountains we will spend 2 nights at the Refugio Poqueira and 1 night at the University Albergue. Bed, breakfast, evening meal and a packed lunch costs about 55 Euro’s per night. Drinks are extra! Costs at the Refugio Poqueira are approx 10 Euro’s per night lower if you have a UIAA membership (Austrian Alpine Club, etc).

Looking at the north faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta

Travel

The easiest option is flying into Malaga as there are cheap flights there from most U.K. regional airports. 

Car hire is cheap and could be the cheapest option if there was a group of 3 or 4 sharing. From Malaga Airport there is a direct bus to Granada where you can change for Lanjaron and Capileira. https://www.alsa.es/en/home

If you choose to stay / camp with us we will meet you / pick you up from Lanjaron.

We are prepared to do airport pick ups for 100 Euro’s per trip but this would need a group of 3 or 4 splitting the cost to be worth while.

Insurance

You will need adequate medical and rescue insurance.

Contact details:

Michael Hunt and Jane Livingstone

email:  info@sierranevadaguides.co.uk

tel:  01433  639  368

This training event is only open to BAIML members and to MTA members who hold ML (Summer) who are considering enrolling to become International Mountain Leaders.

Book a place on this event.

Crowded mountains

With the heat of summer I have done quite a few trips around Veleta in the past few weeks. This peak is second highest in the Sierra Nevada and with its proximity to the Granada ski village and an area called Hoya de la Mora it is a relatively easy summit to ascend and so is perhaps the most climbed peak in the range. This was brought home to me last week when I arrived at the summit last weekend with a couple of clients. The summit of the mountain is marked by a concrete pillar and on this occasion it was crowded with a group of about fifty walkers. It was almost like getting to the summit of Snowdon. As we lunched the numbers grew as more and more walkers and cyclists arrived at the summit. It does seem that the popularity of walking in the mountains is growing. Other mid week visits have been much quieter affairs with the whole mountain empty of walkers. On those visits it is quite common to come across quite large numbers of Cabra de Montana. In late July for the first time ever I came across a young cabra kid suckling off its mother. I had never seen this before so it was great to see. A week later with a group of friends we watched as a fox circled a group of three or four cabra before they finally decided that enough was enough and they chased the fox off down the mountainside. Cabra do seem to becoming more used to walkers and in some areas particularly will allow you to get quite close before they run off. Descending Mulhacens south ridge in early August I walked within about three meters of a group of four large males who casually watched as I approached before finally getting up and sauntering off. They didn’t seem in the least worried by my presence seemingly accepting the fact that I was there in their territory. Near the Poqueira refuge cabra quite often approach the building even if you are sat out on the terrace. They seem to like licking the side of the building presumably getting essential salts to supplement their diet. Other wildlife sightings in recent trips included a couple of juvenile Golden eagles soaring above us on a trip to Pico de Jerez near Gaudix. Nearer to home we recently spotted a common genet (Genetta genetta) crossing the track below our finca as we drove up from the village one night. These animals are also known as ‘’civit cats’’ and look like a cross between a domestic cat and a large ferret.

Cool summer walking

With low level temperatures hitting the high 30's it is still possible to get some cooler walks in in the main Sierra Nevada range by taking the cable car up the southern side of Veleta. The cable car runs out of the Pradollano ski village which sits at 2,000m above Granada Initially travelling in an enclosed gondola or cable car you arrive at the Borreguiles half way station where you change on to an open chair lift for the final stretch up to 2,9000m. The ride is spectacular in its own right as it carries you over the now dry ski runs. In the past couple of years the lifts have been adapted to accommodate mountain bikes and there are now a number of down hill runs also starting from the end of the chair lifts. The lifts end at a fairly bleak area on the mountain side however a couple of great walks start from here. Most walkers head north east to follow a track uphill to los posiciones de Veleta at 3,000m. From this spot you get one of the best views in the whole of the Sierra Nevada range as you look east across the dramatic north faces of Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba. From here some more confident walkers may venture down into the corall de Veleta though most will continue south along the track to the refugio de carahuela before ascending to the summit. For those who don’t want to climb as much there is also another path which starts from the end of the chair lit. Head south west after leaving the cable car and the walking is equally spectacular if perhaps a little easier. After a few minutes waymarkers bring you to the head of a path which head down through quite rugged terrain to the Embalse de las Yeguas a small man made lake used to supply water for snow machines in the ski season. From here you can head south east to explore the lagunillas de la virgin, small natural tarns where you may well find snow till quite late in the season. Returning to the embalse you can retrace your path up hill or head north west to cross a small coll below the obvious observatory building to then head down to Borreguiles. Even in high summer it will be cooler at these altitudes so it’s worth remembering that you may well need additional clothing and a waterproof jacket. The cable cars do not run when there are high wind speeds and as ever when you are venturing out you need to check the weather forecast before you head out.

