HikesSpainMulhacen

Mulhacen

Mulhacén - mainland Iberia’s highest peak, over the Alpujarras and (on a clear day) to Africa

Difficulty 4/5 · HardDayOut-and-backDay summit (altitude)
Distance
~18-24 km return
Max elevation
3,479 m
Elevation gain
~1,300 m
Duration
7-9 h
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Explore the lush trails and stunning mountain views in the Pyrenees, Spain.

The route

The line through Sierra Nevada (Andalucia), Spain - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Season & conditions

Best season

Jun-Oct (snow-free)

Weather risks

Altitude, sun, cold and afternoon storms; snow into early summer

Snow-free ~Jun-Oct; a winter mountaineering peak otherwise. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

High Sierra Nevada trails and scree to the peninsula’s highest summit

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Two-day via Refugio Poqueira; the minibus start for a shorter day

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Capileira/Hoya del Portillo (or the summer bus), from Granada

Shuttle & transport

Summer national-park minibus to the high trailhead shortens it

Huts, camping & refuges

Refugio Poqueira for a two-day option

Gear, water & connectivity

Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies

Facilities

Services in Capileira / Granada; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

Sierra Nevada NP; a summer minibus reaches a high trailhead (Mirador de Trevélez). Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Altitude, storms, cold, scree

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in Spain

Walk Mulhacen with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike