Pico de Lopera

A walk that takes you on an accessible track up to one of the highest points in the Sierra de Almijara – the Pico de Lopera at 1485 meters above sea level -, where your efforts are rewarded by spectacular views across the mountains to the coast and to the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Distance:2.5 kilometers to the peak, 5 kilometers in total.

Time:1 hour 20 minutes to reach peak, 2 and a half hours in total

Difficulty:The track is wide, easy to follow and well signposted. The gradients are gradual, and although the approach seems steep when you view it from a distance, the ascent is gradual and it is possible for even the least fit walker as long as you take your time and rest frequently.

Time of year:All year, especially beautiful in spring. At this altitude it can be extremely cold in winter. Never walk here without carrying protective and warm clothing. Snow is not uncommon in January or February at this level.

Notes
At this altitude, the peaks are often obscured by cloud and it is possible to take this walk and not be able to see the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you arrive at the start to find the area obscured by cloud it would be advisable to postpone the walk until it clears or return on another occasion. If cloud descends whilst walking the path is clear enough to find your way back, but take extra care! Avoid walking in wet or cloudy conditions. The walk in brief
From the Cabra Montes road 31 kilometers from the coast, where you are already at 1300 meters above sea level, the track follows the contours of the mountains, taking a gentler approach rather than a steep climb that takes you up approx. 200 meters to the peak where the views of the surrounding National park are unparalleled.

To reach the startr
From Almunecar take the Cabra Montes road in the direction of Jete and Otivar. At 30 kilometers beyond Almunecar you pass through the small rock tunnel. Just beyond the marker for Kilometer 28, on the left hand side of the road you will see a board describing the walk and a place to pull off and park opposite this sign on the right hand side of the road. Park here and cross the road where you will see a marker post with an arrow denoting the start of the walk.

The route
The path is well signposted (with one exception!) Initially it follows the course of the fire break from the road side (left hand side of the road from the coast in the direction of Granada). The path curves left towards a ridge with pine trees that are clearly visible. Quite soon the sea comes into view in the direction of La Herradura. As you turn inland towards a ridge of pine trees our destination comes into view, seemingly miles ahead! You can see a tiny building at the top of a peak in the far distance. This is the Pico de Lopera fire watching post.As you follow the trail past the line of pine trees, you pass along a ridge with steep cliffs to the left and the meadows and woods of the Prado de Lopera on your right. Now the climb starts, gently at first, then steeper. To reward your efforts keep a look out to the right and the Sierra Nevada mountain range comes into view, snow capped from November to April. When the path divides, take the clearly signposted left route. (The trail on the right goes down to the Prado de Lopera and can form an alternative route back).This is the territory of the Cabra Montes – mountain goats - and they can often be spotted grazing in this area.At 30 minutes into the walk the path levels off and there is plenty of shade to enjoy, and a chance to rest before the next climb. After an hour you are walking upwards and southwards. At this point the path curves right. When you meet a T junction with another trail you turn left to complete the climb. At this point you can see westwards into the Almijara valley towards Jayena and Alhama de Granada. You should be able to see the Bermejales reservoir. The last part of the climb takes you swiftly up to the summit at 1485 meters above sea level, where there is a former fire watching hut. Just beyond the hut and behind a fence the cliff falls away dramatically reveals views of the whole of the Sierra de la Almijara below and the coast beyond. The return trip is simply a matter of retracing your steps but it’s easy to miss a vital right hand turn which is unsignposted! The path down from the peak crosses a fire break which is visible on the left after about 5 minutes walk from the top. Our path goes off on the right, opposite a sign for the Parque Natural and beside a young pine tree. The path that goes straight on is deceptively easy to take but it descends westwards and will take you far out of your way! Once you have found this turning it is simple to retrace your steps back to the car park.