From Granada, head east on good roads and pass by the town of Pinos Genil and on through the town of Guejar Sierra. On the eastern outskirts of Guejar Sierra take a left turn signposted "Camping Cortijo Balderas". This road is concreted but narrow. After 2km take a rough road right (marked with a No Entry sign!). Take this and drop down to a crossing of the Rio Maitena. Follow this concreted road as it winds upwards.
Alcazaba and Mulhacen N faces
After another 2km the concrete road ends and a dirt track ensues. This is a bit rough in places and a 4WD is preferable. The road zig zags across the mountainside, eventually reaching the crest of the Loma de la Cuna de los Cuartos (1949m, 40 mins from Guejar Sierra). As you reach the crest an incredible vista meets the eye. The whole of the Sierra Nevada from Veleta through to Picon de Jerez lies before you. Not only that, but this side is steep which make for dramatic views of the north faces, alpine in scale.
There is a small Fire Lookout here and this makes a good place to take photographs. You can then follow the track east, close to the crest of the Loma. After another 3km a chain across the track prevents further progress. There are superlative views into the head of the Rios' Vadillo and Genil. The Vereda de Estrella lies far beneath.
Panorama from Alcazaba to Veleta
If you are feeling energetic you can walk from here to the Refugio Peña Partido a further 5km just past the minor peak of Papeles (2424m). The hut makes a useful base for exploratory trips on the remote northern mountains such as Puntal de los Cuartos, Atalaya or Pico del Cuervo.
Today though we had gone solely for the views and to see the best views of the Sierras in winter mode. On the way back to the car we were joined by a Golden Eagle and a Griffon Vulture soaring on the thermals. This trip is a great for a half day excursion.