Veleta (Sierra Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Veleta |
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The summit of Veleta
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,394 m (11,135 ft) 3,396 m (11,142 ft) 3,398 m (11,148 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Veleta
Location in Province of Granada
Veleta
Location in Andalusia
Veleta
Location in Spain
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| Location | Province of Granada, Andalucia, Spain |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Granada |
Veleta, also known as Pico del Veleta, is a very tall mountain in Spain. Its name comes from the Arab word "Balata," which means "cliff." It is the second highest peak in the Iberian peninsula and part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The mountain's height is usually given as around 3,394 meters (about 11,135 feet). You can easily see Veleta from the city of Granada. The northern side of Veleta is home to the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, a popular place for skiing and snowboarding.
Europe's Highest Road
Veleta has a special road that goes almost to its top. This road is known as the highest paved road in Europe. It travels across the mountains from Granada to an area called the western Alpujarras.
This road was built a long time ago. It was created before the Sierra Nevada National Park was formed in 1999. Because the mountain is now part of a national park, the road is mostly closed to regular cars.
However, some people can still use it. This includes workers from the ski station, national park rangers, and staff from the observatory. Cyclists and walkers also enjoy using the road. There is even a small bus service that takes hikers up to a viewpoint called Posiciones del Veleta. This spot is about 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. From there, it's a fairly easy walk to the very top of Veleta during the summer.
Veleta's Lost Glacier
For a long time, Veleta was home to a glacier called the Corral de la Veleta. A glacier is a huge, slow-moving river of ice. This particular glacier was special because it was the southernmost glacier in all of Europe, located at 37° North. Sadly, the Corral de la Veleta glacier completely melted away in 1913.
The IRAM Telescope
On the slopes of Pico Veleta, you can find an important scientific building. This is the IRAM 30m telescope. It is located at an elevation of 2,920 meters (about 9,580 feet). This telescope helps scientists study the universe by observing radio waves from space.
Images for kids
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The summit of Veleta
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The mountain and ski area
