Traverse of the Sierra Nevada 3000m peaks - Los Tres Miles Integral
Trek - 5 day Ridge Traverse of the 3000m peaks of Spains Sierra Nevada
Guided trekking in the Sierra Nevada covering all the main 3000m summits including mainland Spain's highest summit, Mulhacen. Spend a glorious week climbing these mountains!
Summary...... High Altitude Trekking, Dramatic Scenery, Wild Camping, Quiet and Remote Mountains
The Sierra Nevada allows us to recapture the solitude and sense of adventure sadly lacking among the more popular ranges of the Alps. The striking
thing about the high Sierras is the sense of space and the impression of vast scale. Although lacking the spectacular peaks of the Alps, there
are wonderful mountain corries filled with sparkling lakes and jagged and pinnacled ridges.
We have a superb itinerary that we have been running since 2002, completing the classic ridge traverse in 5 days. An extra day is possible to allow a drop down east to the Puerto de la Ragua
The Classic Traverse of "Los Tres Miles"
Late spring, summer and autumn are ideal times to visit. Generally settled weather and pleasant temperatures. Normally we can run these trips after the snow melt in June until the end of October. We aim to cover all the main 3,000 metre peaks of the Sierra Nevada in one week.
Transport support is provided to ensure we are able to traverse the main sections of the range. The walking is quiet and unspoilt but a certain amount of resilience is required as it is remote and rough. This tour is quite strenuous and should be undertaken by strong hill walkers. Accommodation is either in secluded lakeside campsites in the mountains or in unguarded mountain huts.
The short (3 min) video above gives a good indication of what to expect from this trek. We do normally try to keep groups small and have a maximum of 4 to a guide. That way you can better experience the solitude and remoteness of these wonderful mountains. The trek can be tailored somewhat to the wishes of the group. Scrambling sections may be included or omitted as required. There are very expansive and dramatic views, but in general no great head for heights is necessary. A gradual rise to the 3,000-metre level ensures altitude does not become a major problem. We traverse the range in 5 days and take in the highest peaks and most dramatic scenery in mainland Spain before dropping down to the very picturesque town of Jerez de Marquesado.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Granada/Malaga airport. Transfer to Lanjaron. 2 star Hotel.
Day 2 - 4WD transport to 2250m by Ventura trailhead. Walk up to a campsite near the Laguna de Caballo (2,800m). Ascend Cerro de Caballo (3009m) for sunset views. Camp by the lake (4hrs)
Day 3 - High level trek to Elorietta Hut via Tajos Altos (3105) and Pico del Cartujo (3152m)(5hrs)
Day 4 - Traverse Tajos de la Virgen ridge, Veleta (3,398m), and walk over Loma Pelada (3178m) and the highest peak in Spain, Mulhacen (3481m) to campsite by the beautiful Siete Lagunas. We camp by the higher lake of Laguna Altera (8hrs)
Day 5 - Alcazaba (3371m) from the south and then drop through the crags to pick up ridge north over Puntal de las Calderetas (3036m) to Puntal de Vacares (3136) and down to Laguna de Vacares for camp (7hrs)
Day 6 - Ascend all the northern peaks including Atalaya (3135m), Puntal de los Cuartos (3158m), Puntal de Juntillas (3139m) and Pico de Jerez (3090m). Descend to Jerez de Marquesado (8hrs). Transport back to Lanjaron. Hotel
Day 7 - Transfer to Granada/Malaga airport for flight home.
Optional extension
We are finding that some clients wish to add on an additional day and go all the way east to the Puerto de la Ragua. In this case we camp by water sources east of the Puerto de Jerez on day 6, continuing next day eastwards over a further 6 - 2500m+ peaks before dropping down to the Puerto de la Ragua and the waiting transport.
Client Trip Reports
Chiz Dakin - Summer walking in the high Sierra Nevada.
The highlight of the trip was 5 days walking Los Tres Miles with Spanish Highs. We set off from Lanjaron in the SW of the region, and walked across several of the 3000m peaks (they have so many that some dont even have names!). The route roughly followed the main ridge line El Caballo, Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazabar (the big three), Laguna de Vacares and out via Picon de Jerez, to Jerez in the NE of the region. Only about 60km in total, but the distance is far from a good guide to the toughness of the route!
Yvonne Holland - Los Tres Miles
I came upon the idea of a trip to the Sierra Nevada when I was looking for a high mountain trip in Europe that I could do in early June and could be fitted into a week. The traverse of the 3000m summits of the Sierra Nevada matched this requirement perfectly, although as always, once acquainted with an area it becomes apparent that there is just so much potential for other trips.
James Jackson - A first 5 day Traverse across the Sierra Nevada
The 5 day traverse (A.K.A. Los Tres Miles, A.K.A. The Integrale) is a 5 day across the main ridge line of the Sierra Nevada from Lanjaron in the South-West to Jerez de Marquesado in the North-East. The trip takes you to the summit of almost every mountain above 3000 metres in the mountain range including mainland Spains highest mountain, Mulhacen (3,481m).
Robert Sharp - Summary of a traverse of the main peaks
A great traverse. Hardly saw anybody in the 5 days. I can imagine this is a great winter trip? Much more difficult so my mates and I will be heading back. The feeling of remoteness combined with the brilliant views made this a trip to remember.
Route profile
Trail Mag report about the Sierra Nevada from our client, Alan Lea
The magnificent mountains of the Sierra Nevada
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