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ES-GR Pico del Veleta – Gravel 102 km, 3,020 m elevation gain, 9 mountain passes

Author description

Author : Philippe Garcia
Course : carried out on 19 September 2016
Departure : Granada, along the Rio Genil, Calle Puente Verde. Altitude: 700 m.

Tourist information

The Sierra Nevada (meaning «snowy mountain range» in Spanish) is a mountain range running east to west. It was formed at the same time as the Alps during the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Pico del Veleta (3,396 m) is Spain’s third-highest peak and lies at the western end of the range, above the city of Granada. The ‘highest road in Europe’ (a title that is hotly contested!) climbs almost to the summit. A number of smaller passes contribute to the appeal of Pico del Veleta for cyclists.
The climb to Pico del Veleta is included in this route.
There are hotels along the route, allowing you to split the climb into two sections.

Technical specifications

This route is intended for experienced walkers: you can break it up by stopping at a hotel partway up the climb.
The route comprises 84 km of tarmac road, 10 km of forest track, 6 km of a connecting track between the ski runs at the Pradollano resort, and 1 km of cycle path at the end. A gravel bike is perfectly suitable for this route.

9 passes (including 4 at over 3000 m and 4 at over 2000 m)

1 – Collado del Muerto	1,491 m	ES-GR-1491
2 – Capileira Pass (or Carigüela del Veleta Pass)	3,201 m	ES-GR-3201
3 – Collado del Lobo	3,119 m	ES-GR-3119
4 – La Puerta	3,124 m	ES-GR-3124
5 – Portillo de los Crestones in Río Seco	3,089 m	ES-GR-3089
6 – Collado de las Yeguas	2,856 m	ES-GR-2856
7 – Collado del Diablo	2,323 m	ES-GR- 2330
8 – Collado de las Sabinas	2,178 m	ES-GR-2180
9 – Collado de las Sabinillas	2,025 m	ES-GR-2035

Keywords : Andalusia, Granada, Pico del Veleta, Collado del Veleta, Centcols

Openrunner link, interactive map, profile, track : https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/24475057

This itinerary is provided for information only. The author accepts no liability, nor that of the Club des Cent Cols, for any imponderables due to the cyclist himself, the equipment used or anything to do with the road, tracks and paths, their surroundings or other users.