Sierra Nevada National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada |
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| Sierra Nevada National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Satellite image of Sierra Nevada. The chain of mountains is visible in the center; below this are clouds blown by winds from the southeast.
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| Location | Granada, Almería, Andalusia, Spain |
The Sierra Nevada National Park (in Spanish: Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada) is a special place in Spain. It is a large area of land protected by the government. You can find it in the Granada and Almería provinces. This amazing park covers about 85,883 hectares (331.6 square miles).
In 2007, Sierra Nevada was chosen as one of the top 100 places for the "12 Treasures of Spain" award. This shows how important and beautiful it is!
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Exploring the Mountains: Geography of Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada National Park is famous for its tall mountains. It has more than 20 peaks that are over 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) high. Imagine how high that is!
Highest Peaks in the Park
The three tallest mountains in the park are:
- Mulhacén, which is 3,479 meters (11,414 feet) tall.
- Veleta, standing at 3,396 meters (11,142 feet).
- Alcazaba, reaching 3,371 meters (11,059 feet).
These mountains are part of the Penibetic System, which is a big mountain range in southern Spain.
What Makes Sierra Nevada Special?
Sierra Nevada is not just about tall mountains. It's also a place with unique plants and animals. The park's different heights create many types of habitats. This means many different living things can make their home here.
Amazing Plants of the Mountains
Because the park has such different environments, from lower valleys to high peaks, many special plants grow here. Some plants can only be found in Sierra Nevada. They have adapted to live in the cold, windy conditions of the high mountains.
Animals Living in Sierra Nevada
The park is home to many animals. One of the most famous is the Iberian ibex. This wild goat is very good at climbing rocky slopes. You might also see eagles flying high above the peaks. Many other birds, reptiles, and small mammals live here too.
Visiting Sierra Nevada National Park
The park is a great place for outdoor activities. People enjoy hiking, skiing in winter, and exploring nature. There are many trails to follow and beautiful views to see. It's a perfect spot for anyone who loves mountains and wildlife.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Sierra Nevada para niños
