Report of a two day high level July trek in Spain's Sierra Nevada, from the ski centre in the north to Lanjaron in the south camping by a high mountain lake overnight
The high (2500m) access point at the Hoya de la Mora makes a convenient starting point for this two day trek. Unfortunately one has to spend the first hour passing through the summer debris of the ski resort pistes, but thereafter this is a wonderful high level trek. From the Hoya de la Mora car parks follow the road past the Virgen de las Nieves until a junction just before a chairlift station. Turn right here and proceed for 200m before taking a track off to the left. This leads above the ski restaurants at Borreguiles and onto the Collado de Las Yeguas (1hr).
Max and the Cerro de Caballo
From the Collado head SE past the Embalse de las Yeguas and enter the enchanting area known as Lagunillas de las Virgen. A series of small lakes provide water and superb scenery. From the last lagunilla follow the gently rising track below the Tajos de la Virgen ridge. The path curves round in a sweep round the bowl. Easy but care should be taken at the end of this traverse path (until well into the summer) as it crosses steep snow or ice. We took crampons for security and were very glad we did so.
Camp by Laguna Cuadrada
After this traverse you rise gently to the Elorrieta refugio, perfectly situated for widespread views of the Sierras (3hrs). Still full of surplus energy we then climbed the Tozal de Cartujo (3152m) via it's interesting NE ridge and hence onto the superb summit of Tajos Altos (5hrs). The aim was to drop down to Laguna Cuadrada, one of the finest places to camp in the Sierras. A way through the band of intervening crags can be found after dropping some 50m in height south from the summit. At the first leveling out of the ridge look east and you will see a steep but easy scree slope running initially straight down and then curving right. This led to the overnight camp at the delightful Laguna Cuadrada.
Abundant water, sun and relaxing resting places aside the lake. A perfect situation for an overnight camp. BUT..... there are problems with Foxes as we have reported on this site many, many times. They are desperate for food and know what plastic bags and rucksacks mean ie food. We took our own fox deterrent, our dog, Max. The couple camping across the lake from us didn't have a Max. They were pestered all night long by foxes intent on eating. We slumbered on oblivious, thanks to Max, who they evidently can smell from quite a distance.
Breakfast at the Refugio de Caballo
At first light we packed up and continued our journey. This time on an ingenious path south and some 200m below the ridge crest. Within an hour we had arrived at the Laguna de Caballo. Leaving our gear we summited the 3009m Cerro de Caballo before returning for breakfast (1hr round trip) by the refugio. Here we met my spanish friend Pepe Badaje who had arrived to help us inspect the Refugio de Caballo with a view to restoring the door and window later this summer.
Rather than take the short way south to our waiting car, we dropped down the Lavedero de la Reina, passed left of the peak of Morrón and hence down into the lush green valley of the upper Rio Lanjaron. What a place. Beautiful pools, waterfalls and streams. A Shangri-La! Then it is on down the faint track to the overflow dam and pick up the restored Acequia de Prados Colorados.
It's a long way out especially as, due to the poor state of the track to the Ventura trailhead, we had arranged for a pickup at the ridge line below Peña Caballera. The hot afternoon sun took it's toll but we eventually arrived at the truck and 45 minutes later was enjoying a beer at Bar Flower in Lanjarón.
This is an enjoyable two day trek with differing and beautiful scenery. Contact me if you wish more information or you can join us on one of our frequent treks across the Sierra Nevada.
The Rio Lanjaron with Cerro de Caballo behind