A true mountain bike experience waits for you in the highest mountain range on the Iberian Peninsula, Sierra Nevada. Climb up to Pico de Veleta on the north side and then enjoy an adrenalin-filled downhill on the south side to Las Alpujarras and Órgiva. Conquer the Pico de Veleta is one of the great cycling challenges in Europe; you will rarely get the chance to go so high on a bike. Come and do it with us!
Mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada. This is an epic mountain bike ride that is as varied and demanding as it is beautiful. You will be dropped off on an altitude of 2 500 m above sea level on the north side of Sierra Nevada. From there you start the strenuous climb up to Pico de Veleta via Europe’s highest paved road. The scenery is incredible throughout the climb. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes more barren and wild. Pico de Veleta (3 396 m) is the third highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula, and it is a rare privilege to be able to cycle right to the peak itself. You will be rewarded with a breath-taking view looking down upon all the other mountains in the vast Sierra Nevada range and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Rif Mountains of Morocco.
What awaits is a high altitude crossing from north to south passing just under Mulhacen (3 479 m), the highest mountain on mainland Spain. The rocky track makes for fun and technical riding and concentration is needed while moving through the beautiful, stark environment with its ice-crusted lagoons and razor-edged ridges. Breath-taking views and the summer meltwater will accompany us as they pour down into turquoise and emerald lakes.
The return on the south side is an adrenaline-filled downhill of 3 000 metres over 58 kilometres to the beautiful area of Las Alpujarras and Órgiva where our transportation will pick us up.
Elevation gain: 1 200 m
Distance: 70 km
Moving time: approx. 5 hours
When To Go
Sierra Nevada Adventure is only available in June to early October. The top should be free from snow then, but during the rest of the year, it is normally impossible to reach the very top because of the amount of snow. It can be very hot at the foot of the climb and very cold at the top – which means you have to carry some warm gear with you even in July and August.
This ride is very weather-depending. The name Veleta means ‘weather-vane’ in Spanish and gives a clue to another of the difficulties on the climb – the wind. The last few kilometres are very exposed and it is not uncommon for there to be gusts of winds of around 100km/h.
The Adventure Includes:
| Guide |
| Transport |
| Bike rental |
| Helmet |
A minimum of 3 people are required.
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This is an extreme cycling adventure on high-altitude and it's very weather depending.
Fitness level: Expert
Technical level: Medium
