Laguna del Caballo

Laguna del Caballo is a high-mountain lake in the Sierra Nevada, sitting at the foot of Cerro del Caballo peak in the Lanjarón river valley, within the municipality of Lanjarón, Andalusia.

Where is Laguna del Caballo located?

The lake sits in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada range and is the southernmost of all the glacial lagoons found there. It lies in the Lanjarón river valley, right at the base of Cerro del Caballo, the peak that gives the lake its name. This is the point where the long approach from the town of Lanjarón ends and the true high-mountain stretch of the route begins.

How do you reach the lake from Lanjarón?

The longest and most classic route starts in the town of Lanjarón itself. It follows the Camino Real de la Sierra, running parallel to the Lanjarón river, and passes several landmarks along the way: Casa Forestal de Tello, Refugio de Ventura, and finally Refugio del Caballo, located right next to the lake. The climb is steady and continuous, and at a comfortable pace with a full overnight pack it takes around 6 hours.

Shorter approaches start near Cortijo de Echevarría, in the municipality of Nigüelas — this variant is especially popular in winter, as it's the most commonly used way to reach the summit of Cerro del Caballo during the colder months.

What are the summer route options?

In summer, hikers can combine different approaches and returns. The lake can be reached via the so-called Verea Cortá path or directly alongside the Lanjarón riverbed. The way back is often taken along a different line — either the mountain ridge or through the Dílar lakes area — which lets hikers cover several of the Sierra Nevada's high-altitude lagoons in a single trip.

Who is this route suited for?

This is a route for experienced mountain hikers. It's long, climbs steadily the entire way, and demands solid fitness, particularly when carrying overnight gear on the way up. Laguna del Caballo and the nearby Refugio del Caballo function as the natural staging point for a summit push on Cerro del Caballo, so most people who take this route are aiming for the peak rather than a day walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Laguna del Caballo? In the southern Sierra Nevada, in the Lanjarón river valley, within the municipality of Lanjarón, at the foot of Cerro del Caballo peak.

How long does the hike from Lanjarón take? The classic approach from the town of Lanjarón takes around 6 hours of steady, continuous climbing, usually planned as part of a two-day trip.

Is there a shorter way to the lake? Yes, a shorter approach starts from Cortijo de Echevarría in the municipality of Nigüelas and is especially popular during winter.

Can you stay overnight near the lake? Yes, Refugio del Caballo sits right by the lake and is passed on the route from Lanjarón — it serves as the base for hikers heading up to the summit of Cerro del Caballo.