Spanish Highs' self stated mission to "Inspire The Adventure" means that we are really at our happiest when we are taking clients to new areas and trekking different routes, far away from the masses on the summer trade routes. Whilst others prefer to slog away on the regular routes accompanied by fellow bus passengers we prefer the solitude of the "real" Sierra Nevada. To achieve this often means "going against the grain".
A recent 2 day trek with 5 clients illustrates the theory. We started early and made our way to Siete Lagunas. Whilst hikers made their way up the somewhat boring south ridge of Mulhacén we traversed east towards Siete Lagunas. Some large snow patches remaining from the winter gave two of our Australian clients their first ever touch of snow. Then it was on to Siete Lagunas. We quickly skirted the rather busy Laguna Hondera area and made our way up through the valley passing other small lakes on the way. By now we were alone and were to be so for another 24 hours!
Spectacular vistas in all directions
At the upper lakes we slanted right and took a steep scree slope, "El Colaero" through some easy angled crags to a col. The afternoon cloud by this time was swirling in and around us giving superb lighting effects. Alcazaba "The Fortress", is well named. At 3371m is the third highest in the Sierra Nevada and arguably the best. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and care is required in mist. We took a break on the summit and enjoyed the far reaching views, from the start of the Sierras in the NE to the last 3000m peak, Cerro de Caballo to the SW.
On the summit of Alcazaba
Back to the col and a quick descent of "El Colaero" brought us to the upper lakes, still snow clinging to their banks. We set up camp by Laguna Altera in an atmosphere of perfect tranquillity. Lots of running streams and "borreguiles" provided clear fresh water. Overnight as the campers by Laguna Hondera received their normal visits from scavenging foxes we were enjoying peace and quiet under starlit skies. By 7am the temperatures had dropped to 5 degrees and there was a chill was in the air. We quickly scoffed some breakfast and started the day. Time to get moving!
Snow at the upper lakes of Siete Lagunas
Over to the SW upper corner of Siete Lagunas there is a rough, faint track that zig-zags steeply up to the Collado de Siete Lagunas. The rarely climbed, but magnificent, Puntal de Siete Lagunas is easily reached in a few minutes from here. It is a spectacular place and we were not surprised to be alone here!
The NE ridge and Corredor of Mulhacén
We climbed initially in the "corredor" to the left of the main NE ridge of Mulhacén before crossing over to join the ridge above a prominent prow. Then we enjoyed the exposure as we traversed onto the upper north face of Mulhacén. We felt like the privileged few! Incredible views, 1000m drop beneath us, but nowhere difficult and rarely requiring the use of hands. Just a tough and rewarding trek ascending up to the summit of the highest mountain in Spain.
Perched on the NE ridge looking over towards Alcazaba
And of course then came the shock as we now met others intent on conquering Mulhacén. We enjoyed some quick summit photos before dropping down the west flank and taking the long, dusty road back to the car at the Hoya del Portillo.
Traversing the upper north face of Mulhacén
This route is not for everybody, but if you love your mountains rough and tough and like to trek where others rarely go then this may just be for you!
Remote trekking tours in the Sierra Nevada
Looking down to the Laguna de la Mosca far below
Half way up the NE ridge of Mulhacén