Cascada de los Bolos

Cascada de los Bolos is a small, scenic waterfall on the Dúrcal river, in the town of Dúrcal in the Valle de Lecrín, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Granada province. The water tumbles into a deep natural pool ringed by smooth, rounded boulders — known locally as "bolos" — which is exactly where the waterfall gets its name.

How do you get there?

Dúrcal sits roughly 34 km south of Granada city, so it's a drive of just over half an hour. The usual starting point is near the Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria Valle de Lecrín on the edge of town, where hikers leave their cars and set off on foot. The route follows an old Moorish-era acequia (irrigation channel) that runs alongside the Dúrcal riverbed. You can walk along the bank of the channel or wade straight through it — many visitors choose the latter, since on a hot day the cool, ankle-to-knee-deep water is part of the appeal.

The full loop covers about 10 km with roughly 185 m of elevation gain, taking around 4 hours at a relaxed pace. It's rated moderate: the climbs themselves aren't steep, but the ground is often wet and slippery, so every step needs a bit of attention.

What will you see along the way?

The main draw is the waterfall itself — a cascade dropping into a natural pool carved out by the water over the boulders below. It's a natural spot to stop, rest, and in warmer months, take a dip. Along the route you'll also pass the acequia, a living reminder of how the people of the Valle de Lecrín have channelled meltwater from the Sierra Nevada for irrigation for centuries. The surrounding landscape is classic for this part of Andalusia: rocky slopes, dense riverside vegetation, and terraced orchards.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer is the ideal season, since the trail's water sections offer welcome relief from Granada's high temperatures. In spring, snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada often raises the water level, making the waterfall more dramatic but the route trickier and more slippery underfoot. In autumn and winter, the flow is usually lower.

What should you know before setting out?

Because a large stretch of the route runs through the river or over wet, slick rocks, proper footwear is essential — closed hiking shoes or dedicated water shoes give better grip and protect your feet. It's also worth carrying drinking water, a snack, and a towel if you're planning to swim in the pool beneath the falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to Cascada de los Bolos? The full loop is around 10 km and takes about 4 hours at a walking pace, with roughly 185 m of elevation gain.

Is the trail difficult? The distance and elevation gain are moderate, but a good part of the path runs through the riverbed or along the wet acequia, so non-slip footwear is essential.

Where does the name "Cascada de los Bolos" come from? It comes from the round, smooth boulders (called "bolos" in Spanish) that surround the pool at the base of the waterfall, shaped by years of water erosion.

Can you swim there? Yes, the pool below the waterfall is a popular swimming spot, especially in summer, though the water is cool and the rocks can be slippery, so caution is advised.