Alcazaba (Sierra Nevada) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Alcazaba
View of la Alcazaba
Highest point
Elevation	3,369 m (11,053 ft)
Prominence	186 m (610 ft)
Listing	Mountains of Spain
Geography
Alcazaba Location in Spain
Location	Sierra Nevada, Andalusia
Parent range	Cordillera Penibética
Geology
Mountain type	Mica-Schist
Climbing
First ascent	Unknown
Easiest route	From Siete Lagunas

Alcazaba is a tall mountain in Spain. It stands at about 3,369 meters (11,053 feet) high. This makes it the third highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada range. It is also the fifth highest in the whole Iberian Peninsula. You can see its amazing north side from the city of Granada. The name Alcazaba comes from an Arabic word meaning 'fortress' or 'castle'.

Where is Alcazaba Mountain?
Mountain Huts for Climbers
- Poqueira Hut
- Other Shelters
Exploring Alcazaba and Climbing Tips
- What to Bring
Images for kids
See also

Where is Alcazaba Mountain?

Alcazaba is located between two other mountains: Mulhacén and Puntal de Vacares. It is one of the most quiet and isolated spots in the Sierra Nevada.

To reach Alcazaba, you usually need to plan for at least one night away. You can approach the mountain from many directions. Climbing the north side is more difficult and needs special skills. However, you can also walk up the south side.

There are walking paths from several nearby villages. These include Pampaneira, Bubión, Capileira, and Trevélez. You can also start from Güéjar Sierra on the north side. All these paths are quite long, with the shortest walk being about 20 kilometers (12 miles).

You can find water from a few rivers. These are the Rio Genil on the north side and the Rio Poqueira on the southwest side of Mulhacén. There are also small rivers near Puntal de Vacares mountain, at a place called Prado de la Mina.

Mountain Huts for Climbers

When exploring Alcazaba, climbers often use mountain huts for shelter.

Poqueira Hut

The most popular hut is the Poqueira hut. It is located at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) high. This hut is on the western side of the Mulhacén mountain. The Poqueira hut has staff, and you can book a spot there in advance. From this hut, many people continue their journey over Mulhacén. Then they go down to Siete Lagunas before climbing Alcazaba.

Other Shelters

There are also other ways to reach Alcazaba. Some paths go from Laguna Mosca through the west side. These routes are harder than the south side.

You can find a small stone hut on the western side of Alcazaba. This hut, called Refugio Campinuela, is about halfway between Trevelez and Alcazaba.

Another shelter is at Cueva Secreta, which you can reach from Güéjar Sierra. Cueva Secreta is actually a long cave. It can provide shelter for more than 20 climbers.

Some climbers prefer the northeast route. They might use a hut near El Real or natural caves at Prado de la Mina. From here, you can even see what's left of two old volcanoes!

Exploring Alcazaba and Climbing Tips

Alcazaba has a very steep north face. It drops straight down for about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). There are two paths that cross this face from west to east. These paths might have been used to collect water. You can find small rivers at Prado de la Mina. To the east, there are three lakes called Lagunas de la Calderetas.

At the wide top of the mountain, there are two peaks on the south side. The Siete Lagunas (Seven Lakes) are located between Mulhacén and Alcazaba.

What to Bring

Summer Hiking: If you visit in summer, you will need good hiking boots. This is because of the long distances and the rough ground.
Winter Climbing: Alcazaba usually gets covered in snow by early December. If you plan to climb in winter, you will need special gear. This includes crampons (spikes for your boots) and climbing axes.

This mountain offers many challenges. You can walk, scramble (climb using hands and feet), or even do technical climbing. The mountains here have one of the longest climbing seasons in Europe. This is because they are located so far south.

Nights on the mountain can get very cold. This is due to the freezing winds coming from the sea. You might also see some ibex (wild goats) while you are there!