Tajos de los Machos and Cerrillo Redondo from Puente Palo

N.B This is an interactive map that opens up in new window

Circular Distance 18km Ascent 1270m Time 7hrs 45mins

• Access: Lanjaron (4WD) or Padre Eterno/Soportujar (saloon car with care)
• Start: Puente Palo
• End: Same as start

Route Description

Go up the easy forest tracks NW of the main road. Follow the logical and most obvious way ignore the first turning off to the north. At  approx 2000m another track branching off to the right (north) is found. Take this. After 200m it crosses a small stream and continues on a good and obvious track. This reaches the Rio Chico. A delightful spot!

Cross the rio and follow the good path on the opposite bank. Unfortunately we have never been able to follow this is it’s entirety as the path peters out. At this point aim for the forest edge left of the rocks directly above you. In 30 mins, at the upper edge of the forest, or so you will meet the main path again which traverses to the Refugio Cebollar (2.5hrs).

A rising traverse on a very old, overgrown and unused drovers trail across from the refuge (marked by some cairns) leads to the ridge just beyond the summit of Las Alegas (2700m). Follow the ridge to the col and then make for the peak of Tajos de los Machos (3085m) directly above.

From Tajos de los Machos it is a fine ridge walk south over Cerrillo Redondo (3055m). Keep on the ridge until near teh rocks of Piedra de los Pajaros where you can aim down and across country towards the forest edge. Follow the fire break down to the main road and car park.

N.B Please take note of National Park Rules and Regulations regarding Wild Camping

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

Download link - GPX file