How to get by car to Hoya del Portillo parking in Sierra Nevada?
Aparcamiento Hoya del Portillo is a parking lot at an elevation of 2.151m (7,057ft) above sea level, located in the autonomous community of Andalusia, in Spain.
Where is Hoya del Portillo parking lot?
The parking is located in the La Alpujarra district of the province of Granada, in the southern part of the country. It’s the highest place you can legally drive a vehicle and park in the Sierra Nevada. Beyond this point, to protect the wilderness of the national park, only bicycles and pedestrians are allowed. Visitors can find a ranger on site during the day to provide useful information.
Is the road to Hoya del Portillo parking lot unpaved?
The twisty, dusty road to the parking is mostly unpaved. It's called Camino de la Sierra. It has a few kilometers of poor asphalt at the beginning. The road is narrow and features 8 hairpin turns. The road is suitable for driving with any type of vehicle, although there are numerous potholes along it.
How long is the road to Hoya del Portillo parking lot?
Starting from Capileira, the road is 9.1km (5.65 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 670 m and the average gradient is 7.3%.
Why is Hoya del Portillo parking lot important?
The parking is the final vehicle stop before starting the trail in the Sierra Nevada. The trail that begins at the parking, commonly known as Camino de los Franceses, continues only for bikes and hikers, as vehicles are banned beyond this point (except authorized service vehicles reaching Alto del Chorrillo). This trail leads to Veleta Peak and Mulhacén, passing through several mountain passes.
It’s important to note that the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during high season. Visitors are recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, as the area, although cozy, is not very large.
Is the road to Hoya del Portillo parking lot open in winter?
Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the road is usually impassable in winter. Snow often blocks vehicle access long before reaching the parking.
Pic: Agustin Olmo Escribano