Mulhacén

Mulhacén is the highest peak of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in southern Spain, with an elevation of around 3,479 meters above sea level. It is the highest point on the Iberian Peninsula and the highest point in continental Spain, located on the crest of the range near the boundary between the provinces of Granada and Almería, within the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalusia.

The name Mulhacén is traditionally linked to Muley Hacén, a Moorish king said to have died on the summit; the toponym is commonly interpreted as deriving from his title. The mountain forms part of a rugged, high-alpine landscape with rocky ridges, scree slopes, and limited vegetation. The climate is alpine, with snow often persisting at the summit for a significant portion of the year. The Sierra Nevada region is protected as a national park and is recognized for its ecological and geological importance within a UNESCO biosphere reserve network.

Mulhacén is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. The standard ascent routes typically start from Capileira or Güéjar Sierra, proceeding via the Poqueira Gorge or the northern flank to reach the summit ridge. The climb is strenuous but generally non-technical in good conditions, with round-trip times commonly in the range of 6 to 10 hours depending on route and pace. In winter, the peak is usually snowbound and requires appropriate mountaineering equipment such as crampons and an ice axe.