In the Sierra de Ricote, in the Murcia region, we find a little-known place, perfect for discovering without crowds or preconceived ideas. We are talking about Pico de los Almeces, a peak with an altitude of about 1,120 meters, which offers incredible views towards the Segura river valley and several other peaks of the mountain range. This place offers an ideal opportunity to find a real hiking experience, on original paths, wild nature and few tourists.
If you are interested in discovering more about Pico de los Almeces, its route, the best viewpoints, its fauna and flora, and directions to get there, don’t miss this article. Then, start preparing for your next trip to the Murcia region.
What is the route to Pico de los Almeces like?
The route to Pico de los Almeces has a medium difficulty. This means that it can be done by anyone who has some experience in mountain hiking, without requiring high technical skills or specialized equipment. With adequate physical fitness, it is possible to do this 12 or 16 kilometer route (depending on the chosen starting point) in about 4-6 hours. It is a circular route, with an accumulated elevation gain that can reach 1,000 meters, and that is why it must be done with a constant and calm pace.
During the route you will pass through narrow paths, wide areas and forest tracks, and this variety helps to maintain motivation. You will find some rockier areas, with some ramps that may require more strength and even the use of your hands, but there are no dangerous areas or exposed steps. The best? The silence, the tranquility and the views when we reach the highest part of the route.
Best viewpoints in Pico de los Almeces
If you are going to take the route to Pico de los Almeces, you will be interested to know the best viewpoints that you can find, and that will offer you unique views of the spectacular Murcian landscape. The Ricote Valley is a place with an aesthetic very characteristic of this region, with a special combination of palm trees, cultivated fields, the Segura River and several orchards of various sizes, all surrounded by the mountains.
When we reach the highest part of the route, we discover other nearby mountains, such as the Sierra de la Pila and the Sierra del Oro, which create an exciting feeling of being in the high mountains. Reaching the end, discovering the geodesic vertex and being able to eat something while enjoying the views is a gift. If you can be at that point during sunset, even better.
Flora and fauna of the region
In this area of the country you can find a lot of vegetation and native fauna of great biological interest: the Aleppo pine, the savins, kermes oaks and holm oaks, as well as the mastic trees, give a magical color to this place. When winter passes, the colors and smells of lavender, thyme and rosemary begin to emerge.
The animal species that you can spot in Pico de los Almeces, although with some difficulty, are mainly birds of prey such as the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon, which fly in the altitude driven by the hot air currents. You can also spot wild boars, foxes and rabbits, as well as reptiles of various types. It is a place with a lot of nature, which will fill you with emotion and a feeling of connection with Mother Earth.
Preparation for the route
The route to Pico de los Almeces is not complicated or too demanding, but for everything to go well, you have to be prepared. This means having mountain shoes and clothing, for good adaptation to the terrain and weather conditions. A GPS and a map are indispensable elements for orientation, and a backpack with water and snacks is essential to avoid problems. Remember, also, that it can be cold at the top, because the winds are less predictable, and that the sun is dangerous at any time of the year: you should wear sunscreen, glasses and a hat.
How to get to Pico de los Almeces
To get to Pico de los Almeces, you must first go to Ricote. From this place, the car journey to several starting points of the route is easy and short; you can do it in less than an hour on the RM-B15 road. Ricote is a municipality of Murcia, where there are some restaurants for you to gather strength before your route, or to replenish energy after your trip. Near Ricote there are other towns with services, such as Blanca, Archena and Cieza. You will not be able to reach Pico de los Almeces by public transport, so it is advisable to use a private vehicle.
Explore Pico de los Almeces
Pico de los Almeces is a route for explorers, for those looking for an almost wild natural environment, with few people and a lot of silence and tranquility. Reaching the highest point of the Sierra de Ricote will make you feel very good, both for the physical challenge and for the feeling of connection with nature. If you are going to visit Murcia, add Pico de los Almeces as a point of interest: you can do this route during a weekend getaway or during a longer vacation.
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