Description:
We cross the village of Capileira and continue along the track leading to the sierra for a few kilometers, until we branch off onto the left-hand lane where there's a sign indicating Central Hidroeléctrica. Curiously, there was only one car parked; there are always many cars, even early. We start our hiking day from the 1540m altitude at the plant. We quickly cross the bridge and begin ascending the PR-A 36 trail. There's a sign with a map right where the Herradura path begins. After 1.2 km, we reach the trail junction, leave the one leading directly to the Poqueira refuge, and take the one ascending westwards. We pass by a threshing floor and zigzagging reach the pipe coming down from the discharge chamber. We go straight up the rails where the trolley descends, next to the pipe. We arrive at La Cámara de Descarga. The views are stunning over Los Tajos de Los Machos, still with large snow patches and all slopes dotted with yellow and green colors. We continue along the trail that now levels above the piped ditch. Bordering Loma Púa, Barranco de Poqueira is on our right and visible well. Higher up, all Las Terreras Azules, Loma Pelada, and Loma del Mulhacén are seen, the latter with only a small snow patch left. The trail ascends to pass by large rocks with striking formations; from here it starts descending towards La Fuente de La Raja. This place, though artificial, is idyllic, with La Raja spring nearby. We took a half-hour break to snack and refresh our feet. Up to here, almost two hours of route and 5.33 km covered. We climb about 100m up Loma Púa and turn right into Río Veleta. We climb a steep gully straight to the river. Here the fun begins; we stow the poles and scramble up the riverbed. The river carries a lot of water and it's tricky, needing to cross it several times. There's always a way to climb and continue until reaching the cirque. Tajos del Tesoro, Tajos del Sabinal to the left, Veleta, Los Machos ahead, El Púlpito in front, Raspones de Río Seco to the right. An idyllic spot where over three hundred cows enjoy the pasture and water. This isn't a usual passage area; those who come are experienced mountaineers and leave no trash. All day I saw only one rusted can and put it in my backpack. It's not normal to be in such a beautiful area without people or trash. Maybe the six or seven hours of walking from any nearby parking spot are to blame. Not counting the return, which isn't easy either. Once at the foot of Púlpito, there's a large rock as reference. A unmarked trail passes here, like a goat path, leading up to Laguna de Las Cabras. I always say! If you reach this lagoon, don't make it a long trip and plan to stop for a good while. This place isn't normal, it's paradise; the colors, sounds, and nature are real. Over an hour passed quickly, lying on the grass enjoying. A wild goat approached within meters, as if asking how we knew about the spot. Time to return, and we decided to add to today's route by climbing to Púlpito summit 2979m. Another long break was needed; the panoramas are priceless. Someone said!! Let's get serious, we have to go back. We descended the west face, amazing, 400m drop almost vertical. Cool descent only for those used to high mountains. There are drops with exposure and zigzagging to find the least dangerous path. Once at the river, we try not to lose height, wanting to pass the ruined building seen this morning. We skirted Los Tajos del Tesoro and climbed Tajos del Sabinal, seeking a col near Peñón Colorado. After the col, we skirted Los Tajos Colorados to Loma Púa. The foot pace was frantic; time losses suggested it might get dark. It's an area we know and we were well positioned. We went straight down hard to La Cámara de Descarga. To differ from morning, we take the trail now. Good for knees to rest; strong descent with lively pace. We go through morning areas but sun low and shadows strong. Everything looks different. We reach junction with Poqueira refuge trail 8:45h (1730m) 19.65km. Moving time 8.00h.
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Video length: 05:15