Hikes in Sierra Nevada Summits

A summer hike up Veleta (3,394 meters), one of the highest peaks in Spain, and then down to the Lagunillas de la Virgen (and surrounding lakes) in the Sierra Nevada is absolutely stunning—both in scenery and experience.

At the summit, you get breathtaking panoramic views—you can see across the entire Sierra Nevada range, and on a clear day, even Africa across the Mediterranean. After the summit, heading southwest, the terrain gradually becomes more alpine-meadow-like as you descend toward the Lagunillas (Lagunillas de la Virgen and others).

The descent path is often dotted with wildflowers, mountain goats (cabras montesas), and sometimes patches of lingering snow. The lakes are glacial and beautifully blue, nestled in a dramatic bowl surrounded by peaks like Cerro de los Machos and Tajos de la Virgen.

Cerro de los Machos, standing at 3,329 meters, is one of the prominent peaks in Spain's Sierra Nevada. The hike to its summit offers adventurers a chance to experience breathtaking vistas, challenging terrains, and a touch of the region's rich history

Corral del Veleta: A dramatic glacial cirque nestled beneath the imposing cliffs of Veleta.​

Panoramic perspectives encompassing the Sierra Nevada range, including the highest peak, Mulhacén, and on clear days, views stretching to the Mediterranean Sea and even the mountains of North Africa.

Ascent to Morrón del Hornillo (2,375 m): From Puerto de la Ragua, hikers embark on a trail that ascends through reforested pine areas. The path may become less distinct as the tree line thins, but stone cairns often guide the way. Upon reaching the summit, adventurers are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding landscapes.​

Proceeding to Morrón Sanjuanero (2,610 m): Continuing along the ridge, the trail leads to Morrón Sanjuanero. This segment involves a steady ascent and offers hikers the opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna characteristic of the high Sierra Nevada.

Embarking on a hike to La Alcazaba (3,371 meters), the third-highest peak in Spain's Sierra Nevada, from Hoya del Portillo (2,150 meters) offers a rewarding challenge for seasoned hikers. This route provides stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes and an opportunity to experience the diverse terrains of the Sierra Nevada.

Upon reaching the Posiciones del Veleta, the trail leads to the Veredón Superior, an impressive natural corridor that descends into the Corral del Veleta.

After traversing the Veredón Superior, the path ascends towards the Cerro de los Machos, standing at 3,327 meters. The summit offers expansive views of the Sierra Nevada, including prominent peaks like Mulhacén and Alcazaba.

A wild trip into the remote and high upper Lanjaron valley returning next day over the peak of Morron and Cerro de Caballo

Ascent to Laguna Puesta del Cura: Begin at Fuente Fría, following a well-marked path that ascends through pine forests.​ As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes more rugged, transitioning to alpine meadows.​ Upon reaching Laguna Puesta del Cura, take time to rest and enjoy the serene environment.​

Final Ascent to Tajos Altos: From the lake, the trail becomes steeper and rockier.​ Be prepared for some simple scrambling sections as you approach the summit ridge.​ Once at the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.​

Climbing Pico Chullo (2,611 m), the highest peak in the province of Almería, from Puerto de la Ragua is a rewarding yet relatively accessible high-mountain hike in the eastern Sierra Nevada. It’s one of the easiest 2,600+ meter summits in Spain and an ideal day hike.

Embarking on a hike up the Tozal del Cartujo (3,152 meters) in Spain's Sierra Nevada offers a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers and mountaineers. This peak, located between the Lanjarón and Dílar valleys, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes

From the starting point, head north through the Barrancillos area. This section involves ascending a shallow gully, primarily pathless, with some goat trails through pine forests. After approximately 45 minutes, you'll reach the upper tree line and continue to the broad ridge leading to the summit of Las Alegas (2,700 meters). ​

From the summit, continue north for about 200 meters before descending westward to an old drover trail. Follow this trail south to reach the Refugio Cebollar (2,500 meters), a ruined refuge set in a picturesque alpine meadow with a natural spring. ​

Ascend alongside the forest edge to regain the broad ridge from the approach. Return via another shallow valley south of the ascent route through wooded slopes back to the starting point.

