The rest of this article will make reference to our sketch map of the area below. We will try to suggest improvements to the normal routes taken on this peak. By short diversions, a better and more wonderful mountain day will be experienced.

Sketch of Trevenque area. Click to enlarge

The Cuerda del Trevenque

As can be seen, the normal route of ascent from the car park at Collado Sevilla is to follow the wide track (red) eastwards. Nice views are had, but nevertheless the going can be a bit tedious until the final ridge up to the summit is met. True, there are lovely views rightwards into the wastelands called Las Arenales (the Sands), but any view left is blocked by the Cuerda del Trevenue. A much better route is to follow the Cuerda directly.

There is a faint track and the views northwards towards the Cerro Huenes group are great. Even better, one has the magnificent and usually snow covered Sierra Nevada range as a spectacular backdrop to the walk ahead. The range spreads from the Cerro de Caballo right through to the second highest peak, Veleta (3398m). Sure the ridge has a few ups and downs, but the track is relatively easy and no scrambling is involved.  The photo below shows the Cuerda crest. The normal route can be seen lower down on the left hand side.

The Cuerda del Trevenque with access road below left

Trevenque West Ridge

This has been a long term favourite of ours. We have used this as part of our scrambling and introduction to ropework courses. A brilliant way to climb the peak. The lower section can be made as hard or as difficult as wanted. The final holds lead directly to the summit. What could be better? A word of warning though! After the wet winter we have had here in southern Spain, the rock can be somewhat loose. Make sure you have a rope or sufficient experience to deal with this. The ridge can be dangerous for the inexperienced and should not be underestimated.

Ridge climb photos and report at http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/2010/03/scrambling-and-moving-together-on-trevenque-west-ridge-cumbres-verdes/

At the base of Trevenque west ridge

Trevenque SE Ridge

From the summit at 2079m it’s difficult to find the start point if you’ve never been there before. The natural lie of the land takes you either back to the normal ascent route or down the E ridge. This is steep, loose,  and not recommended. I know this as I’ve tried it! Instead look for a rightwards slanting path heading steeply downhill over loose scree.

The path steepens and crosses an mildly exposed section (interesting in powder snow conditions!) and then becomes unpleasant loose scree for a few hundred metres. There is a good path through all this however. The reward is that you have headed into an area that could only be described as “badlands”. If Clint Eastwood were to ride by on the path below you wouldn’t be surprised. This is the most arid part of the Cumbres Verdes and is reminiscent of the Tabernas desert in Almeria.

The steep initial descent on the Trevenque SE flank

The Dry Valley (Rambla)

At the bottom of the SE ridge proper you will find a track heading right into a dry valley. A few mountain bikers come this way but few walkers are aware of it. The going is easy but is very very arid and dry. Little vegetation grows on the side of these small hills. This fascinating valley leads SW until it reaches a good forest road. This leads either onto Refugio Rosales and then down into the Dilar valley, or  trends back towards a small pass leading to Las Arenales and the normal route back.

Coming down the dry valley. Los Alayos ridge in the distance

The Cumbres Verdes and Trevenque offer great walking and trekking destinations. The start at Collado Sevilla is only 20 minutes from the outskirts of Granada. Well worth a visit. Remember though ……… search out and enjoy those hidden gems!

The normal approach route from Collado Sevilla (1350m) is taken following the well worn trail eastwards. About 1.5hrs is required before you encounter the steeper upper section of the mountain. The ridge can be seen clearly facing you on this approach.

The ridge starts just up from the prominent pinnacle on Trevenque’s west ridge (above the small cave). Here a variety of lines may be taken depending on your skill or nerve!

Above a grassy platform the ridge narrows, twists and turns. The exposure grows at times but belays can be taken at will. The final chimney is the crux.

A quick thrutch up the narrowing and loose chimney brings one out on small ledges just below the summit. A fine way to the top! The route

Climbers: Bob Leitch, Richard Jarvis, Brian Jarvis. Photos: Jane Fields

We followed the easy track round the ridgeline, then left our Irish stalwart, Rory O’Neill, to break trail up the steepening ridge. As we encountered the main rocks we swapped snowshoes for crampons and ice axe. The snow was not consolidated and care was needed on the ascent up the centre of the main face (the normal route). Crampons continually balled up with the soft snow.

We reached the sharp summit cone 3 hours after starting, a good time for the conditions. There were clear and fantastic views back towards Granada and across to the Alayos de Dilar. Behind us the Sierra Nevada made a dramatic backgound with huge lenticular clouds indicating high windspeeds.

A short break and we headed downhill reversing our outward track. Care was needed over some short sections but we reached the dry river valley of “Las Arenas” (renamed “Las Blancas” for the day). Here we put on our snowshoes for the final descent back to the waiting car at Cortijo Sevilla.

A good day. Recommended. Trevenque is special at any time of year, but in my opinion is at its most magic under deep snow. It might not be the highest, or the hardest, but it has a special quality. You always savour the moment when you tread on it’s fine and pointed summit.