El Fraile, Mountain summit in Almería, Spain.
El Fraile is a mountain summit in the Sierra Nevada rising to 2,570 meters with steep rocky slopes and Mediterranean plant life. The terrain varies across the mountainside due to changes in elevation and sun exposure.
Spanish settlers in the 16th century named the mountain after a monk's hood because of its profile against the sky. This name has remained in use in the region ever since.
Local shepherds use traditional grazing routes around the mountain, following practices passed down through generations for centuries. This form of livestock management still shapes how the landscape is used and the rhythm of the year in this mountain region.
A marked trail to the summit starts from Puerto de la Ragua and takes about four hours to complete. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and water while preparing for changing weather conditions typical at higher elevations.
On clear days visitors can see the Mediterranean Sea and the North African coast from the summit, which is remarkable for an inland mountain. This distant view across the water is possible because of the summit's high elevation and geographic location.
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