Lightweight Backpacking Treks in Spain's Sierra Nevada

Multi-day Backpacking treks in the Sierra Nevada supported by donkeys

Lightweight Trekking with Donkeys and Mules in the Sierra Nevada
Lightweight Trekking with Donkeys and Mules in the Sierra Nevada

What, When and Where?

We run these treks during the snow free months which generally this means between mid-June to mid-October.

Our itineraries start in the western Alpujarras and head into the high Sierra Nevada between the towns of Lanjaron, Niguelas, Capileira and Granada.

And, what a luxurious way to trek in the mountains! You travel with a light daypack and your overnight gear, food, stoves, tents, sleeping bags etc are carried to the next destination by our sturdy mules.

Leaves you free to enjoy the mountains to the full while still experiencing the amazing overnight camping locations next to high mountain lakes and streams. Between 3 and 5 day treks available of varying difficulty either taking higher or lower options as required.

Dates June to October

Prices from €270 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights). See below

Mules carry tent, stoves, fuel, food etc. Clients carry lightweight day packs

Camping by tranquil high mountain lakes under the stars

Small groups, with qualified guide and local "arriero", over magnificent high mountain country

All meals can be prepared by our staff or yourselves. Up to you?

3 day Itinerary

Day 1 - 4WD to Ventura trailhead. 3hr walk (650m ascent) to camp by the Laguna de Caballo. Rendevous with Mule team.

Day 2 - We take the high level ridge over the Cerro de Caballo, Tajos Altos and Pico del Cartujo to the Elorrieta and drop down to the Laguna de Lanjaron (5hrs, 500m ascent). Mule team takes Lanjaron valley option.

Day 3 - The high ridge to Tajos de los Machos before dropping down past Las Alegas and the Refugio Cebollar to Puente Palo to waiting 4WD transport (5hrs, 500m ascent) and a return to Lanjaron.

5 day Itinerary

Day 1 - 4WD to Ventura trailhead. 3hr walk (650m ascent) to camp by the Laguna de Caballo. Rendevous with Mule team.

Day 2 - We take the high level ridge over the Cerro de Caballo, Tajos Altos and Pico del Cartujo to the Elorrieta and drop down to the Laguna de Lanjaron (5hrs, 500m ascent). Mule team takes Lanjaron valley option.

Day 3 - Traverse below the Tajos de la Virgen ridge and ascend to the Col de Cariguela. Option to climb Veleta (3398m). Traverse round to campsite by Laguna de Caldera (7hrs and 500m ascent). Meet Mule team.

Day 4 - Ascend Mulhacen (3481m, highest in Spain) and drop down to Siete Lagunas. Option of remote peak of Alcazaba (6hrs and 800m ascent). Camp by one of the seven lakes in this beautiful valley

Day 5 - Traverse round to the east of Mulhacen and the via the acequias route to Capileira and our waiting transport.

Trekking the Sierra Nevada with Mules

Options

We recognise that different groups prefer different things to eat and drink after a long day trekking in the high Sierras.

We will supply you with a list of options that we can have transported up to your overnight camp site.

From Champagne, fine red wine, chorizo, manchego cheese to baked beans. It is totally up to you. The only thing we struggle with is ice cream and frozen food!

What will it cost

Of course, in addition to guiding we have to pay for our four legged friends. Basically, the bigger the group the lesser the cost. Treks are a minimum of 3 days and 2 persons.

  • 2 persons - €375 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)
  • 3 persons - €315 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)
  • 4 persons - €270 per person for a 3 day trip (2 nights)

Over 4 persons or families - enquire via our Contact Form

This includes:

  • Transport by 4WD to and from trailhead
  • Hire of Mule and Muleteer. Carriage of tents, sleeping bags, food, stoves, luxuries, options etc
  • Food preparation
  • Spanish Highs Guide on the trekking itinerary described
  • Poqueira hut overnight fees

Not included is the cost of your food and drink which we arrange with you (and obtain on your behalf if you wish) before the trek commences.

We can arrange accommodation in Lanjaron prior to and after your trip.

Backpacking with donkeys Slide 1 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 2 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 3 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 4 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 5 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 6 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 7 Backpacking with donkeys Slide 8