Traversing the Sierra Nevada

[El Perro Negro]

From Tom Grainger
Hi, interested in walking east to west from Nacimiento through to the ski station taking in all the peaks. It looks like a ridge walk, but not sure. Is this a possible route? I am a hiker, not a climber or not experienced in winter walking so would be late spring 2011 and would like to see if there is an intinerary similar that can be done in 3-4 days?

[El Perro Negro]

Yes this is possible. Its a glorious high level ridge walk and involves no technical sections BUT...... late spring will have sections of snow and ice remaining from the winter so the ability to use axe and crampons will be essential.

The ground around Puntal de Vacares, Alcazaba to Mulhacen is the most difficult with some mild scrambling. In bad weather your navigation abilities should be spot on as the Alcazaba area can be tricky.

The route from Jerez to Lanjaron takes 5 days. From Nacimiento to the ski station, late spring, I think will take at least the same, but more likely 6 nor 7 days. Don't underestimate the distance from Nacimiento to the Puerta de la Ragua

Another issue may be water during the route from Nacimiento to Puerta de la Ragua. Noticeable absence of water sources unless you drop down from the ridge each day. Solution would be to "stash" along the route, carry a lot, or resupply at Puerta de la Ragua.

Hope this helps.

[elperronegro]

Thought Id post this as a resource for anybody planning to cross Los Tres Miles 3000m peak Ruta Integral this coming spring or summer. The 4/5 day route goes from Lanjaron to Jerez de Marsquedaso (or visa versa)

Firstly, the route this year should be clear mid-May but this does depend on late season snow. Check back here for updates.

The Route

The following reports will help in ascertaining the flavour of the route

Trip Reports:
Chiz Dakin - June 2010
Robert Sharp - May 2008
James Jackson - June 2010
Video of 6 day extended trek - July 2009
Yvonne Holland - June 2008
Volker Krenz - 2008

[theapprentice]

I would personally recommend the Jerez de Marquesado to Lanjaron route over the route originally in question. The Jerez to Lanjaron traverse takes in nearly the whole 3,000 metre ridge of the Sierra Nevada. If you are starting further East along the ridge you really dont get the same grand views of the real mountains, its more hilly than mountainous. And as Richard says, water is an issue East of Jerez.