Los Lavaderos de la Reina “the Queen’s washing place” or Circo de las Covatillas is a glacial origin landscape that could be more typical of Nordic areas. It is one of the most emblematic routes of the Sierra Nevada National Park; they owe its name to Queen Fabiola of Belgium. She, who fell in love with the place visiting it several times, said: If a queen came to wash here, she would win in nobility.

The best time to do this route is during the thaw, from the end of May to the end of June, from the town of Güéjar Sierra.

They are about 20 kilometers and of moderate difficulty, about seven hours around the 2,500-meter mark. We will amaze by the immensity of the Mulhacén, Alcazaba, Veleta, Los Machos peaks... which now show their greatness very closely. There are lush meadows fed by mountain springs, snowfields and snowdrifts, and snow tunnels. The melting snow feeds the gushing streams of the Chorreras de Covatillas. It is a fairytale place whose water descends, as we return to the starting point, along the route of the “Acequia de Papeles” water canal.

This route is especially interesting for geology and botany. We can enjoy little “Estrellas de las Nieves” (“Stars of the snow”, one of the exclusive species). The incredible tones of the typical Sierra Nevada meadows, “Borreguiles” and peat bogs: ochres, intense greens, reddish and even purple, will fascinate us.

The equipment and previous information about the area and weather conditions are essential in Sierra Nevada. And why not? Hiring the services of a qualified guide is a very good option.

At the reception at La Almunia del Valle Eco boutique Hotel, you can get all the information because “Los Lavaderos de la Reina” is a place that, with justice, is one of the most beautiful in the entire sierra. And it goes without saying that the routes are always made, taking care of our mountain!