April 13th, 2003 | The lowdown by Jeffrey Goodkind

Hiking the Sierra Nevadas.

If Granada is getting too small for you and you want out, taking a trip to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains provides an excellent escape. At this time, since the crowded ski season hasn´t kicked in yet, the summer bus schedule is sparse. There is only one bus that heads out to the mountains from Granada, which leaves at 9:30 am. From the city center, take the number 3 bus to the central bus station, or take a taxi out there (It will cost you about 3 dollars for the whole trip). You can buy your bus tickets at the gate, and from there, sit back and relax for the panoramic hour and a half climb up to the ski village.

The second highest mountain in Spain! is the Mulhacén - 3482 meters above sea level - and extremely accessible. I found it almost mocking to hike up while vans zoomed by on the access road near the trail. However, the 2-3 hour walk is well worth it, and although taxing, it´s possible. The trails aren't really marked, so you are free to be creative and find your own way up the peak. Just be careful. Another option is to take the paved road up. There were quite a few families and senior citizens taking this route as well.

If hiking isn´t your thing, then bring your mountain bike. The single track here is extensive on this bald mountain. If physical exercise isn´t your thing, or that nine o´clock bus ride was too early for you, have a glass of beer at the one of the mountaintop cafes - one of the more relaxing things I´ve done in my time here in Granada. Be careful, though, as the owners of the two cafes won´t let you put their different tables together if you have a large group, and if you have trash and are sitting in one cafe´s seats, do not throw trash in the other cafe's trash. I´m talking from experience here. ¡Qué lastima!

One more thing - there is an abandoned observatory on a small hill very close to the two bars. Go over, check it out, climb upstairs and walk out onto the railing. It's a calming view. Soak it in. Last bus leaves there at 4:30.