Trek from Ski area to Puente Palo over the Sierra Nevada

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

Linear Distance 21km Ascent 1000m Time 8hrs 30mins

• 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: Puente Palo, Alpujarras

A 2 day trek crossing the Sierra Nevada from north to south. Ski Area to Puente Palo above Cañar in the Alpujarras, staying in Refugio Elorrieta overnight

Route Description

Initial ascent through the debris of the ski terrain, then a scrambling ridge Tajos de la Virgen (or avoided by walking path to NW) to unguarded Elorrieta hut (Veleta is an option). Overnight. Ridge to Tajos de los Machos. Down eastern bowl, traverse to Cebollar ruins, zig zag descent, river crossing, forest trail to pickup.

Major peaks covered: Tajos de la Virgen 3191m, Tajos de los Machos 3085m, Cerrillo Redondo 3055m

Notes: Varied terrain specially on Day 2. Elorrieta best overnight viewpoint in the Sierras.

Seasonal notes: The mountain flank to the Elorietta may not be possible under snow as it is an avalanche blackspot. Alternative ascent of Pico del Cartujo will add 3hrs and 300m ascent.

Options: The long south ridge from Cerrillo Redondo is slightly quicker and easier to reach Puente Palo. Possible descent to Lanjaron via Tello for those with an abundance of energy!

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