DESCRIPTION: The Trevenque is perhaps the most outstanding of the mid-altitude mountains. Peaking at 2079m, there are a couple of routes, one slightly shorter than the other involving easy initial trails through some intriguing terrain with a steep gravelly section at the end to the summit. Incredible 360º views including the main ski terrain and high ridges of the 3000+ metre peaks.

The longer of the routes is a more exposed walk with less shade whilst the shorter option involves woodland walking up to the base of the peak climb.

An even longer variation is also available combining the peak ascent with the "Camino de Deshesa" route, (about 6 hours), see lower down for more details..

A great choice for those looking for a small challenge without going to any extremes!

DESCRIPTION: This is a lovely trail starting a little further on from Cumbres Verdes. The trail forms a circuit around the "Pico de la Carne" summit, passing through a variety of terrain including plenty of woodland making it an excellent choice for the hot summer months of July & August. The are also a couple of watering holes along the trail, (although these may dry up during the hotter months). The route offers stunning views of the 3000m chain of peaks from the Veleta to the Caballo.

This is a good choice for families with older children as it involves few steep ascents and plenty of shade.

DESCRIPTION: "La Vereda de la Estrella", (or Trail of the Stars), is perhaps the most famous trail in the area. A fairly long trek taking you deep into the mountains and to the foot of the 3000 metre peaks. This incredible circuit takes the hiker through an ever changing terrain predominantly following the eagerly flowing Genil river whilst passing waterfalls and mountain streams, abandoned mines, varied woodland, outstanding views, (in particular of the Mulhacen, Veleta & Alcazaba peaks), and wildlife. There are un-manned refuges on the trail that permit overnight stays.

The trail offers plenty of shade and waterways. The trail is very much for walkers with plenty of stamina as a result of its length.

DESCRIPTION: The Trevenque peak dominates the views for intial part of this excellent and highly attractive circuit involving gradual inclines and descents through some intriguing terrain from dried up river beds, (rambla's), and desert-like gravelly surfaces to thick shrub life and lush woodland with an irrigation waterway and natural river, (Rio Dilar), along well marked trails. Some areas are quite exposed but there is plenty of shade on the whole including a couple of natural springs, (these may dry out during the latter part of the summer given the current drought conditions). An optional river stop is also feasible makeing for additional replenishment along the way.

This route may also be combined with the "Trevenque" ascent.

This is a good option for families with children and a great "aclimatiser" route to get you into the spirit of the mountains and medium altitudes, (approximate average 1500m).

DESCRIPTION: This small yet prominent peak offers not only staggering 360º views of the mountains providing a unique insight into the sheer vastness of Sierra Nevada but also acts as a balcony outlook over the rolling "Vega" (plains) of Granada. It comprises a simple but pretty walk with a fairly gentle incline to the summit. At the summit is the circular mountain shelter of the Boca de la Pescá which can provide very welcome protection when the weather decides to close in. Be prepared for the impressive drop outside the front door of the shelter!

This route may also be combined to make a longer trek with the Camino de Deshesa, Rio Dilar Valley &/or the "Trevenque" ascent.

This is a good option for families with children and a great "aclimatiser" route to get you into the spirit of the mountains and medium altitudes, (approximate average 1500m).

DESCRIPTION: "El Caballo" is the southernmost 3000 metre peak in Sierra Nevada. An impressive & beautiful drive up a rough track from the village of Nigüelas, takes you to the start of the trek at around 2000m, (a 4x4 vehicle or similar is required). The track soon peters out to a series of well worn animal trails that all lead to the same place. Spring time is particularly beautiful with an abundance of streams and small rivers cutting through green meadows from the melting snow above. The 360º views from the peak are nothing short of outstanding. From here extended treks are possible along the line of 3000m ridge where you will find a series of un-manned refuges for night shelter, (some are in better condition than others!)

The walk up requires plenty of stamina. It is exposed with plenty of waterways during the first part of the climb up but little else higher up. 4x4 VEHICLE REQUIRED!!

DESCRIPTION: The Veleta peak is Spain's third highest at 3,398 metres and stands high above the ski terrain. The trek covers a vertical drop of almost 900 metres over predominantly dry terrain with the exception and likelihood of reaching some snow drifts and small snow melt streams. From its peak views stretch in all directions over the Med as far as the Rif mountains of Morocco, (visible on clear days), the chain of 3,000 metre peaks including Spains highest, Mulhacen and perhaps it's most intriguing, the Alcazaba.

The option of making an interesting circuit down into the more fertile Valley of the "Laguna de las Yeguas" will add another hour or two to the day but is well worth the experience. The route involves little or no shade and few waterways and hence requires a reasonable level of stamina and fitness. It is worth considering a couple of lower altitude treks beforehand to get aclimatised to the altitude.

DESCRIPTION: Los Cahorros is a stunning area consisting of a deep cut ravine with the river Monachil flowing through. There are some narrow sections and interesting passing points making a fine circuit leading into the gorge across a long rope bridge through some of Spain's prime climbing terrain whilst following the river all the way. The return part of the trail follows a higher track on the opposite side of the valley looking down into the ravine and passing through some extremely contrasting terrain to that of the first half of the walk.

The majority of the route, (except for the final 45 minutes or so), follows closely to the river with spots available to paddle in and refresh yourself from the summer heat. Plenty of shade until the final 45 minutes along with a natural spring for refilling your water bottle at the half way point. This trail is ideal for families with either little or no experience and with younger children as well as for aclimatising oneself for longer subsequent routes.

DESCRIPTION: This is the dramatic mount crowning the village of Güejar Sierra at almost 1,900m. The intiating track leads through the village on to a well trodden path fairly steeply for the first 20 minutes or so then easing up to a gradual incline into the valley offering stunning views up to 3,000m peaks before readching the "Gitana" pass where we bear around to the left and make for the rounded mountaintop of the "Calar" directly above the village itself. A shortway below the summit are the "Cruces", (crosses), perched precariously above the village offering aerial views over the "Canales" reservoir and Granada one way, and along the Genil Valley the other as it cuts its way deep into the mountains and Spain's highest peaks. The well trodden descent passes an abandoned lead mine, (a good point to rest in cool shelter!), and ultimately the "fuente de los 16 canones" fountain and fresh water source at the top of the village.

The trail is exposed consisting mainly of moorland vegetation, little shelter and no guarantee of water sources. It is a "door-to-door" route if staying in the village with easy access whilst offering an excellent option for aclimatising for longer exposed trails as well as orientating yourself in these mountains.

DESCRIPTION: Commencing from either the village of Dúdar in the Quentar valley or that of Pinos Genil in the "Genil valley", the trail initially follows farm tracks up a reasonably steep slope winding through farming terrain of olive groves and lines of grape vines. Higher up the vegetation is lower cut and hence provides less shade. Eventually the trail disperses into a series of dried up waterways and trial biking grooves cut into the land bringing us out to the peak of "Barranco" and the forest guard's hut from where sharp eyes are on the look out for any sign of fire on the surrounding mountains.

From this point the trail follows a smooth ridge with gentler ascents, the Quentar valley down to the left and the Genil valley to the right. Continuing a little further up we reach the "Jarales" peak. Views from here are spectacular and limitless including such highlights as the 3000m peaks, (Mulhacen, Veleta & Alcazaba), and the Canales & Quentar Dams. From here a short but steep descent down to a track leads us to the village of Güejar Sierra for a well earned drink and tapa before catching the bus back. Reasonable stamina is required for the initial ascent. SMALL CHANGE IS REQUIRED FOR THE BUS.