Mulhacen Summit

Monday, 3rd June 2013

Distance: 11 miles
Total Ascent: 3,200 feet
Total Descent: 3,200 feet
Maximum Altitude: 11,413 feet
Time: 7 hours
Weather: Sunny with some cloud building

 

Using local transport we travelled to the highest turning point possible - usually the bus travels to a higher point but the road surface had been compromised by some late snow. Walking along the track we passed the outlook point before turning off onto a narrow path which eventually took us onto rocky terrain - the effects of the high elevation becoming more noticeable at this point. The route was difficult to follow at times as it meandered through rocks and gravel - but Jane did an excellent job! The last pull up to the summit gave us a choice of continuing over rock or following a route up a snow field - the latter being already walked on and easy to follow. Some time was spent exploring the summit and taking photographs before eating lunch - savouring the views in all directions. It wasn't possible to follow the usual return route at this was a steep scree slope which was snowbound in the lower reaches. Instead we retraced our steps for a time but after veering off the path we decided to descend more directly to the lower route, navigating over large boulders, scree sections and a couple of snow fields, where a group of ibex were enjoying the afternoon sun. After reaching the wide track of the lower path we made good time on our return to the pick up point.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Both groups leave the bus to go separate ways . . .

 

and pass the snow that had caused problems for the bus

 

Our target for the day comes into view - Mulhacen Summit

 

A pause for a breather . . .

 

gives us time to enjoy the views . . .

 

as we look down towards the coast . . .

 

and up to the High Sierras

 

From our next stop we are able to see down the Poqueira Gorge - where we had walked the previous day

 

A rocky outcrop provides a good vantage point for a catch-up stop

 

Nearby a snow hole . . .

 

reveals its contents

 

Rock or snow - as we approach the summit

 

A patch of low cloud adds to the drama . . .

 

but this has to be the most dramatic side of the summit

 

A passer-by does the honours . . .

 

and some of the group check out the summit column

 

Then it's time . . .

 

to make sure that I have . . .

 

the perfect photo . . .

 

on the summit

 

What a great spot for lunch!

 

A last view of the summit before we begin our descent

 

The refuge that the other group walked to comes into view

 

Making our way across the rocks . . .

 

a number of ibex relax by the snow . . .

 

but our approach . . .

 

causes them to move away

 

On the Trevélez lookout point Jane points out the route of another walk . . .

 

and we take a last look towards the summit . . .

 

before returning to our pick-up point . . .

 

and await the arrival of the bus . . .

 

whilst enjoying the view to the opposite ridge

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