SIERRA NEVADA NATIONAL PARK - Vereda de la Estrella - Pico Veleta
An excursion to the Sierra Nevada, with two of the most impressive hikes in the national park. The Pico Veleta (3396), which watches over the Alhambra, has become the symbol of the city of Granada. Two nights in a hotel near Monachil
Day one
Our journey begins on the Costa del Sol, so we set off early to make the most of the day and drive to our accommodation in Monachil (approx. 3 hours).
Pick-up
7:00 Estepona
7:30 Marbella
After checking into the hotel, we drive to the starting point of our first hike:
Vereda de la Estrella
On our first hiking day we walk the "Vereda de la Estrella (Star Trail)", an old path that leads to the mines. It's a good way to acclimatise and one of the most beautiful and popular routes at the Sierra Nevada National Park. It starts with a slightly steep part but then it’s very easy to follow, walking in nature, with amazing views of the beautiful Alcazaba, Puntal de la Cornisa, Puntal de Siete Lagunas, Mulhacén, all of them over 3000m high. Even the road leading to the starting point is specular, as it leads through several narrow tunnels in the mountain.
Difficulty
medium -15km - 5 hours
This hike is technically not very difficult, but still quite long. Not as high as the next day.
Elevations
↑367m, ↓367m, sealevel 1.447 m
After the hike, we drive back to our hotel and go out for dinner in town. We can buy some lunch for the next day. Tomorrow is a hard one, considering the altitude, so we should have an early night.
Please book early, we need to do an early hotel reservation, especially if you want to have a single room.
Day two
Pico Veleta (3.396m)
We start our route at 2482m above sea level, passing through the Barranco de San Juan, with a U-shaped profile, typical of ancient glaciers, sheep pastures and meadows full of spring flowers, streams and waterfalls with clean and crystal clear waters.
We continue our route through the Campanario, Tajos del Veleta, Carihuela, where we can enjoy impressive views of the ravine and in the background the Alcazaba and the Mulhacén.
From the Veleta peak you can see the whole of the Sierra Nevada, a large part of the province and the coast of Granada, and on very clear day even the Rif Mountains.
Descending we pass the Lagunillos de la Virgen and the Reservoir of Las Yeguas, the Observatory and the Radio Astronomy Station, the Ski Resort of Borreguiles and return along a very comfortable path to the Hoya de la Mora.
Difficulty
difficult- 7 hours, 15,4 km
Please be aware of the altitude, you should have a good fitness level and no respiratorial problems
Elevations
↑↓ 995m
Day 3
Journey back after breakfast, on the way we can stop for lunch and a chance to stretch our legs.
Please bring
Sturdy mountain boots, sun and rain protection, warm clothing (don't forget we are walking at an altitude of over 3000m), only the urgently needed toiletries and clothes for an overnight stay, enough water and food for the day's hike.
Price: 295€
Included
Hiking guide, insurance and transport from the Costa del Sol to the starting point and back, accommodation.
Not Included
Food and drinks
Prior registration absolutely necessary
All Dates
- From Thursday, 13 June 2024 to Saturday, 15 June 2024