Trek from the Sierra Nevada Ski area to Lanjaron in the Alpujarras

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Linear Distance 30km Ascent 1100m Time 12hrs

• Access: Ski area via Granada. From the main Granada ring road (Circunvalación) follow the well signposted mountain road to Sierra Nevada (A-395). This leads to the main ski resort at Pradollano
• Start: Hoya de la Mora.  At km30 and just before entering the resort turn left following signs to Hoya de la Mora and Albergues de Granada. At km35 and at 2500m altitude, the road ends. There are car parks on either side of the road
• End: Lanjarón

A 2 day crossing high level of the Sierra Nevada wild camping en route. Quite difficult due to the huge descent to Lanjarón at the end.

Route Description

Ascend through the ski terrain, scrambling ridge of Tajos de la Virgen (or avoided by walking path on NW) to Refugio Elorrieta. Climb Pico del Cartujo. Wild camp near Tajos Altos. Ridge over Cerro de Caballo, down to Ventura ruins, Tello, Lanjaron

Major peaks covered: Pico del Cartujo 3152m, Tajos Altos 2985m, Cerro de Caballo 3005m

Great western ridge of the Sierra Nevada. Long and distant, expansive views. Tough descent down to the Alpujarran town of Lanjarón.

Seasonal notes: The mountain flank to the Elorietta may not be possible under snow as it is an avalanche blackspot.

Options: An easier return can be made by arranging for 4WD pickup at the trailhead beyond Peña Caballera or near the Casas Forestales at Tello.

Recommended map: Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada 1:40000 www.penebetica.com

Download link - GPX file