Sierra Nevada - Spain's
Highest Mountains
walking -
mountain summits - flowers and wildlife - climate and
weather - getting there - information service- staying out
- safety
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is the highest in mainland
Spain, with peaks rising to over 3,400 metres. The area was
declared a national park in 1999, with the aim of
protecting its unique flora and fauna, whilst at the same
time encouraging sustainable tourism. Compared to other
European mountain ranges, it is relatively compact; 80 km
from east to west, 40 km at its widest point to the west,
and only 15km at the narrowest to the east.
The weather of southern Spain, the altitude of the alps,
spectacular walking of all standards, as good as anywhere
in the world, summer rock and winter snow and ice climbing
are only a few of the attractions. Added to this are a vast
array of flowers and other wildlife, ease of access and
cheap flights to Granada, make this a not to be missed
destination.
Walking in the
mountains
Although mountain walking is becoming more popular in
Spain, despite the relative ease of access, you can still
climb many of the Sierra Nevada's mountains and see no
other people. Many parts retain that true wilderness
quality. The mountain walking pages detail some of the
walks and access points to the highest mountains. None of
the Spanish maps are quite up to British OS standard, but
we recommend Editorial Penibetica maps as being
the clearest and most up to date. Follow the links for
futher details and to buy from Maps Worldwide:
Lanjaron 1:25,000
Sierra Nevada 1:40,000
Mountain
refuges
There are 2 catered mountain refuges and
a number of bivoac shelters. See the Andalucia Mountaineering Federation for
more details.
Mountain
summits
Mulhacen, at 3,482 metres is the highest point in the
Iberian Peninsular. The range is the second highest in
Europe after the Alps, with a fifth of the summits reaching
more than 3,000 metres. The most westerly (and nearest to
Lanjarón) is Caballo; others include Valeta (3,394),
Alcazaba (3371), and Picon de Jerez (3090).
During the summer, the Sierra Nevda National Park run a bus
service from Capileira via Hoya de Portillo and on into the
mountains. This is very useful for a day ascent of
Mulhacen. More information can be found On the Ministry of the Environment website.
Flowers
and wildlife
There are over 2,100 different plant species withing the
national park, many of which are uniqe to these mountains.
Early summer sees many alpine flowers springing up amongst
the apparent 'desert' of the highest slopes. At all times
of the year, the Spanish Ibex can be seen scaling
precipitous slopes; Golden Eagles soar above and a Ring
Ouzal or two seen perching on rock outcrops. The summit of
Mulhacen is often home to swarms of butterflys and at lower
levels, lizzards bask in the sun.
Climate
and Mountain weather
The Sierra Nevada's proximity to the mediterranean mean
that in general the summers are hot and dry. In winter,
snow often covers the peaks, and temperatures can fall as
low as -25º. Autumn months are the wettest, and there are
often electric storms in September and October (sometimes
quite spectacular if you have a view towards the sea and
the African coast). At any time of the year (but
particularly in winter) There are real dangers when
climbing the mountains, as the weather can change very
quickly. You may set off from lower levels in warm sunny
weather, and find yourself in a blizzard at 3,000m. Always
check the weather forecast before leaving, and if in doubt,
do not go!
The Sierra Nevada Observatory is located
at Loma de Dilar in the Sierra Nevada mountains, close
to the ski resourt. It is operated and maintained by the
Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia. Their website
has lots of interesting information about the weather
and some wonderful pictures of the night sky.
Actual weather observations at the Sierra
Nevada ski station
Sierra Nevada snow forecast
Getting there
The motorway from Granada to Motril provides easy access to
the western parts of the mountains, via Dilar, Niguelas and
Lanjarón. From Granada, the Monachil gorge leads to the ski
station of Pradollano and Veleta whilst the beautiful
valley of the Genil flows south from Guejar Sierra. From
the Alpujarran village of Capileira, a scenic drive leads
to parking at Hoya del Portillo.
Staying
out overnight
Camping is not officially allowed in the national park,
however there are a number of mountain refuges, some of
which have a warden. The best of these is at the head of
the Poqueira valley, below Mulhacen.
Information can be found on the Mountaineering Federation
of Andalucia web site.
National
Park Information centres and Interpratation
Service
There are information centres on the road to the Pradollano
ski resort and Laujar de Andarax.
The park operate an 'interpretation service' bus from
Capileira to Hoya del Portillo between April and October
(depending on snow conditions). The information kiosk on
the main road in Capileira sells tickets; these can be
reserved by telephoning 686.41.45.76 or e-mail
picapileira@oapn.mma.es
Mountain
Safety
Visitors to the Sierra Nevada National Park are asked to
respect the environment. This includes not disturbing
animals or flowers. There should not be any fires, and as
far as possible, take litter home. Remember that this is a
serious mountain range, and the weather can be
unpredictable and change quickly. Do not venture into the
mountains without checking the weather, taking a map and
being sure you can handle the altitude. Being rescued is
not as easy as in the UK or Alps!
