Walking ascent of Mulhacen (3482m) from Refugio Vivac de la Caldera via West ridge. Traverse of Puntal de la Caldera (3223m) from Refugio Vivac de la Caldera ( Grade 2 Scramble). 2 nights at Refugio Poqueira, 1 night at Refugio Vivac de la Caldera. Planned the trip via Cicerone Guidebook " Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada", with additional guidance via e-mails to "Spanish Highs" Mountain Guides. Led my wife Marion.
Day 1: walked in to Refugio Poqueira (2500m) afternoon, having been dropped by bus to Alto de Chorillo. Carrying bivvy gear, food and stove, fuel, plus scrambling equipment: harnesses, helmets, 25m rope, small rack of protection gear, slings, etc. Approx. 1 hour 30 walk into nagging headwind brought us to the large and well-appointed Refugio Poqueira. Cooked our own food in the adjoining kitchen space, relaxed in the main restaurant/common room. Slept in comfortable shared dorm.
Day 2: left 9.30 am. Around 2 hrs walk to the bivouac refuge ( 3100m approx.) Stashed gear nearby, as advised by Spanish Highs, as the refuge is quite close to a popular long distance path following the old high-level road across the Sierra. Climbed to Mulhacen summit via Collado de Cierro and West ridge, faint path in places, but no other walkers. Fantastic views North to Laguna de la Mosca. Spent a few minutes on summit, several Choughs, Alpine Accentors, which were tame enough almost to eat from your hand. Back at bivvy hut late afternoon, recovered sleeping bags and other gear, rested, cooked supper. Shared hut with party of four Chiropractors(!) and a young Spanish couple from Malaga.
Day 3: Again stashed cooking and sleeping gear, left 9.30 approx to start scramble, initial ascent to col below Puntal de Laguna Larga, geared up, moved together along the ridge, (alpine coils), with some short pitches at the crux (Details in Route 35 in Cicerone Guide!). Reached summit around 1pm. Easy descent via Collado de Ciervo, recover stash, brew, re-pack, walk down to Refugio Poqueira. Paid for dinner and breakfast this time! Enjoyed beers in the sunshine pre dinner.
Day 4: Walked out after breakfast, picked up by bus at Alto de Chorillo approx 12.15pm.
