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Sierra Nevada Hike: Explore San Juan Glacier
4.9
93 Ratings
Granada
Embark on a thrilling 6-hour hike through the High Sierra Nevada, exploring the stunning San Juan Valley. Discover waterfalls, wildlife, and unique plant life in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Embark on a thrilling 6-hour hike through the High Sierra Nevada, exploring the stunning San Juan Valley. Discover waterfalls, wildlife, and unique plant life in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sierra Nevada - Sierra Nevada, or Sulayr, Mountain of the Sun as it was called by the Muslims, rises up between the provinces of Granada and Almeria like a giant and compact massif with fifteen peaks of over 3,000 metres, including the Mulhacén (3,482 metres), the highest point on the Iberian Peninsula. After being collected from your…
- Sierra Nevada - Sierra Nevada, or Sulayr, Mountain of the Sun as it was called by the Muslims, rises up between the provinces of Granada and Almeria like a giant and compact massif with fifteen peaks of over 3,000 metres, including the Mulhacén (3,482 metres), the highest point on the Iberian Peninsula. After being collected from your accommodation in Granada, you will be driven to 2,500 meters above sea level to the top of the Sierra Nevada Road. From here you will head to the most beautiful glacier valley of Sierra Nevada, San Juan Valley. Here you will learn how the ice has been excavating the rocks throughout thousand of years. You will also encounter beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and shiny rocks, as well as wildlife such as mountain goats, eagles, birds migrating from Africa, and insects and plants that only exist here.
What's Included
- Warm clothes provided
- Assistance and liability insurance
- UIMLA mountain guide
- Small group tour (up to 8 people)
- Private vehicle transport
- Hiking poles included
- Warm clothes provided
- Assistance and liability insurance
- UIMLA mountain guide
- Small group tour (up to 8 people)
- Private vehicle transport
- Hiking poles included
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Additional Information
After being picked up in Granada city center, the journey will proceed to the summit of the Sierra Nevada road, reaching 2,500 meters (8,000 ft). From there, the group will venture into the stunning San Juan glacier valley, where ice has carved the rocks over thousands of years. The area is adorned with beautiful waterfalls, unique rock formations,…
After being picked up in Granada city center, the journey will proceed to the summit of the Sierra Nevada road, reaching 2,500 meters (8,000 ft). From there, the group will venture into the stunning San Juan glacier valley, where ice has carved the rocks over thousands of years. The area is adorned with beautiful waterfalls, unique rock formations, mountain goats, eagles, vultures, and exclusive flora and fauna, as Sierra Nevada is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This hike is off the beaten path, revealing the most hidden gems of Sierra Nevada.
The hike will ascend to over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) to the peak of Tajos del Campanario, offering breathtaking views of the north face of Mulhacén (the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula), Veleta, and Alcazaba.
Hike distance: 8 kilometers
Elevation gain: 600 meters
IMPORTANT INFO:
This is a moderate hike at high altitude, which some participants may find challenging. It is not recommended for individuals who do not engage in regular physical activity.
- Sneakers or trainers are ok to enjoy this tour, you don’t need hiking shoes
- If you exercise regularly (running, cycling, swimming, tennis etc, you will enjoy this tour)
- If you feel too tired during the hike, there are some great spots where you can wait for the rest of the group on their way back
Location
Plaza de Mariana Pineda
Next to the newsstand
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(93 Ratings)
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Seaside06128343365
May 4, 2026
An incredible day! - I came to this 'hike' quite ill-prepared. I was wearing trainers and didn't take a jacket because I expected a nice little walk, a stop somewhere scenic for lunch and an easy descent. It was not like that at all but our guide Jaime and the group (Dan, Janet, Winston and Asako) were amazing. Jaime kitted me out with warm clothes and the group kept me going with their friendliness, warmth and encouragement. We saw an ice tunnel over the San Juan river, then hiked a waterfall, crossing snow and finally to the summit to see the view of Mulhacén. The weather was changeable and the terrain was rough but we did it and it was incredible. There were tiny flowers starting to bloom and lots of birds and insects and we were rewarded throughout the day with sightings of ibex. An absolutely wonderful day xx
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gabriella_d
Apr 20, 2026
Lovely experience with... - Lovely experience with Jamie & Kai (his dog!) Would recommend to any traveler looking for an escape from the city for a bit!
