Spain

Sensational Sierra Nevada

Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$2,615 P.P.

OPTIONAL E-MTB DEPARTURES

We offer this holiday with an e-MTB only departure as well as regular trips where you can choose a normal bike or a pedal assist e-MTB hire. Boost your riding off the beaten track! Our e-MTB only departures offer experienced riders the chance to enjoy a phenomenal e-mountain biking adventure with Skedaddle. Hire one of our quality e-mountain bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride. You may choose to hire an e-MTB on a regular tour date for this holiday but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

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A true classic, our mountain biking holiday in the Sierra Nevada mountains is designed to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding for experienced mountain bikers. We have the opportunity to explore seldom-ridden trails through the high mountains.
We have E-bike exclusive departures for those looking to enjoy the journey with a group of like-minded e-bikers. Please see our dates and prices section to see which departures are exclusively for e-bikes.
Our Spanish team is convinced that mountain biking Sierra Nevada provides some of the finest riding you will experience anywhere in Europe. Our take on the Sierra Nevada adheres to the Saddle Skedaddle ethos of exceptional place to place cross country and enduro MTB tours. The terrain is natural, so while you wont see many berms or drops there are frequent sections requiring good bike-handling skills.
The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range in Spain, rising well over 3000m. The range was first inhabited by the Moors and Berbers that were driven out of Granada in 1492 at the end of the Christian Reconquista, and who created a cultivated hospitable land with villages linked by paths, and with orchards and allotments watered by snow melt from the high sierra.
These paths and waterways, along with trails walked by shepherds for centuries have made the Sierra Nevada a mountain bikers Shangri-La. Our Sensational Sierra Nevada, Spain trip is almost a full loop of the Sierra and takes in the very best of these trails, providing a fantastic showcase of the area.
Please note that the exact itinerary for the Sensational Sierra Nevada holiday is subject to trail conditions in the mountains. The intimate local knowledge of our guides allows us to alter the route to best suit the current conditions.

Highlights

  • Remote technical riding on seldom visited paths
  • Impressive views of the Sierra Nevada’s highest peaks
  • Testing climbs and descents on natural terrain
  • Re-fuelling on tasty local cuisine
  • Endless free-flowing trails through a bikers paradise
  • The beautiful white villages of Moorish origen in the dramatic Poquiera Valley

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An amazing and brilliant holiday. Technically demanding, fun, awesome scenery and top rate guides. It’s the best biking I’ve done!

Alex, UK

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Malaga - Transfer Guejer Sierra

After arrival into Malaga airport we have a 2-3 hour transfer up to the mountain village of Guejar Sierra, perched on the northern edge of the the Sierra Nevada National Park and beneath the huge mass of the highest mountain range in mainland Spain.

We have time to build up our bikes and maybe stretch the legs before tucking into some traditional mountain cuisine.

Day 2
Guejar to Calahorra
31 Miles / 48 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

For the first day’s ride we set you up with an absolute classic and head straight into the remote mountains. Local riders’ eyes light up when they talk about this route that takes in some incredible biking and awesome views of the north faces of Mulhacen (3482m/11,400ft) and Alcazaba (3371m/11,000ft).

A testing climb will set us up for an incredible rollercoaster ride high above the gushing Rio Maitena along the famed Cuerda de Alguacil. At the high-point at 2336m/7400ft on the summit of Las Catifas we can take in impressive views of the dramatic Lavaderos de la Reina trail and map out our way from here. The descent takes in some great varied singletrack taking us deep into the Mediterranean forests and pastures of Camarate, high above the Rio Alhama.

Winding our way through pastures and pine forests we’ll pass ancient farms and drop steeply to cross the Rio Alhori before a last testing climb to the mountainside refuge at Posterio Alto Mountain where we can take a replenishing picnic lunch with a view of the snow-capped Picon de Jerez.

It’s a fantastic post lunch ride with four amazing sections of sinuous forest singletrack that finish with fast and furious flow!

