Pradollano - Rio Guarnon - Guejar Sierra

Story
Another one-way one-day trip in the Sierra Nevada which is one of the most challenging trails of the north side. This trail can be done without car but public transport going to Pradollano from Granada and going back to Granada from Guejar Sierra.

The Valle del Rio Guarnon is one of the more isolated or lonely valleys around the big peaks of the Sierra Nevada. In fact be prepared to walk the trail all by your own since more then half of it is without any marked signs. Even the stone pile markers are found only here and then.

The trail starts from Pradollano or better from the parking lot near the Albergue del la Universidad. This is were to park the car or the bus from Granada will drop you off. The first part before the descent into the Valley of Rio Guarnon is nothing much else but walking 800 meters up in direction of the Pico Veleta. In peak hiking season there are a lot of people walking up to see the Veleta so it feel like a procession rather.

A good 350 meters below the Veleta is the entry into the Valley. But beware - there are two ways to go down. Unless you are experienced you should go the easy way which is going the marked trail into the, in summer still covered with snow, north flank of the Veleta. You cant miss it since the trail is pretty visible. The other way means DANGER since you will go down the Tunnel del Veleta. The 150 meter descent through an almost vertical wall should be done only when experienced - there are no clear indications where to go down. There are also no ropes no steps no nothing. Its freeclimbing on slippery rocks and gravel in between. Once you slip thats it!

Once you have reached the green meadows of the upper valley the next 3-4 km do mean looking for the best way down since there is no visible trail - only rocks and gravel. Apart from that you will get rewarded with silence and impressive views while walking down the encapsulated Valle of Rio Guarnon.

A good 5 km from the highest point is where you will leave the Valley to walk parallel to a topo line of 1900m onto to the ridge of the Tajo de Chorreras Negras almost to the Cortijos del Hornillo. This part is the most beautiful since you have views on Veleta and the peaks around Mulhacen. Through a very beautiful oak forest meeting the camino de estrellas the adventure is almost done.

After meeting the camino de estrellas its takes another 7 km to reach the end point and the road which will bring you to Guejar Sierra. The 7 km will be but tough though since after descending almost 1700m your feet are going to hurt.

This Trail is probably the fastest way to adventure if you dont have a car and want to have it in one day. But remember this one is also one of the more dangerous ones. Enjoy!

TIPS:
How to get there an from:

In Summer there is only one bus to Pradollano from the Granada Main Bus Station. It leaves at 9.00 AM. Dont miss it. In Winter there are busses every hour but you should only go if you know what you do. The last bus from Guejar Sierra to Granada leaves at around 21:00 PM. Plenty of time for 20 KM. You can try to hitchhike from the trails end point to Guejar Sierra because the last bit is quite long.

If you miss the bus back to Granada you can call a taxi in any of the bars in Guejar Sierra. It will cost you around 25 EUR but be prepared to share a beer or two with the locals.

You can also leave the car at Pradollano and pick it up next day with the bus from Granada. In peak summer time its better to go the trail in the later afternoon times arriving at the camino de estrellas by night fall.

Take good shoes! the descent in the valley is tough. Straining your ankle is most probable. Also best not to go alone.

And remember - Dont do the descent through the Tunnel del Veleta unless you know what you are doing and your are not alone! It is dangerous!

Photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/105726765340731413642/PradollanoRioGuarnonGuejarSierra?authuser=0&feat=directlink