Key Facts:
Length: 20,2 km; Accumulated height difference: 850 m; Difficulty: Hard
Departure time (Granada): 8:00 am
Meeting point: Roundabout at Plaza del Triunfo, Granada (see the map)
Arrival time (Granada): approximately 6:00 pm but it depends on the pace of the group
atFamily trip?: Not, only experienced hikers
The trip:
We will drive from Granada passing by Güéjar Sierra until the junction of Genil River and San Juan river, where we will get off the car. We will start our trip on La Vereda de la Estrella—a mining path that was built in the mid 19th century. At the junction with the Vadillo River we will descend and cross it thanks to a bridge leaving La Vereda de la Estrella—later, we will take it again to come back. From here, the path zigzags up the mountain among pines and cypresses. The path will take us to some mountain shelters. Once at the top we will enjoy impressing views of Mulhacén, Alcazaba, and Veleta peaks.
The path gets narrower from this point and we must be cautious. In some parts, the path hangs over the slope. As we descend, the sound of the water becomes present. We will cross to the left bank of the river by a bridge. This area is known as Cueva Secreta—secret cave—, we will have a break here to eat our sandwiches.
We will begin the return through La Vereda de la Estrella after crossing the Guarnón River. We will pass by the remains of some old mines and its mining villages. The autumn colours and the chestnut that surround this descent are the main attraction of this part, although it is worth turning on oneself from time to time to see the big peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Landscape and heritage:
- History of the Sierra Nevada
- The “Tram of the Sierra” and La Vereda de la Estrella
- Traditions and historic uses of the land: livestock, agriculture, mining, transhumance, reforestation
- Geology: mines in the gorge of San Juan, rocks, and minerals
- Wonderful scenery in autumn with the diversity of colours and views
- Ecology: oak forests and deciduous trees. “Dehesa de San Juan”
Equipment recommended:
There isn’t any potable water on the path. We recommend carrying 2l of water. In autumn, the weather can be very changeable. It is necessary to take several kinds of clothes including a warm coat and a raincoat. We highly recommend hiking sticks. The walking paths are in good condition, but if it has rained, it can be muddy. We recommend wearing hiking boots or trekking shoes. Sunglasses, sun cream, protective lip cream, a hat, gloves and appropriate clothing for the season and the weather forecast.
Logistics:
Participants should take nuts, dried fruits, and sandwiches for our picnic in the countryside.
Price of “custom date”: 2 people minimum. Prices €115/pp 2 people; 75€/pp for 4 people. It includes the guided trip, insurance, and transportation.
Purchasing Conditions: Excursions must be booked and paid for at least three days in advance. Participants must arrive at the meeting point on time. The group will wait for participants for five minutes but then leave. In this situation, no money will be reimbursed. All participants should ensure that they know how to get to the meeting point and if you have any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us.
