Gorafe Desert

📍 Granada, Andalusia · Southeast Spain

The least-known desert in the peninsula, featuring badlands formations, absolute silence, and trails not found on conventional maps. Just 90 km from Granada city.

The geographical setting of this desert and its routes mainly range between 570 and 1,200 meters above sea level.

Lowest point (Minimum altitude): Around 575 - 600 meters, usually in the low-lying areas of the ravines (ramblas) and the Gor riverbed.

We will reach a maximum altitude of between 1,050 and 1,200 meters in the high areas of the geological viewpoints and desert ridges (such as the Cerro Miguel area). The village of Gorafe itself is already at an altitude of about 850 meters above sea level.

Depending on the length of the track, the total elevation gain will vary considerably. Single-day loop routes average between 1,100 and 1,700 meters of positive elevation gain.

We will encounter very demanding maximum localized slopes reaching up to 21% inclination. One of the toughest sections coincides with the paved climb from the village toward the plateau and the viewpoints, or on the ascent of certain gullies and ravines where the terrain can become more technical.

Environment

Temperatures by season

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Conditions
January	2	12	Cold, dry
February	3	14	Cold, dry
March	6	19	⭐ Optimal
April	8	22	⭐ Optimal
May	12	27	Hot
June	17	34	Very hot
July	20	38	Extreme
August	20	37	Extreme
September	16	31	Hot
October	10	23	⭐ Optimal
November	6	17	⭐ Optimal
December	3	13	Cold, dry

What to bring