Climb Cerro de Caballo in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains

Why Climb Cerro de Caballo (3009m)?

• The mountain is especially suited to those who like remote, quiet, dramatic mountain scenery.
• A circular route and the quickest way to ascend Europe’s most southerly and westerly 3000m peak.
• Superb views in all directions but especially from the north to the head of the Lanjaron Valley.

Sumary

Ascent of Europes most south westerly 3000m peak, Cerro de Caballo, from the Mirador de Rinconada via the Tres Mojones ridge

This day walk is described in detail in Route 12 of the Cicerone Press guidebook, "Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada"

Seasonal Notes

The western flanks of the Cerro del Caballo get blasted by the prevailing winds from the south west and hence frequently expose the snow to bare ice. Ice axe and crampons essential when snow lies on the mountain (Dec to May)

Gallery - Cerro de Caballo

View Full Screen Imagesopens in a new window

Access

The village of Nigüelas (925m) lies just off the main A-44 motorway between Granada and Motril. A series of dirt tracks leads above the village which are especially useful for access to the western Sierra Nevada. 4WD cars only! This is good as it means the Cerro de Caballo remains a quiet and secluded mountain.

The Route

A path opposite the Mirador leads through a small plantation of pines and ascends steadily north east to join the Loma de los Tres Mojones. This broad ridge turns towards the east. Follow the faint path rising towards the peak ahead. Close to the summit the main path from the col to the north joins from the left. Follow this to the summit whilst enjoying the spectacular views down to the lake and refuge to the left (2.5hr).

Descend the same way initially until a direct route to the col can be followed. Drop down the steep hillside east from the col directly to the Laguna del Caballo nestled in the cirque below, with the refuge just beyond.

If time permits, the prominent peak beyond the lake, Morron (2868m), is well worth a visit for the sensational vistas northwards down the length of the Lanjarón valley. Allow 45min for the return trip from the refuge.

From the refuge a path traverses south across the head of the bowl containing the small lake of Lavadero de la Reina and then continues south west via the Hoya del Zorro to reach some ruins at 2830m.

Continue past the ruins and down towards the pass beyond. The next section of the route is pathless as we contour around the south west side of the peak making a slow descending traverse over rough stony ground at or about the 2800m level to rejoin the Loma de los Tres Mojones. The route of ascent is joined and followed back to the start point.

When?

Prices

Group size (per booking): (prices are per person per day)

• 1 person - cost €130
• 2 persons - cost €85
• 3 persons - cost €75
• 4 persons - cost €65

Definition of "Group" - if you are booking a trip for 2 persons the 2 person rate applies, 3 persons - 3 person rate etc (not dependent on eventual total group size!).

Price includes:

• Guiding
• Backup vehicles
• We have a limited number of walking poles for the use of guests if required
• Gear hire in winter conditions ie ice axe, crampons, helmet. Also stove if required.

Larger groups - discounts apply. Enquire via email or contact form

Transport (effective for all bookings after 1st July 2022)

The guiding price above does not include transport. Due to rising energy and fuel prices we do not want to be constantly changing guiding prices to reflect transport costs. We want to be honest and open about our price structure.

Clients have two options:

NO COST OPTION - Pick up/drop off our guide in Lanjaron or a venue to be agreed. Use your own transport to and from the start/end of activity.

COST OF FUEL OPTION - Our guide will drive you to/from start/end of activity in one our own vehicles. Applicable costs are:

• Capileira, White Villages, Taha del Pitres €15
• Hoya del Portillo €20
• Sierra Nevada ski area €25
• Granada area, Cumbres Verdes €15
• Peñon de la Mata €20
• Lecrin Valley €10
• Jerez de Marquesado, Eastern Sierra Nevada €35

N.B For destinations not listed above we can easily work out a fuel cost