How to climb Mulhacen in a day in the summer

Just received an email from Dave Broggio who ascended Mulhacen recently. I don’t normally publish testimonials here but thought that the correspondence might assist those who are looking to climb the peak this summer unguided and outside the winter (snow covered) months. It gives route details and access instructions.

There is even a National park bus service in the summer for the non-purists that leaves from Pampaneira or Capileira, when the dirt track is clear of snow.

Dave Broggio says………………

“Many, many thanks for your guidance and advice on the route to the summit of Mulhacen!  We found your route below really useful, and really appreciated your assistance.

We ended up hiking to the summit last Saturday, and enjoyed it immensely – we returned to the UK on Tuesday, and the ascent was definitely among our highlights.

The hike itself was comfortable, with only one small patch of snow to hike across on the way. Along the way we saw a good variety of insects and wildlife, including what we think is an ibex.

Along the route visibility was good but a little hazy, and when we reached the summit a thunderstorm developed in front of our eyes – so we didn’t stay too long there!  All in, the return journey took us around 9 hours, and we certainly felt it the next day.

Once again, our thanks for your help and advice on the route – we will recommend Spanish Highs to any of our friends who travel to the region.

Best wishes,
David

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From: richard@spanishhighs.co.uk
To: davebroggio@*****************
Subject: Mulhacen
Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 15:56:13 +0200

Hi David

The only way real you can do Mulhacen in a day at the present time is via the south ridge.

Access:
Through the town of Lanjaron to Orgiva. Turn left before Orgiva towards Capileira and Trevelez. After 20 mins you will enter a big gorge with 3 white villages high above the end of the valley. These villages are Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira. Head round and up the gorge following the main road, passing through Pampaneira. 5 mins more just before a petrol station turn left to Capileira.

Keep following the road through Capileira and on up the hillside. 5 mins – you will pass horse riding stables. Immediately after take the right when the road forks. Follow this rough track for 15 mins. Park at the Forestry Station barrier and car park.

Mulhacen Ascent:
There is a board next to the forestry station with a map. Head straight uphill through the forest on a marked and good track. This zig-zags uphill. When you leave the top end of the forest ignore a left turn and sign for the Poqueira Hut and instead follow the firebreak uphill to join a good road. Follow this. If you meet any snow patches after about 30-60 mins you might need to avoid by climbing above them.

Eventually (2hrs from leaving car) you arrive at the Mirador de Trevelez. A bit further beyond and a faint track leaves the road heading rightwards. This is the main south ridge access track. Follow to summit (3hrs from Mirador de Trevelez). Return same way. Return trip between 8 and 10 hours. Total ascent 2200m to 3480m. Ridge is broad and easy but take your time as the altitude will be felt. There may be some easy angled snow patches but I rather suspect most will have gone by now.

The best map by far is the following:
Parque National de Sierra Nevada
Scale 1:40000
www.penebetica.com
ISBN: 84-933461-9-5
This can be obtained from shops in all the towns.

Have fun! If we can help any further way let me know.

Regards
Richard
Spanish Highs Mountain Guides