Review provided by Viator
Bdiddy82
Apr 19, 2026
An unmissable adventure! - I had a fantastic day out with Jaime, our tour leader. After seeing the Sierra Nevada from Granada, it was wonderful to be walking in the mountains themselves. Jaime was friendly and knowledgeable - a clear expert - making sure we had all the necessary equipment and information needed to have a really great time! Everything ran super smoothly, including the transfer to and from the city. The scenery was simply breathtaking - we had perfect snowy conditions, although I think this would be a brilliant adventure whatever the season & weather. I’d love to return one day to see the mountains in the Summer too & wouldn’t hesitate to book this trip again. Thank you so much, Jaime!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jameslo7753mr
Mar 30, 2026
Great Hike!! Amazing Views!! - Overall a really nice and relaxed hike. The drive was only about 45min from Granada and on the drive you'll go through some beautiful villages. The views on the hike was spectacular: for my hike in March I was able to get quite a close view of the snow-capped mountains. The route took us through many mountains. Jaime was a great guide who looked after everyone taking regular breaks, making sure everyone stayed hydrated and checking everyone had suitable clothing. He was very confident with the path and knew the mountains well. Highly recommend for a lovely escape from the city!!
For other guests I recommend coming prepared with food and go to bathroom before as once you meet in the morning there are no stops for bathroom or buying food. Bring waterproof shoes (though I managed it all ok with running shoes). Hiking poles and warm clothing (gloves, fleece jacket) were provided. Our hike was on dry, rocky ground but some streams cut through our path. I would recommend this only for people confident with hiking as some paths were quite narrow with steep drops, and the first hour or so is quite steep.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loulouk_9
Mar 30, 2026
Peaceful hike with superb views - Beautiful and relaxed hike. It was nice to be in a small, friendly group with a good guide and cute dog Kai.
Highly recommend this tour if you want to get away from busy Granada.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa58360995419
Nov 27, 2025
Beautiful Hike! - This was a wonderful hike! Jaime was a fantastic guide, very kind and knowledgeable. I had a wonderful time and highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniela_m
Sep 11, 2025
Ou guide J’aime was kind... - Our guide Jaime was kind and knowledgeable and it has been a pleasure to hike with him and his cute dog Kai!
Review provided by Viator
Wildling123
Aug 21, 2025
Moderate fitness required for good views - Jamie & his dog Kia are very professional. Extremity comfortanle experience with a small group. Approx 6-8 hours (including travel). Wear hiking boots or runners with grip. Bring: Back pack, sun protection, long sleeves option in summer, 1.5-2L water + snacks / lunch.
Uphill - moderate to good fitness required. Very quiet & undiscovered trail.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I5743jwdanielp
Aug 3, 2025
Great views and amazing guide! - This tour was fantastic & made even better with the guide Jaime and his dog Kai.
Jaime is very knowledgeable about these mountains giving some good history points as well as knowledge about local wildlife and plants.
This is a full day activity, being picked up in the centre of Grenada at 9AM. You then take a 30-40 minute drive up into the mountain where there is a spot to grab a drink and some snacks.
Total walking time for our group was around 6 hours (4 hour up and 2 hour down)
Even in the height of summer, temperature is much cooler up the top, so much so, there was some ice at the top of the mountain still whilst the centre of Grenada was over 30 degrees Celsius!
The climb does require some level of fitness as the way up does get steep.
I would absolutely recommend & we will be going again in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
743cathrynj
Sep 3, 2025
Great ‘off the beaten path’ hike! - Overall a great experience to hike the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. The views were exceptional, and the hike strenuous. Jaimie set a reasonable pace with a few longer rests in picturesque spots along the way. Lots of amazing photo opportunities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
