The Paso de los Guias, Sierra Nevada

The Paso de los Guias is a spectacular shortcut path cutting through a rockface in the Sierra Nevada and requiring a good steady head for heights

The Paso de los Guias, Sierra Nevada

Links the Refugio Cariguela south of Veleta to the Paso de los Machos. It provides a quick by pass of the main track, cutting off a substantial zig zag in the old track, saving 15 minutes walking. Starts at a cairn at the first right bend below the Refugio de Cariguela if going west to east. From east to west the start is via a track to the right just after Paso de los Machos.

Although it is simple and only about 20m, there is a chain protecting the whole passage as it is very exposed and in places only a foot wide. A good head for heights is essential. Easier in ascent. A spectacular and enjoyable situation! The video clip below gives a good flavour of the traverse.

In the word of Jerry Moffatt "If you dont let go you cant fall off"!

N.B Seasonal note .... in winter conditions only within the realm of the properly equipped and experienced mountaineer.

Crossing the Paso de las Guias

Crossing the Paso de las Guias

Paso de los Guias

Paso de los Guias

The route seen from Paso de los Machos

The route seen from Paso de los Machos

Looks wider than it is!

Looks wider than it is!

Looking up to the traverse

Looking up to the traverse