Ruta de la Ascensión al Pico Jabalcuz

MUNICIPAL TERMS BY WHICH IT RUNS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Given the nature of continuous ascent, it is recommended to make successive stops and hydrate properly. For the stay at the summit and for the descent, it is essential to have a warm garment. In winter it is not strange that the final section is snowed or beaten by strong winds. On the descent it is recommended to maintain a moderate speed. In spring and summer it is advisable to climb first thing in the morning. Another alternative, when the path is well known, is to climb at night and contemplate one of the best starry skies imaginable. It is recommended to start the tour at the P.K. 11,800 of the Vía Verde, in the old Torredelcampo station.

DESCRIPTION

The itinerary of this ascent begins at Torredelcampo Station (km 11,800 of the Vía Verde del Aceite), located at 620 meters of altitude, and ascends to the summit of Mount Jabalcuz, at 1,614 meters. Its summit is a magnificent viewpoint of the landscape from the interior of Andalusia, from which you can perfectly observe the encounter of the Betic Mountains with the Guadalquivir Depression. From the town center, along a paved slope, we go to Cerro Miguelico (km. 2,400), a promontory that houses an interesting Iberian site (necropolis carved out of the rock), well known for being the place where the Hermitage of Santa Ana is located. In this place there is a picnic area, with a fountain to replenish water. Continuing along the same road we pass by the La Bañizuela forest, and later through an active quarry. At km 4,900 we find the remains of another abandoned quarry. A kilometer later we come to a stone house surrounded by a grove of walnut trees, which we will border on the path to the right. In the following detours we will always continue in front, along the main lane. At kilometer 7,600, in a clear area, we find a crossroads, where we will always continue along the main lane (we will neglect one detour to the right and two to the left). After this crossroads we have in front of us a valley and the Devil's crest: the ascent begins in the mountain area. At kilometer point 9,600 we find the barrier that only limits the passage to motor vehicles. The pine forest accompanies us to the Puerto del Aire (1,030 m.), At kilometer 12,200 from where for the first time we enjoy the landscapes of the eastern part of the province of Jaén (in the background Parque Natural de Sierra Mágina). It only remains for us to finish the ascent to the end of the lane (km 16,400). A path, less than 100 meters, takes us to the summit, where the fire watch house is the perfect viewpoint. From this place the view in any direction is quite an experience. From this summit you can see a large part of the province of Jaén, up to its limits with Córdoba and Granada. We are on the edge of the high Andalusian mountain: be careful with hydration and shelter! Towards the north, the entire countryside extends (the route of the Vía Verde del Aceite being observed almost entirely) and the Guadalquivir Valley, up to Sierra Morena. Towards the south, with clear days, the line of peaks of the Sierra Nevada will be observed, including the highest summit of the Iberian Peninsula, Mulhacen, 3,481 m. To the east, the horizon extends from the peaks of the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park to the roof of the province, Pico Mágina (2,197 m), in the natural park of the same name. The western panorama is reserved for the Sierra de la Grana and the Cordoba countryside. At this summit the municipalities of Jaén, Torredelcampo and Los Villares converge, these towns that can be seen from a bird's eye view during the ascent and from the summit. The return can be made by the same uphill path, towards Torredelcampo, or by diverting towards Jaén at Puerto del Aire (detour down to the east) along a lane with similar characteristics. After 4,400 km. going down (always in this alternative towards Jaén) we find another barrier. 3,600 km. more lead us to the C-3221 road, which is accessed by the service road in the residential area of ??the old Jabalcuz spa, which leads us to Jaén. In front of this intersection there is a rural accommodation with a restaurant ("La Casa de Piedra"). From this point we pedal 4,500 km. more to the city of Jaén. Either of the two descent routes is a reward for the effort made.