Pico Almanzor
2,591 m
Spain
Also known as pic Almanzor, Almanzor, +1Also known as
pic Almanzor · Almanzor · Альмансор
- Elevation
- 2,591 m
- Prominence
- 1,689 m
- Difficulty
- 4/10
- Alpine hike
- Best Season
- Jul
- Routes
- 1
RegulationReported 26 Feb 2026 · until 31 Dec 2026
Plataforma de Gredos car park regulation for 2026: EUR 3 per car per day (EUR 5 campervans/vans with trailers, EUR 12 buses), charged 08:00–18:00 from October to June and 08:00–20:00 from July to September.
patrimonionatural.org
Routes
1Sources differ: PD (Camptocamp (with snow in the Crampón gully, usually until early summer)) · III (montanasdelsur.es (4 m step below the summit, II+ to III depending on conditions))
The classic northern ascent: a well-made path from the Plataforma de Gredos (1,770 m) over Los Barrerones to the Refugio Elola (1,950 m) by the Laguna Grande, then boulder gullies to the Portilla del Crampón (about 2,530 m) and a short scramble (II, one step to III) round the summit block. About 1,350 m of ascent, 8–9½ hours return.
Elevation Profile
- Distance
- 8.9 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +1,093 m
- −253 m lost on the way up
- High Point
- 2,591 m
- Time Up
- 5h 16m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 4h 08m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
From the car park at the Plataforma de Gredos (1,770 m), at the end of the AV-931 above Hoyos del Espino, follow the waymarked PR-AV 17 path to the Laguna Grande. It climbs gently over the Prado de las Pozas to the shoulder of Los Barrerones (about 2,180 m), where the Circo de Gredos and the Almanzor come into view, then descends to the Laguna Grande and the Refugio Elola (1,950 m) in about 2–2½ hours. Many parties sleep here. Behind the refuge, head up Hoya Antón towards the obvious Portilla Bermeja (2,416 m). About 100 m below that col, turn right into a narrower gully, invisible from below, that leads to the notch of the Portilla del Crampón (about 2,530 m). In spring and early summer this gully holds hard snow (upper half about 40°, exit about 45°) and crampons and an ice axe are needed; later it is loose scree. From the notch follow the white paint dots on a rising traverse across the south (west) side of the summit tower, over blocks and cracks, to a last rocky gully with a few easy grade II moves (a 4 m step can feel II+ to III); there is a bolt at the top for belaying or a short abseil. Allow about 2 hours from the refuge (3.4 km, 650 m of ascent). Descend the same way to the refuge. A good alternative return climbs from the Laguna Grande path to a col at about 2,300 m, crosses the Morezón (2,389 m) and follows the broad main ridge east to the Puerto de Candeleda (about 2,010–2,080 m), from where a faint cairned path drops north to rejoin the Plataforma path about 15 minutes above the car park. The Crampón gully and the summit block are the most dangerous parts in winter, when they are often icy.
Start
La Plataforma1,752 m
- Limited buses to the Gredos villages; a taxi service runs from Hoyos del Espino to the Plataforma. Most people drive.
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Plataforma → Refugio Laguna Grande | 6.7 | 439 | 243 | 2h 47m |
| 2 | Refugio Laguna Grande → Pico Almanzor | 2.2 | 653 | 10 | 2h 29m |
Waypoints
- Parking: La Plataforma1,752 m
- Shoulder: los Barrerones2,127 m
High point of the path; first view of the Circo de Gredos (not on route line)
- Hut: Refugio Laguna Grande1,947 m
- Feature: Portilla Bermeja2,418 m
Aim for this col; turn right about 100 m below it into the Crampón gully
- Col: Portilla del Crampón2,538 m
not on route line
- Summit: Pico Almanzor2,591 m
Key Passages
- Los Barrerones shoulder
- Boulder gully from Hoya Antón towards the Portilla Bermeja
- Crampón gully (snow to 45° in spring and early summer)
- Rising traverse and final gully on the summit block (II, step to III)
Equipment
0/8 packedDownloads
Route confidence 80%Overview
The highest summit of the Sierra de Gredos and of Spain's Sistema Central (2,591 m), a granite tower above the glacial Circo de Gredos and its Laguna Grande. A long walk to the Refugio Elola is followed by bouldery gullies and a short, easy scramble to the top.
