- Climbings
- Sierra Nevada
- All year round, Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
- 1 día
Climbing Veleta Peak
From
65€
/pp
- 12
- +900
- -900
- Medium-High
The activity
The ascent to Veleta is one of the most popular routes in Sierra Nevada, with the one starting at Hoya de la Mora being the most common way to reach its summit. Standing at 3,396 meters, Veleta is the fourth highest peak in Spain and the second highest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, after Mulhacén.
The route begins at Hoya de la Mora, from where we start the climb to Veleta, passing by the Virgen de las Nieves, the Veleta positions, and the Carihuela refuge. During the descent, we’ll visit the Lagunillas de la Virgen and the Laguna de las Yeguas before returning to Hoya de la Mora.
The name “Veleta” comes from the Arabic word “balata,” meaning “cliff, cut, precipice,” referring to the impressive cliffs found on its northern, eastern, and southern faces, some of which have over 500 meters of vertical drop.
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The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, in Andalusia. With an area of more than 86,000 hectares, it is the highest mountain range in the Iberian Peninsula, with peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude, such as Pico Mulhacén, the highest in the Iberian Peninsula.
This mountain range is a true natural paradise, with biodiversity unique in Europe and a wide variety of ecosystems and microclimates.
In the Sierra Nevada, you can find everything from holm oak, gall oak, and cork oak forests to alpine meadows and glacial lakes.
Furthermore, the area’s fauna is highly varied, including species such as the Iberian lynx, golden eagle, ibex, and brown trout. The Sierra Nevada also has a rich history and culture, with traces of human presence dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as the Roman and Muslim periods.
The presence of ancient civilizations left a significant mark on the architecture and culture of the area, with numerous historic towns and monuments.
- The surroundings of Hoya de la Mora and the University Hostel: This is the starting point of the route and is located at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the city of Granada.
- Monument to the Virgin of the Snows: This monument is located on the way to the summit and is one of the most emblematic places in the area. The image of the Virgin of the Snows is venerated by the inhabitants of the region, who consider her their protector.
- Old Mojón de Trigo Observatory: On the northern slope of Pico Veleta is the old Mojón de Trigo Observatory, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Important scientific studies related to meteorology and geology were carried out from here.
- Barranco de San Juan and Tajos del Veleta: This is an area of great natural beauty located on the southern slope of Pico Veleta. The San Juan ravine is a spectacular gorge offering stunning views of the Tajos del Veleta.
- Peak of Veleta Peak and the views of the three-thousanders from that point: The summit of Veleta Peak is 3,398 meters above sea level, making it the fourth highest peak in Spain. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, including its highest peaks.
- Ski resort facilities and Pradollano: Along the route, you can see the Sierra Nevada ski resort facilities, including Pradollano, the largest ski area in Spain.
- Mirador de la Carihuela: From this viewpoint, located at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city of Granada and its surroundings.
- Laguna de las Yeguas: On the southern slope of Pico Veleta lies Laguna de las Yeguas, a place of great natural beauty that is home to numerous species of animals and plants.
- El Mulhacén: From the top of Pico Veleta, you can see Mulhacén, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula, located about 12 kilometers to the east.
The meeting point will be the Galp gas station parking lot located on Camino del Río Genil, Carretera de Sierra Nevada km 6, 400, 18190 Cenes de la Vega, Granada. View on Google Maps.
From there, the tour will depart with as few cars as possible.
If participants wish to spend the night at the University Hostel, located in Hoya de la Mora, the starting point of the activity, they can book their room here.
After the initial briefing introducing the activity, we will begin our hike to reach the summit of Pico Veleta. Once at the summit, we will rest for about 30 minutes to have a snack and enjoy the impressive views of the three-thousanders and the city of Granada.
Prices per person
6: 65€
5: 75€
4: 80€
3: 90€
2: 100€
1: 150€
Mandatory Equipment
- Hiking/trekking boots.
- Helmet, ice axe, and crampons or snowshoes (for winter).
- Preferably breathable and warm clothing.
- Raincoat.
- Hat and gloves.
- Safety glasses.
- Water (2 liters recommended) and food.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Telescopic poles.
- Headlight with spare batteries.
Technical Information
- Technical Difficulty: Low.
- Physical Demand: Medium-High.
- Distance: ≈10 km (round trip).
- Minimum altitude: 2,500 meters above sea level.
- Maximum altitude: 3,398 meters above sea level.
- Elevation gain: 1,800 meters (900 meters +/- 900 meters).
- Included
- Qualified guide (Mountain guide with UIMLA certification).
- Civil liability and accident insurance.
- Preliminary advice and brief training.
- Necessary technical material (Helmet, ice axe and crampons or snowshoes).
- Photo report.
- Not included
- Drinks and/or meals.
- Own accommodation expenses (See Albergue Universitario rates).
- Pickup service by vehicle from locations far from the activity.
