When you hear the word Eiger, or Matterhorn, or Cerro Torre, the name strikes a chord with every mountaineer. The name invokes recollections of epic battles of men against mountains. Here, in Spain’s Sierra Nevada, we have our own mini epic, the “Corazon de la Sandia”. Unfortunately, translated, this doesnt live up to its status, as in spanish it means “Heart of the Watermelon”. Eh? Whoever thought that one up?
In reality this little known peak of 1877m height is a gem. It stands at the western end of the Alayos de Dilar ridge on the southern side of the Dilar valley, opposite the well known and much frequented peak of Trevenque.
Access
Is easiest from the town of Dilar, only 15 minutes drive from the main Granada to Motril motorway. Head along the dirt track eastwards running alongside the Dilar river. Park at the end of the track.
Another option is to park as for Trevenque at Collado Sevilla and traverse into the Dilar valley towards the Toma del Canal. This gives access to the Collado del Pino and the eastern end of the Alayos ridge.
Water must be carried as once you have left the Dilar valley there is none. The whole area is very arid and like a scene from the wild west.
Routes
From the Dilar valley options exist southwards to the peak via the dry barranco of the Rambla de Rio Seco or via a path up Los Atalayones de Dilar. Both involve about 850m ascent to reach the rocky summit.
Another way is to traverse tha Alayos ridge itself. Reach the Toma de Canal via the Collado de Sevilla or the Dilar trailhead, climb up to the Collado del Pino and then head westwards back along the ridge. You can make it as hard or as easy as you wish. Either follow the main ridge crest or take the faint path on the southern side.
In a rare hard winter at this height a good snow ascent can be made direct from the Rio Dilar up the Barranco de Juana Benitez. Grade 1 snow climb with harder sections available towards the top if desired.
The summit
The summit is distinctive as it is one of the few (possibly only?) summit in the Sierra Nevada where hands and scrambling ability are needed to attain the top. The easiest route is via the neck, from the main ridgeline direct to the summit. Other ways for the adventurous exist but there is steep and loose ground around.
Guided Tours
Spanish Highs Mountain Guides now run day walking tours either up Corazon de la Sandia (5hrs) or along the entire Los Alayos ridge, taking in the main peaks. Contact them for availability.
