Wyprawa Na Najwyższy Szczyt Półwyspu Iberyjskiego, Mulhacen 3478,6 M N.p.m.

Climbing Mulhacen 3,478.6 m a.s.l., the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula

Route from Trevelez via Siete Lagunas to the Iberian Peninsula's highest peak

A trip to the top of Mulhacén is a must for mountain hikers. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Betic Cordillera, it reaches 3,478.6 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in continental Spain and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the highest peak in Europe outside the Alps. The southern slopes are very gentle, but its northern face is formed by a 500-meter cliff. Mulhacén belongs to the Crown of Europe.

If you're looking for a challenging but rewarding hike in Sierra Nevada, the Seven Lakes Valley is a great option. The trail starts in the village of Trevélez , and winds its way through stunning mountain scenery to the seven lakes that give the valley its name.

The hike is approximately 25 kilometers long, and took us about 14 hours to complete. It is not technically challenging, but it is long and requires a good level of fitness. I recommend breaking the hike up into two days. This will allow you to take your time and enjoy the scenery. There is a small hut located in the valley where you can stay overnight.

The views from the summit of the highest lake are simply stunning. You can see for miles in every direction, and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada are a sight to behold.

Curiosity

The mountain owes its name to Muley Hacén (Muley Hacén), also known as Abul Hasán, who was the third king of Granada in the Nasrid dynasty in the 15th century. According to tradition, he was buried on Mulhacen, thus fulfilling his last will.

Map of the route 

The hiking season in the high mountains of Andalusia lasts all year round, except for summer. Mulhacén, as well as other high peaks, can be too challenging in the summer due to the high temperatures. The best months for summiting mountain peaks are autumn (October to December) and spring (March to June). In December, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast, as the first snow can fall in November. The end of June may be too hot for high-altitude hikes. In winter, only experienced climbers attempt to summit, as snow cover can persist on the summit until the end of March and even into April.

Other routes on the Mulhacen

  • If you are travelling from Pradollano / Monachil in summer, you can make the route slightly shorter by taking the cable car up to the highest ski station. From there, the trail takes you over the summit of Veleta, and on to Mulhacen.
  • The ascent can also be taken along the trail from Capileira, which is accessible by bus.
ManDora

Always on the go, though sometimes I do miss a bit of boredom... 😉 My passions? Technology, photography, psychology, diving into diverse reads, and sports... especially water sports and padel. Professionally, I design websites, graphics, and more. I'm also the author and photographer at www.pixambo.com 📸

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