Almanzor rises at the heart of the Sierra de Gredos, in Ávila province, on the divide between the Tormes valley to the north and the Tiétar valley to the south, about 150 km west of Madrid. It is the highest point of the Sistema Central, the chain of granite ranges that crosses central Spain, and stands at the back of the Circo de Gredos, a deep glacial cirque holding the Laguna Grande. The area is protected as the Parque Regional de la Sierra de Gredos, known for its Iberian ibex, which are often seen close to the paths.
The mountain is a jumble of granite towers, slabs and boulder-filled gullies. From the north it is a long but popular day or a relaxed two-day trip with a night at the Refugio Elola by the lake. The last 150 m are the real climb: a gully that holds snow well into early summer, then a rising traverse and short rock gully with grade II moves to a small, airy summit.
In winter and spring the Circo de Gredos is a classic training ground for Spanish mountaineers, with snow gullies and mixed routes; in summer the normal route is mostly a hard walk with a little scrambling. Summit heights of 2,591 m and 2,592 m are both published.
Climbing Notes
Fitness for a 8–9½ hour day with about 1,350 m of cumulative ascent, sure-footedness on boulders and scree, and comfort with a few easy, not very exposed grade II moves are needed. Altitude is not an issue. Most people start early from the Plataforma or sleep at the Refugio Elola (booking compulsory, liner compulsory) and climb from there in about 2 hours.
When there is snow in the Crampón gully, usually until late June or early July and from late autumn, the route becomes a PD snow climb with slopes to 45°: crampons, ice axe and the skills to use them are essential, and the summit rocks can be icy. In winter the Circo de Gredos is avalanche terrain and the weather can be severe; consider a guide (guides work from the refuge and Hoyos del Espino). In summer the main risks are heat, thunderstorms and loose stones in the gullies; follow the white dots between the notch and the summit.
The Plataforma car park is paid and fills early on summer weekends; arrive before 9:00 or walk/cycle in.
History
The first ascent was very probably made in August 1865 by Spanish geodesists. The first known ascent by mountaineers was in September 1899 by Manuel González de Amezúa and José Ibrián Espada, and González de Amezúa also made the first winter ascent, on 7 March 1903, with three companions. The Refugio Elola by the Laguna Grande is named after José Antonio Elola.
Season
Best Jul- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Possible
- April: Possible
- May: Good
- June: Good
- July: Best (best window)
- August: Good
- September: Best
- October: Good
- November: Possible
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Winter mountaineering; crampons, ice axe and avalanche awareness essential
- Feb
- Winter conditions; refuge open daily only at weekends and holidays
- Mar
- Snow climbing season in the Circo de Gredos
- Apr
- Spring snow; ski touring in the cirque until late April/early May
- May
- Snow in the Crampón gully (PD); good spring conditions for experienced parties
- Jun
- Snow patches remain in the gully early in the month; refuge open daily from June
- Jul
- Usually snow-free; hot in the approach, start early
- Aug
- Hot; afternoon thunderstorms; car park full early
- Sep
- Pleasant temperatures and stable weather
- Oct
- Cooler; first snow possible late in the month; refuge open daily until October
- Nov
- Early winter; ice in the gullies
- Dec
- Winter mountaineering only
Access & Permits
- Hut Booking
- Refugio Elola (Refugio Laguna Grande de Gredos): reservation compulsory for overnight stays; tel. +34 920 207 576 or refugiolagunagrande@gmail.com.
- Fees
- Plataforma de Gredos car park (2026): EUR 3 per car per day, EUR 5 for campervans and vehicles with trailers, EUR 12 for buses; charged 08:00–20:00 from July to September and 08:00–18:00 from October to June; free on foot or by bicycle
- Refugio Elola: overnight with half board about EUR 32 (2025 prices, discounts for federated members)
- Rules
- Parque Regional de la Sierra de Gredos: access to the Plataforma is regulated by a barrier at km 7.5 of the AV-931
- Getting There
Hoyos del Espino
Madrid-Barajas (MAD)
- Car: Madrid – Ávila – Hoyos del Espino, then the AV-931 (12 km) to the Plataforma de Gredos car park; about 2¼ hours from Madrid
- Taxi service from Hoyos del Espino to the Plataforma
- Public transport to Hoyos del Espino is limited; check regional bus timetables from Ávila or Madrid
Hazards
- Rockfall
- Avalanche
- Weather
- Exposure
Huts & Shelters
1- 1,950 m
Refugio Laguna GrandeRefugeStaffedBooking required
65 beds · Staffed daily June to October; weekends and holidays the rest of the year; unstaffed winter room for about 10–20 people