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This Exciting Ruta Hidroelectrica is an amazing hike on the edge of the famous Sierra Nevada, Spain. The views are stunning during the hike, and it is great with children.
What to bring for the Ruta Hidroelectrica?
This hike is a perfect way to spend your day. It is definitely a challenge to climb to the top, but it is very rewarding by all the amazing things this hike has to offer. While this hike is not the easiest or shortest, I would suggest bringing at least the following items:
- 0.5L water per person at least; if you go in the summer, make sure to bring more! Some parts of the trail do not have cover from the sun. This brings me to the second point.
- Sun protection; Makes sure to wear sun protection and sunglasses if the sun is out.
- Food; Definitely bring food. It could be a snack or a lunch. There are some beautiful views on the way to stop for a lunch break. One of these lunch ideas would be great to enjoy while hiking: Travel Tempeh Mealprep or a Marinated Tofu Sandwich.
- Hiking shoes; Make sure to wear hiking shoes during this hike as the path can be rough.
- First-Aid Kit; Always bring a small first-aid kit if you are going on a longer, rougher hike.
- Camera/Phone; To take pictures of the gorgeous views and mountain goats.
Now let’s get on with this Exciting Ruta Hidroelectrica hike!
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Little teaser for the hike itself
The hike will follow the old hydroelectrical system, this means you will start with a steep climb up the mountain to arrive at the system. You will then walk next to and into the gully where the water flowed through in earlier years. A simple and short explanation of a hydroelectrical system; The water stays at the same level until it arrives at the reservoir at the top of the mountain. From here the water will make a steep drop. The water drops into the generator at the bottom of the mountain, where a turbine generates the electricity by spinning. For the water to get to the reservoir at the top of the mountain, it has to go through the gully that passes through the mountain. By following the gully, you will also have to pass through the mountain at some points. The views from this height are beautiful.
We had a good view over the fire lanes that were made in the forest on the mountains. You can see the lines where they cut down the trees, these are made to prevent a fire to continue in the next part of the woods. Continuing the hike, you will cross a little river with a small waterfall at the end. You can have a short break next to the river before continuing the hike. While on the hike, make sure to keep an eye out for wild life. We got to see some mountain goats in the forest, just before the end of the trail. We decided not to go down the track to go back to the recreation area, but to continue the path. If you follow the white/yellow signs, you will end up to the road next to the parking curve I mentioned in the beginning.
Where to park and sleep?
It has a newly created parking before the recreation area where you can easily park with a camper. We slept on this parking, which not seemed to be a problem. It can be very busy on the weekend and in the summer, so make sure you arrive early to find a place. There is a barbecue area in the recreation park, but I would not recommend to drive further than the previous mentioned parking area with a big camper. You could drive further with a smaller van, but the road gets old and steep just before the parking areas in the recreation area.
Where to next?
Looking for a small town on the coast of Spain? This might be perfect : Mojácar, Picturesque on the Hill with Amazing Views
Want to go hike more ? This hike is incredible: Caminito Del Rey, Thrilling one of a Kind Hike
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