Spanish Sierra Nevada Walks From Trevelez
Walking Routes From the South Side, Siete Lagunas, Alcazabar and GR7
Aug 25, 2009
The high position of Trevelez (1,600 m) gives a fantastic head-start when venturing into the Spanish Sierra Nevada from the southern side. Originally the main entry point to the Sierra Nevada from the south, Capileira has now overtaken it in popularity as a base, but walkers should not ignore some great routes that start from the pretty white-washed village of Trevelez.
Walking to the Siete Lagunas From Trevelez
This is an overnight trip for all but the very fittest, taking a full day uphill and several hours downhill, but this should not discourage walkers from visiting a very picturesque hanging valley with seven lakes (hence the name Siete Lagunas). The route starts from the Hotel La Fragua, and is moderately well signposted on the way out, climbing up through woodland, across grassy slopes, and then up by an often spectacular waterfall below the largest of the lakes – Laguna Hondera.
Walking to the Summit of Alcazabar From Siete Lagunas
This camp is a great base for the walk to Alcazabar – one of the Sierra Nevada's hidden gems. Despite its altitude and obvious appeal, according to Mike, one of the guides at Spanish Highs, "It's far more often talked about than walked up, probably because you have to camp overnight, and that seems to put a lot of people off". Which is great for those who do make the effort!
The route heads out from Siete Lagunas over rough ground with no obvious path over the Penon del Gobo and Meseta de la Borregas to the summit. Again, be careful of the Penbetica map here. There is no path off the north-east flank of Alcazabar despite its existence on the map; the return route retraces the steps of the outward route from Siete Lagunas.
It is possible to ascend Alcazabar from Siete Lagunas and descend to Trevelez in one day, but it is long and walkers should not underestimate the effort of descending 2,000 m in one go!
Walking From Portugos to Trevelez on the GR7
This is a half day walk (or gentle day-walk) that roughly contours around the hillside through a pleasant mix of oak and pine woodlands and open brush, crossing some acequias (water channels for irrigation – similar to levadas in Madeira) on its way to Trevelez. It is usually done as a linear walk in this direction, as it forms part of the GR7 long distance walk which ambitiously links Gibraltar to Greece.
Walking from Trevelez to Busquistar on the GR7
This is the other stage of the GR7 that passes through Trevelez, and again is most often done as a linear walk in this direction. This is a longer section, 23 km and a full day's walking (roughly 7-8 hours without stops), passing through yet more picturesque white-washed villages.
Trevelez is a useful base for walkers and a good starting places for several enjoyable walks. It is also claims the highest campsite in Spain and this is ideal for walkers wishing to camp on the edge of the Sierra Nevada. An alternative article deals with routes near the Poqueira Hut or routes on the north side of the Sierra Nevada near Veleta.
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