You will climb Silvia on the north face of Pico del Veleta, a 1970s classic of about 170 metres at grade V that zigzags around the roofs on good mountain rock. There is a longer approach than a roadside crag, thinner air, and a face that changes with the wind, so we take two climbers with a guide who knows the line.
We leave the university mountain hostel on the 09:00 shuttle and reach the Veleta positions around twenty past. After a short walk along the Verdón we kit up away from the wall, then climb past the red-cord bolt that marks the leftwards kink, crawl the low lizard balcony, traverse right, and take the sixth-grade dihedral where a few pegs still show.
A slabbier pitch gains height, then you move left under a wall, follow pleasant rock over the visor and finish up a short step to the summit. After photos we walk about twenty minutes back to the positions for the reserved 17:15 shuttle, which does not wait; if there is no space the walk down to the hostel is about forty minutes more. Allow about eight hours, from nine until five in summer, and bring layers because it can be sunny and still feel cold.
Pico del Veleta is one of the high summits of the Sierra Nevada. The north-face rock sits well above the heat of the city, leftover snow can linger early in the season, and the shuttle from Olla de la Mora to the Veleta positions is part of how we run the day.
We meet at the university mountain hostel in the ski station. Access changes with mountain roads and shuttle links through the year, so we confirm the meet, the layers you need and the timing before you travel. Food and getting yourself to the hostel are down to you; the shuttle on the mountain is included.
You should already be happy on outdoor multi-pitch around grade V, with solid belays and enough fitness for a six-to-eight-hour day at altitude. This is not a first outdoor climb, even though the line is a friendly classic once you are moving.
Minimum age is 18, and the party is two climbers per guide. Tell us a few recent routes you have done so we can check the line still matches. If the face is not in good shape we will get in touch as soon as we can and look at another date.
On a long route the useful thing we bring is local knowledge: where to park, how the face feels in the sun, and a descent we have done many times. You climb. We handle the rack, the route finding and the faff, and we take digital photos and videos when there is a safe stance for it. Your guide is a mountain guide who specialises in rock climbing and can work in English or Spanish.
We only take two climbers per guide on these days, which keeps belays moving on committing ground. Before we leave the car we will talk through the pitches, the descent and the timing so you know what the day looks like, and we would rather move the date than force a tired day on wet rock or a windy high face.
We leave the university mountain hostel on the nine o’clock shuttle and reach the Veleta positions around twenty past. After a short walk along the Verdón we kit up away from the wall and talk through the pitches, the lizard balcony and the 17:15 return shuttle before anyone leaves the ground.
You climb past the red-cord bolt that marks the leftwards kink, crawl the low lizard balcony, traverse right, and take the sixth-grade dihedral where a few pegs still show. A slabbier pitch gains height, then you move left, follow pleasant rock over the visor and finish up a short step to the summit of this 170-metre grade V classic.
After photos we walk about twenty minutes back to the positions for the reserved 17:15 shuttle, which does not wait. If there is no space, the walk down to the hostel is about forty minutes more. Allow about eight hours for the whole day, and bring layers.
Flexible clothing, sun protection, water and snacks for the duration. Approach shoes with grip suit most venues; bring a light waterproof and extra layer for mountain or coastal wind.
This is for climbers aged 18 and over who already know their way around outdoor belays and want a local guide on a classic line near Pico del Veleta. You should be used to walking in with a pack and spending several hours on the rock.
It is not a teaching day for first-timers. You will get a lot more from it if you already climb outside and just want someone who knows the approach, the pitches and the way down.
Most of our open dates are Saturdays and Sundays, which is how we usually run these days through the year. If one of those works, just request a place on that day and we will confirm the meet once it is accepted.
If you would rather go midweek, or only with your own friends, send us a date and how many of you there are. We will check a guide is free and get back to you by chat or email with the plan.
The activity itself is about 8 hours, plus a bit of time at the start for kit and the walk in to the sector. Lunch is a short stop with food you bring, except on indoor course days where we use the gym break.
Start times change with the season and the venue, because we chase shade in summer and sun in winter. Once your date is confirmed we will send the meet time, parking notes and what to bring.
You get a qualified mountain guide who specialises in rock climbing, plus harness, helmet and shoes where we issue them, and the ropes and hardware. Digital photos and videos of the day are included, and we are happy to advise on kit before you travel.
Meals, drinks, accommodation and getting yourself to the meeting point are down to you. Transport can sometimes be arranged separately if you ask ahead. Bring water and a snack that will last the session.
Wear clothes you can move in, with a layer for wind and a bit of sun cream. Trainers or approach shoes with grip are better than smooth soles, and we ask you not to come in flip-flops, sandals or clogs.
Pack at least a litre of water, a snack and a light waterproof. A 40 to 45 litre pack is useful on longer days. If you wear glasses, a strap stops them sliding when you look down, and a cap or sun hat helps on open limestone.
It depends on the exact sector near Pico del Veleta and the weather that week. We decide the pin and the arrival time in the days before, so we can use the rock that is in the best condition.
Granada days often start from Plaza Alta in Monachil or a crag car park a few minutes away. Coastal and Alicante routes use a meet point closer to that cliff, and we send clear directions once the date is accepted.
We need dry rock and sensible wind. If it looks poor, we will message you as early as we can and either move venue or look at another day, because forcing a session on wet limestone is not useful for anyone.
High Sierra Nevada faces are the fussiest, and leftover snow or strong wind can close them even in summer. We would rather shift the date than stand around in poor conditions at that height.
You should already be happy leading or seconding outdoors, and fit enough for a full day on your feet with a walk in at either end. If a long approach and several pitches sounds like a stretch, tell us and we can point you to an easier day on local rock.
We take a maximum of two climbers with one guide on this route, so belays stay simple and we can talk properly at each stance. That is how we keep a long day moving without anyone waiting in the sun.
Yes. We issue a harness and helmet at the meet, plus climbing shoes or a ferrata lanyard if that is what the day needs. Tell us your shoe size if we ask for it.
You are welcome to use your own harness or helmet if it is CE marked. We will give it a quick check before we start.
Read the meet-time message and give yourself a few extra minutes for parking. A charged phone with the pin saved is enough.
When you book, tell us what you have climbed before. That helps us pick the right ropes and keep the day at a pace you will enjoy.
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About the centre
Monachil
We are a Granada-based outdoor climbing team offering guided rock routes, via ferratas, kit hire and multi-day trips across Andalusia and beyond. Sessions are led by qualified guides who focus on safety, clear communication and routes matched to your experience.
Whether you want a first day on the rock, a classic multi-pitch on local limestone, or ferrata kit for an independent adventure, we help you plan realistic days in the mountains with quality equipment and local knowledge of the Sierra Nevada and Costa Blanca crags.
Operated by Filoclimb, a partner of adventuro.
Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian Community), Spain
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Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian Community), Spain
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Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian Community), Spain
From €150
