Although many people climb Mulhacen as a day excursion, we believe that climbing it over two days to be a better option allowing more time to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and the opportunity to traverse Mulhacen.
Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain and the whole Iberian Peninsular. People climb Mulhacen for a variety of reasons though we at Sierra Nevada Mountain Guides want to ensure that everyone has the best, most enjoyable and safe experience whether you climb it with us or not.
Mulhacen is not the most technical or difficult of mountains in good summer conditions, though should never be underestimated as it has claimed several lives in the past few years. High winds and low cloud with temperatures near freezing are possible even at the height of summer. That said, most days from June to September will give good conditions, and sun, altitude and wind will be the main obstacles! For the best experience though we recommend you hire a guide from Sierra Nevada Guides.
In winter Mulhacen is a serious winter mountaineering proposition and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers or with a guide.
Day one Capileira to The Poqueira Refuge 2500m
Although it is possible to walk to the Refuge from Capileira (via La Cebadilla and Cortio las Tomas – 7 hours quite hard), we think there are better possibilities for enjoying the Sierra Nevada by starting our walk from Hoya del Portillo at 2100m. Either drive up above Capileira to the parking area or take the National Park bus to Hoya del Portillo (if taking the bus, remember to book a return trip tomorrow!).
Before starting you trek, don’t forget to explore the pretty village of Capileira, visit the national park information service and have a coffee sat outside one of the many street cafés
From Hoya del Portillo walk up the path through the forest. The path emerges out of the forest to cross a fire break. Here there is a signpost to the Poqueira Refuge. 3.5 hours walk from Hoya to the Refuge.
Day Two
From the Poqueira Refuge we follow a path into the Rio Mulhacen which is ascended to the Caldera Refuge. Here we pick up a path that leads up to the West Ridge of Mulhacen and through screes to the summit. 2 to 3 hours from the Poqueira Refuge.
Descent is via Mulhacen’s south ridge to pick up the dirt track track road near Alto del Chorrillo. The track is followed for about 20 minutes before heading onto the ridge of Prado Llano, following faint paths to Puerto Molino where we pick up yesterdays path back to Hoya del Portillo.
A fine traverse of Mulhacen should be followed by a beer in Capileira!
If you have any questions about route choice or conditions, do not hesitate to contact Sierra Nevada Mountain Guides.