Exploring the Lavaderos de la Reina alongside the northern peaks of the Sierra Nevada, such as Picón de Jerez and Puntal de los Cuartos, offers a captivating hiking experience through some of Spain's most stunning high-altitude landscapes.

Ascending Cerro del Caballo (3,011 meters) from Rinconada de Nigüelas offers a rewarding hike to one of the Sierra Nevada's prominent peaks. This route provides expansive views and a satisfying summit experience.​

The hike begins at the Mirador de la Rinconada, accessible via a dirt track from Nigüelas. From the Mirador, a path leads through pine groves, ascending steadily along the Loma de los Tres Mojones ridge. The trail continues along the ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.​ Approach the summit via a well-trodden path, culminating at the peak of Cerro del Caballo

Laguna del Caballo: A glacial lake near the summit, often frozen in winter months.​ Refugio del Caballo: A basic shelter located near the lake, useful in emergencies.

Alcazaba (3371m) is without doubt one of the finest mountains in the Sierra Nevada. Its very name ,’the Fortress’, invokes a feeling of invincibility and impregnability. It is surrounded by cliffs and yet to the south and east there are chinks in its armor that give pleasant ways to its lofty summit. There are three walking routes to the summit from Siete Lagunas. The route via El Colaero being the most spectacular

A multi day trekking route for lovers of solitude and wild scenery covering some unfrequented sections of the Sierra Nevada. The circular route goes up the Río Juntillas to the main ridge and descends the Río Puerto de Jérez. Covers 3000m peaks, remote situations together with abundant water and some delectable camping and bivouac spots. Few others will be seen above the Refugio Horcajo

Two worthwhile objectives often neglected or bypassed in the rush to climb Mulhacén. Both peaks give impressive vistas over the northern precipices of the Sierra Nevada. There is some simple scrambling (mostly avoidable) up the east ridge of the Puntal de la Caldera

Useful as a half day or acclimatisation trip from the refuge. The Púlpitos are quiet peaks, rarely ascended as they don’t reach that magical 3000m height, but they provide fine objectives for an easier day nevertheless

For those who like their mountains tough, rugged, wild and unfrequented this is a ‘must do’ route. A circular route full of interest, challenges and glorious scenery culminating in the ascent of a rarely visited 3000m peak

A long ascent of Europe’s most southerly 3000m peak ascending high above the Lanjarón valley and descending with extensive views towards the western mountains and plains

Embarking on a hike that ascends Pico Veleta (3,398 meters), traverses the Tajos de la Virgen ridge, and returns via the Lagunillas area offers an exhilarating experience in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This route combines challenging ascents, breathtaking ridge walks, and serene alpine lakes, providing a comprehensive adventure for seasoned hikers. This route offers a fulfilling challenge, combining one of the highest peaks in Spain with a stunning ridge traverse and tranquil alpine lakes, encapsulating the diverse beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

a circular hike that includes the ascent of Picón de Jérez (3,090 meters) and a traverse through the Alhorí Valley offers a rewarding experience in the Sierra Nevada region of Spain. This route combines high mountain scenery with lush valleys, providing diverse landscapes for hikers

We have a superb itinerary that we have been running since 2002. The only difference from the Classic Integral route from Jerez de Marsquedaso, is that we find an approach to the first 3000m peaks, Cerro Pelao and the Picon de Jerez is aesthetically nicer by starting from Trevelez in the south and following the valley of the Rio Trevelez. This puts us into position below just the main ridgeline at the end of the first day.

The main ridge is then followed over all the main 3000m+ summits of the range to the Cerro de Caballo, just before the long drop down to finish in the spa town of Lanjaron. In total you will climb 23 3000m+ peaks and be over 3000m for the majority of the trek.

Tackling Los Tres Picos — Veleta (3,398 m), Mulhacén (3,479 m), and Alcazaba (3,371 m) — is one of the most epic and rewarding adventures you can do in the Sierra Nevada. These are the three highest peaks of the range (and mainland Spain), and connecting them in a multi-day trek is a serious but unforgettable high-mountain challenge.