Lagunillos de la Virgen

Lagunillos de la Virgen is a group of three small mountain tarns on the western face of Sierra Nevada, within the municipality of Dílar, sitting at around 2,950 meters above sea level. This is one of those spots hikers only find once they leave the crowds near the ski resort behind — a quiet basin of granite and water that feels worlds away from the Granada valley far below.

Where exactly are the Lagunillos de la Virgen?

The tarns sit in the upper reaches of the Río Dílar valley, inside Sierra Nevada National Park. Three small basins collect snowmelt and rainwater, and their overflow drains toward the west-southwest, feeding the headwaters of the Río Dílar. It's the runoff from the third tarn, combined with water from the nearby Laguna de las Yeguas, that actually starts the river on its journey down to the fertile Vega de Granada.

How do you get to the Lagunillos de la Virgen?

Most hikers start from Hoya de la Mora, the upper part of the Sierra Nevada ski station, reachable by summer bus service from Granada or by chairlift during winter. From there, the walk to the tarns typically takes two to three hours depending on pace and fitness. The trail crosses classic high-Sierra Nevada terrain — open slopes, rocky paths, and mountain streams — with little to no shade along most of the route, so an early start pays off.

An alternative approach climbs directly from the village of Dílar, following the river valley and passing the Chorreras del Molinillo waterfall on the way. It's a more scenic but longer option for anyone who wants to trace more of the river's course from source to village.

What will you see once you're there?

The tarns themselves are modest in size, but their surroundings are the real draw. They sit amid borreguiles — the high-altitude wet meadows and peat bogs typical of Sierra Nevada, fed by snowmelt and mountain springs. These meadows host numerous plant species found nowhere else but this range. Water from the lakes spreads out through countless small channels that keep the peatlands damp throughout the summer months.

Views from here take in the western peaks of Sierra Nevada and, on a clear day, a distant panorama toward Granada and the Genil valley. The area draws high-mountain trekkers and nature photographers alike, especially in late spring and early summer when the tarns are at their fullest.

When is the best time to visit?

The main hiking season runs roughly from June to October, once snowmelt clears the trails and fills the tarns. Earlier in spring, snow can still linger at this altitude, making the route more demanding and better suited to experienced hikers with proper gear. Summer offers the most reliable access, though the exposed slopes mean strong sun for most of the day — pack accordingly, since shade is scarce along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike to Lagunillos de la Virgen difficult? It's a demanding but non-technical high-mountain trail. Fitness matters given the altitude (nearly 3,000 m) and the length of the approach (2–3 hours one way from Hoya de la Mora), but no climbing gear is needed during the summer season.

Can you drive close to the tarns? Not directly to the lakes, but you can drive or take the bus to Hoya de la Mora, which is the most convenient starting point for most visitors, and continue on foot from there.

Are there other tarns worth visiting nearby? Yes — Laguna de las Yeguas sits in the same area, and its waters join the outflow from Lagunillos de la Virgen to form the headwaters of the Río Dílar. Many hikers combine both stops in a single outing.

Do you need a permit to enter Sierra Nevada National Park? Walking the main marked trails doesn't require a special permit, but it's worth checking current access rules for specially protected zones and any seasonal restrictions before heading out.