The road to Cerrajón de Murtas, a hidden gem
Spain, europe
47 km
1,509 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Southern Spain, itching for an adventure. Forget the crowded beaches, let's head to Cerrajón de Murtas! This beast of a peak tops out at 1,509m (4,950ft) in the Sierra de Contraviesa, practically in the shadow of Sierra Nevada.
The road starts off civilized enough, mostly paved with concrete. But don't get too comfy! The last stretch is a real test: super steep and unpaved. Seriously, consider bringing a 4x4 for this one.
Starting from the GR-5202 near Murtas, it's a 4.7 km climb to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, the average gradient is almost 7%, with some sections hitting a crazy 14.4%! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind.
At the summit, you're rewarded with the Mirador del Cerrajón lookout, a geodesic marker, and a fire guardhouse. The panorama is unreal – Sierra Nevada, Sierra Gádor, and on clear days, you can even spot the African coast! Plus, you get a bird's-eye view of the Alpujarra region. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,509 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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