The hidden gems of the Sierra Nevada!
Much of the walking is above 3000m on rough but well tracked paths. Some steep sections are met but generally the trekking is relaxed and easy. We allow plenty of opportunity to relax by the lakes. 3 of our 4 walks start and end at the ski area above Granada. Pick up and drop off either in Lanjaron or Granada (Alhambra Palace area).
We have 4 tours of different grades and difficulty so that families as well as hardened trekking types can visit these lovely lakes.
Easy access to 3 walks via the ski area (chair lifts or Hoya de la Mora autobus or high trailhead) above Granada.
Choose From The Following Graded Walks:
When can we do these hikes?
The walks can only be done when the snow has retreated and almost disappeared. That generally means from late May to October, inclusive each year, but you should check with us first to ensure we are able to run the trip.
Between June and October the Sierra Nevada provides some superb locations for high altitude trekking and for wild camping. Water is plentiful thanks to the numerous rivers, streams and lakes. They are beautiful and peaceful situations to spend the night. Locations: Lavaderos de la Reina, Laguna de Calderetas, upper Rio Lanjaron valley.
Escape the heat and walk to high mountain lakes on the northern flanks or secret places of the Sierra Nevada
For many local people the mountain lakes of the upper Lanjaron valley is the "Shangri-La", a mystical place that provides year round water to the lower levels of the Alpujarras. It is almost a pilgrimage for them. Our walks are designed to take in the best these mountain lakes have to offer.
The Hikes to the Mountain Lakes
Circular Tour Carihuela, Lagunillas, Yeguas
Circular walk visting Embalse de Las Yeguas (2900m), Lagunillas de la Virgen (2960m), Collado de Carihuela, optional ascent of Veleta (3394m).
In the summer months ski lift access can be used to gain height and avoid the summer heat. The lift system can take us to 2900m where its a simple stroll to the dramatic viewpoint called "Posiciones". Easy walking leads round the SW side of Veleta to the Col de Carihuela. An optional ascent of Veleta is possible from here.
Then it's steeply down the path to the small lakes called collectively, "Lagunillas". This is a superb spot for lunch and to sit amid all the splendour and beauty. Then down throught he ski area of Borreguiles to the car/ski lift down.
Lots of options. Ideal for a family hike from the ski area.
Leisurely Linear walk
Refugio Elorrieta and Lagunillas
In the summer months ski lift access can be used to gain height and avoid the summer heat. The lift system can take us to 2900m where its a simple stroll to the dramatic viewpoint called "Posiciones". Easy walking leads round the SW side of Veleta to the Col de Carihuela. An optional ascent of Veleta is possible from here.
Then it's steeply down the path to the small lakes called collectively, "Lagunillas". This is a superb spot for lunch and to sit amid all the splendour and beauty. We then walk up to the old, partly ruined Elorietta hut. The views of the upper Lanjaron valley from here are stunning!
Return same way to Lagunillas and then down through the ski area to the car.
Moderate Linear walk
Lagunas Galbata and Larga - secluded northern lakes
This is a long challenging trail along the northern flanks of the Sierra Nevada visiting some spectacular and rarely visited situations.
We use the summer bus to access Posiciones at 2900m, then drop steeply into the Coral de Veleta and traverse the valley before rising in a series of steep zig-zags to the col de Veta Grande.
Narrow paths lead to the secluded lakes of Laguna Galbata and Laguna Larga. Then up to the Col de Ciervo and back on good tracks to the start via Col de Carihuela passing Laguna Rio Seco and Laguna Aguas Verdes en route.
A long, tough but thoroughly rewarding route!
Tough Circular walk
Lakes of the Lanjarón Valley
Access is from Lanjaron. We take 4WD transport to Mirador de Rinconada above Niguelas and initially walk up to the lake at Cerro de Caballo. From the Cerro de Caballo refugio by the Laguna de Caballo we head north along the "Verada Cortada", passing the Laguna Cuadrada before reaching the Laguna de Lanjaron.
Then its back down the valley or optional extension over the ridges back to the car. Also visits Laguna de Caballo(2850m), Laguna Cuadrada (2930m), Laguna Charca Pala (2950m), Laguna de Lanjaron (2980m).
A tough one, maybe better utilised as a 2 day wild camping trek.
Very Tough Circular walk
Dates & Prices
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