Walking Tours to the mountain lakes of the high Sierra Nevada

Walking to the high mountain lakes, source of the spa waters of Lanjaron

Escape the heat and walk to high mountain lakes in the Rio Lanjaron valley. For many local people the mountain lakes of the upper Lanjaron valley are the "Shangri-La", a mystical place that provides year round water to the lower levels of the Alpujarras. It is almost a pilgrimage for them. Our walks are designed to take in the best these lakes have to offer.

Grade: Moderate Grade: Challenging

The Tours

Much of the walking is above 3000m on rough but well tracked paths. Some steep sections are met but generally the trekking is relaxed and easy. We allow plenty of opportunity to swim or relax by the lakes. The upper Rio Lanjaron valley is lush and green and has the delightful rio constantly sending it's waters south towards the populated Alpujarras. It is a special place!

We have 3 tours of differing difficulty so that families as well as hardened trekking types can visit these lovely lakes

(1) Easiest. Hoya de la Mora (2500m), above ski centre above Granada. From here we have a 7/8 hour return trip climbing 800m. During July and August we can make use of ski lift access to give a shorter day (5-6 hours / 400m ascent). Chill out by the Laguna de Lanjaron and enjoy the cool waters! Visting..... Embalse de Las Yeguas (2900m), Lagunillas de la Virgen (2960m), Laguna de Lanjaron (2980m)

(2) Medium. Ski lift access in July and August followed by a walk up to the Elorietta hut and a long descent of the gentle Rio Lanjaron to waiting 4WD transport by the Ventura hut (8 hours / 500m ascent). The upper Lanjaron valley is stunning! Visiting..... Embalse de Las Yeguas (2900m), Lagunillas de la Virgen (2960m), Laguna de Lanjaron (2980m), Laguna Charca Pala (2950m)

(3) Hardest. By taking 4WD transport to the Ventua trailhead in the south we can walk up towards the Cerro de Caballo. From the Cerro de Caballo refugio by the Laguna de Caballo we head north along the "Verada Cortada", passing the Laguna Cuadrada before reaching the Laguna de Lanjaron. Then its back down the valley and out via an acequia to the waiting transport. A beautiful walk! (10 hours / 1000m ascent). Visiting..... Laguina de Caballo (2850m), Laguna Cuadrada (2930m), Laguna Charca Pala (2950m), Laguna de Lanjaron (2980m),

When?

The walks can only be done when the snow has retreated and almost disappeared. That generally means from July to October, inclusive each year, but you should check with us first to ensure we are able to run the trip.

The Scenery

Video shot by spanish friend of ours, Pepe Badaje

Visit Pepe Badage website

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