Across the Sierra Nevada (Veleta, Mulhacen, Alcazaba)

A 2-day hike across the Sierra Nevada passing by the 3 highest peaks of the range with the night refugio de la Caldera, at the foot of the highest mountain of peninsular Spain: el Mulhacén. During summer, the snow had already melted and the paths were clear without any difficulties.

Day 1: The bus left Granada at 9am and had its last stop at Hoya de la Mora at an elevation around 2500m. Veleta's peak is within sight and one can follow the road to the summit or take the direct path which is steeper but doesn't go far away from the road. A short walk down the peak is necessary to reach the first hut, a good place to eat if the wind is blowing strong. It's also a good point of view to see el Mulhacén and the clear wide path leading to it. The path leading to the two huts is almost flat and very pleasant with beautiful views on the Sierra Nevada range. The refugio de la Caldera is just below el Mulhacén and perfect to ascend the mountain at the sunset and sunrise. However, one may prefer the hut just before, it's a bit smaller but not far away and a lot more quiet than the busy refugio de la Caldera.

Day 2: Starting from refugio de la Caldera, the way to el Mulhacén is steep but the summit is quickly reached. Hiking down the ridge of the mountain, the other side of el Mulhacén is not far. Going down to Siete Lagunas is a bit heart breaking as pico Alcazaba seems to grow higher and higher. From Siete Lagunas, the path to Alcazaba's summit is not very well marked and it makes the climb difficult, the most difficult of the three. Hiking down to Siete Lagunas to find the path to Trevelez, the beginning of the path is next to a waterfall so it's steep and can be wet. The path to the Trevelez is well marked, it's going down all the way. Not to spend a night in Trevelez, the bus to Granada is at 5.30pm.

Overall, the hike is not difficult but far from easy. It offers beautiful views on the Sierra Nevada and allows to climb 3 of the 5 (or 6) highest summit in Spain.