Day walks from Granada

As well as offering a great city break Granada is also ideally based for walking in the Sierra Nevada range. The mountains lie just east of the city and are designated as a Parque Nacional because of their important habitat and landscapes. Walking in the Granada area great at any time of the year and couldn’t be easier to access from the city. Day walks can be arranged to suit a wide range of abilities and interests from rugged 3,000m peaks to low level cool gorge walks. Examples of the walks include Monachil Gorge , a stunning medium grade walk in the magnificent rock gorge of the Rio Monachil. The path clings to the rock face of the gorge, passes through natural rock tunnels and crosses the river on a number of suspension bridges . This is a great adventure for families groups or individuals and can be undertaken at any time of the year. Verada de Estrella. Following the route of an old mine access track we walk into the north side of the Sierra Nevada range. The high mountain scenery of this route is breathtaking with views of the north faces of the three main peaks of the range , Alcazaba , Veleta and Mulhacen. Veleta. High above Granada at 3396m this is the second highest peak in the range yet can be scaled via a non technical walking route from Hoya de Mora just 45 minutes drive from Granada centre. This is a challenging days walking achievable by those with a reasonable level of fitnes. For more information see

The Three Peaks

The Three Peaks

A lot is made in the U.K. of the “3 Peaks” though this means different things to different people.  There is the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge whereby you have to complete a round of Ingleborough, Great Whernside and Pen-y-Gent in under 12 hours and the National 3 Peaks Challenge which is an ascent of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, usually in under 24 hours.

Mulhacen's West Ridge seen from The Caldera Refuge

However here in the Sierra Nevada we have our own 3 Peaks Challenge, an ascent of Mulhacen 3482m, Veleta 3394 and Alcazaba 3371m. Some seriously high mountains compared to their U.K. counterparts.

Summit of Mulhacen 3482m

Mulhacen3482m the highest mountain in mainland Spain is named after Mully Hassan the penultimate Arab ruler of this part of Spain.

Veleta 3394m is the 2^nd highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada and 3^rd highest in  mainland Spain (after Aneto 3404m in the Pyrenees). Veleta translates from the old Arabic as The Weather Vane and is clearly seen from The Alhambra Palace in Granada where the Arab Kings resided.

Alcazaba 3371m is the 3^rd highest in the Sierra and joint 4^th / 5^th in height in mainland Spain (Equal with Pico Posets also 3371m). Alcazaba translates as The fortress, aptly named as its most commonly viewed from the North revealing its awesome North Face.

Although it is possible to complete all 3 peaks in a day as a challenge, this would really spoil the enjoyment of a truly great mountain walking experience. We would highly recommend allowing for 3 days in the mountains spending 2 nights at the Refugio Poqueira as the best option for 

completing the Sierra Nevada 3 Peaks.

Near the Summit of Veleta 3394m

Day 1, Alcazaba and to the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 2 Veleta from the Refugio Poqueira.

Day 3 A circuit on Mulhacen returning to the valley.

Sierra Nevada Guides would be happy to facilitate your 3 peaks expedition or include it as part of a weeks walking taking in some of the other great mountains the Sierra Nevada has to offer.

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders) living and working in the Sierra Nevada. Details about the guides and their qualifications are listed on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.

Alcazaba 3371m - A very impressive mountain!

If you are planning a visit to the Sierra Nevada, there is much useful information on the Sierra Nevada Guides website and we are always happy to advise on routes and conditions.