This walk takes you down into a dramatic gorge where you can take a refreshing dip in the lovely green waters of the Rio Verde. In the gorge, peaceful pools alternate with waterfalls and fast-flowing rapids. Before you reach the gorge, the walk descends through a landscape of pine trees and wild herbs, past a fascinating waterfall with calcified tree trunks. There are lots of other interesting rock formations along the way, and you can take a short detour to a pretty reservoir.
Level This is a reasonably tough walk due to the amount of climbing involved. For much of the way, the path is good and well-marked, but it is rocky and uneven in places. Down in the gorge, the path is harder to follow, and you need to cross the river in several places, which can be quite challenging if the river level is high.
When to go All year round. In summer the pools are perfect for swimming, but the walk back up will be punishing in the heat.
Water The climb back up from the gorge is long and reliable water sources are scarce, so bring plenty with you.
Location: Sierras de Alhama, Tejeda y Almijara
The walk is accessed from the A-4050 between Granada and Almuñecar, a little to the north of Otívar.
Transport
By Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 144 and then the A-4050 (known locally as the Carretera de la Cabra or Mountain Goat Road), towards Lentegí, Otívar and Almuñecar. After about 30km you will get to a dramatic section of the road where you go through a small tunnel and then the road hugs the side of the valley, which drops off steeply to your right.
A couple of hundred metres after the green sign marking km 31, you’ll see the information panel for the walk on your right. Carry on for a further 200m, where there is a parking place on the right. Return to the information panel to start the walk.
By bus: Not accessible by bus.
