Mulhacén

Mulhacén is the highest summit of the Sierra Nevada range and mainland Spain, standing at 3,482 meters (11,424 feet) above sea level. The mountain rises above a wide high-altitude terrain with rocky ridges, snowfields and sweeping slopes that change appearance with the seasons.

The summit was named after Abu l-Hasan Ali, the penultimate Muslim ruler of Granada in the 15th century. Local tradition says he was buried at the top, though historical records do not confirm his burial site.

The name comes from Abu l-Hasan Ali, a 15th-century Muslim ruler whose legacy remains alive in local memory. Hikers and climbers from across Europe meet here and exchange stories about the different ascent routes.

Four main routes lead to the summit: from Granada city, the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, and the villages of Capileira and Trevélez. Most hikers start early in the morning to avoid afternoon weather and allow enough time for the ascent and descent.

The north face contains several climbing lines, including the Canuto Central with 300 meters (984 feet) of vertical ascent over snow, ice and rock. This route attracts experienced alpinists in winter who seek technical terrain with mixed conditions.