Hiking The Sierra Nevada: The Spanish 3 Peaks

Also known as Los Tres Picos, this high-altitude hike provided by Spanish Highs involves climbing Spain’s highest three mountains in three days. Each of the mountains – Mulhacén, Veleta and Alcazaba – have their own unique terrain and challenges. It is an ideal hike for a first time altitude trek, as it’s shorter in time and not ridiculously high, while still giving you the feeling of hiking where the air is thin. This Spanish 3 Peaks expedition is an incredible opportunity to see a side of Spain away from the touristy beaches. Instead you’re hiking the Sierra Nevada mountain range, wandering through remote, idyllic villages.

Day 1 – Veleta

Stats: Veleta is the second highest peak in Spain, sitting at 3,394m. You set off at 2,000m but it’s a big climb in terms of altitude gain. Don’t feel deflated if you’re out of breath, it’s all part of the process. Even the fittest of hikers are affected by altitude.

Difficulty: Looking back, this is certainly the easier of the three mountains. But it doesn’t feel that way at the time, because of the altitude.

Terrain: A fairly dry, stoney trail that’s easy underfoot. This mountain is actually a popular ski area in the winter, so you pass some ski lifts too! You can also see the summit goal from fairly early on in the day, which is a wonderful objective to work towards. The summit itself seems fairly flat, but if you explore a little further, it’s actually a hug cliff drop.

Memorable moment: Make sure you take in the views. When we stopped for lunch, we could see the two mountains that were our goal over the next couple of days. That was a pretty exciting motivator.

Day 2 – Mulhacén

Stats: This is the day you climb the highest peak in Spain! Mulhacén sits at 3,482m. Your climb of Veleta will have acclimatised you a little in preperation.

Difficulty: The hike itself is nothing too strenuous. However, this is the day you need to carry overnight gear in your pack. So be aware, your bag will be heavier than it was the previous day.

Terrain: Nice and varied. The initial ascent is steep, but leads through a beautiful forest. It is welcome shade from the heat!

Memorable moment: The summit is lively with a buzz of trekkers from across the globe. Of course we all love a quiet summit. But it’s pretty amazing to see a variety of trekkers all cheering each other on as they climb over the last part of the trail to the summit.

Day 3 – Alcazaba

Stats: This is the lowest of the Spanish 3 peaks, at 3,371m. Altitude is less of an issue due to acclimatising on the previous days.

Difficulty: I won’t sugar coat it: it’s a long, gruelling day. The ascent is only hours, but the terrain is tough and the descent alone is 7 hours – an 11 our day in total. (Don’t let this put you off, as it was also one of the most amazing days. But I want you to have an honest account!)

Terrain: Extremely varied but very difficult. Starting with the same stoney dirt paths, you eventually reach a lush green environment. The final 2 hours of the ascent are over rolling hills of slate. Yes, slate. The heat radiates off the black slabs as you try to keep your balance o the loose ones. Walking poles are absolutely priceless here. It was a tough graft, but also such a phenomenal environment. I have never seen anything like it.

Memorable moment: The descent, once past the slate hill of terror, was beautiful. My feet were in agony and I was exhausted. But the paths follows a waterfall before winding through lots of trees and small villages. It was stunning.

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Accommodation

Most nights were spent in the spa town of Lanjaron. It is a gorgeous place, filled with mostly elderly Spanish residents. The Hotel Espana is quaint and comfortable, with a rooftop pool (in case you want to add on a post-expedition relaxation day as we did!).

After climbing Mulhacén however, you spend the night in an awesome mountain refuge, Refugio Poqueira. It is a compact hostel full of people hiking the Sierra Nevada, a wonderful place to share stories!

Flora and Fauna

All water en-route is provided by the mountain. Snow melt and rains roll down through the greenery, naturally filtering and eventually lying as lagunas. These cool areas were saviours as rest spots.

They also attract incredible wildlife and flowers. We saw plenty of birds of prey and mountain goats during the trek. Including one goat who joined us at one of the lagunas.

Hiking the Sierra Nevada and climbing the Spanish 3 peaks is an excellent introduction to high altitude hiking. I cannot recommend Spanish Highs more – they were professional, fun and the entire trip was very smooth. This incredible challenge will push your limits and open you to a less-trodden side of Spain.

Further reading

If you are interested in high altitude:

• This high altitude hiking page is full of tips for beginners
• Don’t forget about the mental aspect of these treks
• Have a look at my other expeditions for inspiration!

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