Moderate
Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada · Andalusia
- Distance
- 11.4 km / 7.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 251 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Waymarked route
Canal de la Espartera - Arenales del Trevenque
ModerateParque Nacional de Sierra Nevada · Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 12.7 km (7.9 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 500 m (1,640 ft)
- Typical time
- 3 hr 24 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Canal de la Espartera - Arenales del Trevenque
Canal de la Espartera - Arenales del Trevenque is a 12.7 km hiking route in Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada. It climbs roughly 500 m (1,640 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 24 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.
The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.
The circuit closes on itself, which makes logistics simple: one car park, one round of 7.9 mi. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is Granada, about 15.6 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Federación Andaluza de Montañismo.
In short, Canal de la Espartera - Arenales del Trevenque suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate12.7 km500 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Inside Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada
- Waymarked route
- Circular route, no backtracking
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Follow park rules
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 50/100
- Adventure
- 29/100
- Difficulty
- 42/100
- Accessibility
- 45/100
- Family
- 25/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.
Safety
Emergency services in Spain are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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