A short spin takes us to our digs for the night in the castle-topped village of Calahorra.

Day 3
Calahorra to Cadiar
28 Miles / 45 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

After breakfast the vans will be loaded for an uplift to the Puerto La Ragua (2000m/6500ft) missing out the 1000m/3250ft asphalt slog.

As the sun rises and lights up the snow on the El Chollo mountain top high above us a lightening fast track throws us onto some exhilarating singletrack through thick pine, crossing Barrancos (ravines) and pastures.

A good track will climb us high, passing the waterfalls of Las Chorreras, a great spot to re-fill water bottles and take in some food.

Our support drivers and guides know a thing or two about feeding hungry cyclists. A delicious spread of locally cured jams and cheeses, fresh salads, pasta or rice dishes and many other local specialities along the way, all served up in nature’s own dining room. Expect to be well fed all week!

We pick up smooth paths that pass the summit of Cerro Gordo 2083m/6800ft before the singletrack drops steeper and into the dramatic Berchules gorge passing ancient water mills and acequias (irrigation channels) masterminded by the Moors.

We’ll pick up a long distance footpath, the GR7, that winds its way along rocky ridges, through pines and spits us out in the white village of Berchules.

The last trail is an absolute cracker as we take on the ‘El Fuerte’ singletrack that clings to the olive clad hillside high above the Barranco de Cimboa. The trail takes us down over 1400m as it runs fast and smooth into slate steps and back again and doesn’t let up until it hits the Rio Guadalfeo high on the adrenaline running through your veins!

An absolute blast, will take us down technical and smooth trails, through ancient villages, olive and almond groves to deposit us at our beautiful country hotel for après bike refreshments.

Day 4
Cadiar to Fondales
25 Miles / 40 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

True to form in getting to ride the very best trails of the area we’ll uplift back up into the Sierra before you embark on a meaty climb to the 2000m/6500ft mark. With great views of the highest peaks on the Peninsular and the dramatic Trevelez gorge we will take on ‘Noah’s’ trail. An ancient mule track that hugs the precipitous mountainside. The finale of cobbled switch-backs really tests your skills before arriving in the village of Trevelez.

The villagers claim they inhabit the highest village in Spain at over 1400 metres (but actually isn’t) and is renowned for curing some of the tastiest Jamon in Spain (which is true!).

After coffee and a touch of Jamon tasting we get cracking with climb high above the iconic Trevelez gorge. We head through smallholdings and almond groves before some cracking singletrack switchbacks.

The trail to come is worth every drop of sweat you’ve expended. Fast flowing singletrack dips and winds through the forest with glimpses of the mountains towering overhead.

We’ll cross plenty of refreshing barrancos on the way before heading into some more fast, rocky switchbacks through a dramatic gorge to bring us to our nights rest in the pretty white village of Fondales.

The local bar dishes up terrific food with great views and atmosphere.

Day 5
Fondales to Capileira
20 Miles / 32 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

The number one objective today is to give maximum fun! We’ll uplift you to 2000m and after a short climb, take on some tasty, lengthy singletrack that weaves high across the sierra until we reach a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Poquiera gorge dotted with white villages.

After a scenic lunch with views up the valley, you’ll be able to see the Refugio Poquiera over 1000m above dwarfed by the looming southern slopes of Spain’s highest peaks. The afternoon will be filled by trying the best of the infamous Poquiera valley singletrack. Switchbacks, fast and flowy and technical rock descents await until we can´t take anymore.

We will stay the night in the highest village in the valley, Capileira, with inviting plazas, incredible views and delicious local cuisine.

Day 6
Capileira to Orgiva
23 Miles / 38 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

What a fantastic place to wake up, one and a half thousand metres up in the Sierra Nevada National Park. As the sun rises on the peaks and the chill of the night subsides, we´ll embark on one incredible day that will see us descending over 1800m!

