The Cruz de Viznar (“Viznar Cross”) is planted on a small but prominent hill, just far enough away from the Sierra Nevada to give you amazing views of the whole mountain range. The climb up is steady rather than steep, and the effort it takes to get to the top is richly rewarded. Makes a lovely evening walk, when the soft light brings out the subtle colours of the surrounding mountains.
Level Once the initial climb is out of the way, this is a very pleasant and easy walk on good footpaths, although the detour to get up to the cross itself is a bit of a scramble. The route is well signposted throughout. If you want to go a bit further, this walk can be extended by combining it with the Cerro del Maúllo route, which takes you to some trenches from the Spanish Civil War, or the Cueva del Agua route.
When to go All year round, but views are best in winter and spring, when the high mountains are capped with snow. Bear in mind, though, that this area could occasionally be above the snow line in winter.
Water None available on the route.
Location: Sierra de Huétor
The walk is one of several marked routes starting from the Sierra de Huétor’s Visitor Centre at Puerto Lobo (literally “wolf pass”), near the town of Víznar.
Transport
By Car: From Granada, take the A-92 towards Almeria and Guadix. Take exit 253 (for El Fargue, Huétor Santillán and Granada Este). Turn left, following the brown sign for Parque Natural de Sierra de Huétor. Then turn right back across the motorway (also signposted Parque Natural de Sierra de Huétor) and turn right following the sign to Centro de Visitantes. Park in the area below the visitor centre, where there are a number of information panels describing different walks.
By Bus: This walk is not easily accessible by bus.
