Güéjar Sierra – Jarales Loop

9.5 km   3 hours   410m   Medium   Medium   Medium    

Starting from the top of the village of Güéjar Sierra, this walk takes you up to a narrow ridge between two valleys. From the top of the ridge, you have spectacular views south towards the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Canales reservoir, and north towards the Sierra de Huetor. The climb up, which isn’t too steep or long, goes through pleasant scrubland with a mixture of bushes, wild herbs and flowers.

View of the Canales reservoir from above Güéjar Sierra.

Level This is an easy to moderate walk. There are some uphill sections, but overall it is less steep than alternative routes in the Güéjar area. You will mainly be walking on tracks and footpaths of a reasonable quality, although they can get a bit overgrown in places. The final section goes down an asphalt road.

The route is signposted intermittantly, but you will also need to refer to the directions in the walk description.

View towards the Sierra de Huétor from the Jarales Loop near Güéjar Sierra

When to go Possible all year round. In summer, make sure you start early to get the climb done before the heat of the day as there is very little shade. The best time to do the walk is probably winter or spring, when you can enjoy views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada.

Water There is no water available on the walk so take plenty with you. You can stock up at the Fuente de 16 Caños, where the walk starts.

Location: East of Granada (Güéjar Sierra) The walk starts from the upper part of Güéjar Sierra village, known as the Barrio Alto.

Transport

By Car: From Granada, take the A-395 towards Sierra Nevada. Take the exit marked Pinos Genil, Güéjar Sierra, Dúdar, Quéntar and follow the road under the A-395 and across the river Genil. Turn right, and after 2.5km turn left for Güéjar Sierra.

You will pass Las Lomas camping on your right (after about 7km). Shortly after this, take the turning to the left marked Barrio Alto. Carry on past a children’s playground, following the sign to Fuente 16 Caños. Park somewhere near the fountain.

By Bus: Take route 390 from Granada to Güéjar Sierra. Click here for more info and links to current timetables.

View of the Sierra Nevada mountains from the Jarales Loop near Güéjar Sierra


Download PDF information sheet with a detailed map, altitude profile and step-by-step description of the walk to print and take with you.

Instituto Geográfico de EspañaPlease note that the information sheets provided for download may not be altered or sold. Topographic base maps © Instituto Geográfico Nacional de España, original scale 1:25,000.

Download gpx file for GPS

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DISCLAIMER: While we have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, conditions can change, and always remember that you are responsible for your own safety.