Easy trails heading past a view point will lead us to beautiful sweeping singletrack along an ancient irrigation channel, taking us into forests and past huge dramatic cliffs. The singletrack becomes testing before it takes on another long smooth traverse, dropping us past picturesque villages and deep into the Poquiera gorge for a nerve calming lunch stop.

A steady track climb leads us to a terrific undulating singletrack, linking villages, crossing streams and pastures until it throws us into the final descent of the week, down the awesome Rio Lanjaron for a fitting finale. Back down to civilization in Orgiva it’s time to celebrate what we’ve achieved during the week in grand style.

Day 7
Departure Orgiva - Transfer to Malaga
  • Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to pack your bags for the last time and say farewell as we transfer you to Malaga Airport (AGP) for onward connections.

Why not stay a few days in Malaga?

Malaga is a great place to relax and unwind after a week on the road and if you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been here!

Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion in the last decade, with half a dozen new art galleries, a great port area and Soho – an uber cool art district.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The Sierra Nevada is serious mountain biking country. You will be experiencing a range of terrain over the course of the week with frequent narrow, exposed trails and steep, rocky and sometimes loose descents.

There are some road sections and 4×4 tracks to get us from each section of trail to the next but be have sought out the best options to maximise our off-road time.

While we use vehicle uplifts on some days, there is still a substantial amount of climbing involved each day and a good level of fitness is required to get the most out of this holiday (even on the e-bike departures). We’d expect all riders on this tour to have mountain biking experience, and be confident taking on the technical terrain and challenging nature of a grade 4 holiday.

There is an option of using an e-MTB on this holiday, as well as e-MTB exclusive departures. Please note, if opting for an e-MTB on a standard departure, the pace of riding will be set by the hybrid riders. If you are interested in riding an e-MTB on this holiday please click here for more information.

guided-mountain-bike-holiday-spain-sierra-nevada.jpg

Mountain Biking Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 4 : Challenging

Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day

For regular mountain bikers who have a good level of fitness

Routes with frequent moderate to difficult technical sections

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

As well as keeping a good level of fitness you are also an experienced biker and enjoy riding more challenging trails. You usually ride most weekends and can cover between 30 and 50 miles over a full 8-9 hour day (with breaks). The routes you choose generally include more challenging 1-2 hour long climbs perhaps with sharp switchbacks and sections of large and loose rocks. You are comfortable riding most trails including sections of technical or exposed singletrack with some testing obstacles such as drop offs and steep downhills. Our grade 4 trips should suit you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Well planned, researched and executed! The guides knowledge and ability to dynamically change the route due to trail conditions made the experience a memorable one.

Simon, UK

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
* 09/03/2025
Return Date
15/03/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,615.00
Start Date
* 22/03/2025 E-Bike Departure
Return Date
28/03/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,615.00
Start Date
05/10/2025 E-Bike Departure
Return Date
11/10/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,615.00
Start Date
19/10/2025
Return Date
25/10/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,615.00
*

Late Availability

We want you to know which tours are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid

E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

F) GPX files available on request

G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Malaga airport (AGP)

H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Malaga airport (AGP)

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts in Guejar Sierra and ends at Orgiva.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival and return transfers from Malaga Airport (AGP) will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

Most nights you’ll be sharing either a double or a twin room, usually ensuite, in 2 and 3 star hotels or guesthouses.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, we have bikes available to rent.

Rental bikes are typically Giant Trance full suspension Trail bikes. These are set up tubeless with disc brakes, dropper seatposts and quality components.

Our e-mountain bikes are typically Reign E+2 full suspension mountain bikes.

If booking onto one of our e-bike departures, only e-MTBs will be available.

Our bikes come equipped with at least one bottle cages and water bottle, a seat post bag containing: puncture repair kit, multitool, inner tube (unless the bike is tubeless) and pump.

We can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets at the time of booking.

If you choose to rent a bike from us you are welcome to bring your own saddle with you, and if you would like to use SPD/clipless pedals you will need to bring these with you.

If you choose to bring your own e-bike, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

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