Alcazaba from the Poquiera refuge?

[Tuppers]

I’m thinking of going up to the Poquiera hut for Monday night. Then, Tuesday morning up to the south summit of Mulhacen and then on to Alcazabar and back to the hut for Tuesday night. Back down on Wednesday morning.

The forecast looks good but I would value your thoughts. Is there a route from the hut up onto the south ridge without going out along the track to the south first? And from Siete Lagunas, which way would you recommend onto Alcazabar?

[elperronegro]

From the back of the hut head direct to the south summit. Go just to the left of the rocks you can see higher up, cross the road and a bit higher up you will find a faint gully line. Broad and easy, we use this as a glissade in good conditions. This leads to the traverse path just south of the south summit.

Alternative is to leave the hut and walk 400m towards the Alto de Chorrillo. You will find a shallow snow filled line leading up to the right of the aforementioned rocks. This is also a good way to gain height if filled with snow.

Mulhacen. If good hard snow then from the summit head directly down the east face, which channels into a series of bowls. Not very steep. We glissaded top to bottom in 15 mins one year! Quick way to descend to Siete Lagunas.

Alcazaba. Unfortunately best to descend to Siete Lagunas via east ridge. Then via SE flanks, over a small col and then head NW up the valley and direct to the summit. An alternative would be a short steep gully at the head of Siete Lagunas by the top lake, but not done it in winter so unsure of Grade (for sure Alpine PD/Scottish 1). Return same way.

Dont forget you can utilise the traverse path from the south ridge direct to Siete Lagunas. Starts from the "plateau" at 3100m some 500m east of the main south ridge path. A large cairn marks the start. The path undulates to the ridge crest above Siete Lagunas and provides a quick way of by-passing the summit of Mulhacen if heading for Alcazaba. It is marked on the Penebetica map.

[elperronegro]

Ian
Have a look at this for up to date conditions. Seems like east flank of Mulhacen would be doable!
http://refugiopoqueira.com/informe-seman...-29122011/

[Tuppers]

Thanks for the info Richard. Should be another 'Grand Day Out'.