The majority of the classic routes on these faces are of AD standard. Sure there are a few harder climbs and also some for the climber who searches for routes of PD standard. As you can see from this collection of photos there is plenty to go at! In particular the north faces of Alcazaba, Mulhacen, Puntal de la Caldera, Juego de Bolos, Cerro de los Machos and Veleta provide good sport.
The complex & dramatic northern Sierra Nevada. In this view we have Mulhacén & Puntal de la Caldera with the peak of Juego de Bolos centre
Veleta and Cerro de los Machos have easy access via the ski area and Hoya de la Mora. For Mulhacen and Puntal de la Caldera the best access would be from the south via the Refugio Poqueira.
For Alcazaba, including the classic mountaineering route the "Espolon de Alcazaba", the routes are reached via the long valley of Vereda de Estrella and the town of Güéjar Sierra.
Be prepared to bivvy out or in some cases use unmanned shelters. Few others will be seen on the mountains except at weekends on Veleta or Cerro de los Machos. Later in the season more mountaineers will be seen on the classic north face routes of Mulhacen.
Any alpine mountaineers wanting help or advice regarding route choice, conditions, access etc, please feel free to contact us!
The photos below will give some indication of the terrain and opportunities. Much of the climbing is of an exploratory nature and possibilities for new routes abound. But a word of warning! Don't underestimate the mountains here (as many do). They may be only 2 hours from the sun drenched beaches of Marbella, but they are truly alpine from December to May inclusive with severe cold and windchill likely.
The complex & dramatic northern Sierra Nevada. In this view we have Mulhacén & Puntal de la Caldera with the peak of Juego de Bolos centre.
Puntal de Vacares to Veleta
Alcazaba and Mulhacen