Lightweight Backpacking Treks with mules in the Sierra Nevada
Multi Day Trekking supported by our mules
What a luxurious way to trek in the mountains! You travel with a light daypack and your overnight gear, food, stoves, tents, sleeping bags etc are carried to the next destination by our sturdy mules.
Leaves you free to enjoy the mountains to the full while still experiencing the amazing overnight camping locations next to high mountain lakes and streams.
Between 3 and 5 day treks available of varying difficulty either taking higher or lower options as required.
When and Where?
We run these treks during the snow free months which generally this means between mid-June to mid-October.
Our itineraries start in the western Alpujarras and head into the high Sierra Nevada between the towns of Lanjaron, Niguelas, Capileira and Granada.
We try to remain at 3000m or above for much of the trekking and make use of high mountain lakes for overnight camps as much as possible.
3 day Sample Trekking Itinerary
Day 1 - 4WD to Ventura trailhead. 3hr walk (650m ascent) to camp by the Laguna de Caballo. Rendevous with Mule team.
Day 2 - We take the high level ridge over the Cerro de Caballo, Tajos Altos and Pico del Cartujo to the Elorrieta and drop down to the Laguna de Lanjaron (5hrs, 500m ascent). Mule team takes Lanjaron valley option.
Day 3 - The high ridge to Tajos de los Machos before dropping down past Las Alegas and the Refugio Cebollar to Puente Palo to waiting 4WD transport (5hrs, 500m ascent) and a return to Lanjaron.
5 day Sample Trekking Itinerary
Day 1 - 4WD to Ventura trailhead. 3hr walk (650m ascent) to camp by the Laguna de Caballo. Rendevous with Mule team.
Day 2 - We take the high level ridge over the Cerro de Caballo, Tajos Altos and Pico del Cartujo to the Elorrieta and drop down to the Laguna de Lanjaron (5hrs, 500m ascent). Mule team takes Lanjaron valley option.
Day 3 - Either visit the lakes at Lagunillas or scramble the rocky Tajos de la Virgen ridge before going onto Tajos de los Machos and dropping down to the Refugio Cebollar (7hrs and 500m ascent). Meet Mule team.
Day 4 - Over Las Alegas and round the Toril valley head to the guarded Poqueira hut (5hrs and 300m ascent). Stay in hut overnight.
Day 5 - Optional ascent of Mulhacen (3481m, highest in Spain) or via the high acequias route to Capileira (Mulhacen 8hrs, 1000m ascent)(Acequias 4hrs) and waiting transport.
Options
We recognise that different groups prefer different things to eat and drink after a long day trekking in the high Sierras.
We will supply you with a list of options that we can have transported up to your overnight camp site.
From Champagne, fine red wine, chorizo, manchego cheese to baked beans. It is totally up to you. The only thing we struggle with is ice cream and frozen food!
What will it cost
Of course, in addition to guiding we have to pay for our four legged friends. Basically, the bigger the group the lesser the cost. Treks are a minimum of 3 days and 2 persons.
2 persons - €375 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)3 persons - €315 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)
4 persons - €270 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)
Over 4 persons - enquire via our Contact Form This includes:
- Transport by 4WD to and from trailhead
- Hire of Mule and Muleteer. Carriage of tents, sleeping bags, food, stoves, luxuries, options etc
- Food preparation
- Spanish Highs Guide on the trekking itinerary described
- Poqueira hut overnight fees
Not included is the cost of your food and drink which we arrange with you (and obtain on your behalf if you wish) before the trek commences.
We can arrange accommodation in Lanjaron prior to and after your trip.