Pico Almanzor

Mountain Highest peak of Sierra de Gredos, popular ascent

Rising above Sierra de Gredos, Pico Almanzor is the range’s highest peak; hikers tackle steep trails and scrambles for glacial cirques, high meadows and long-distance views across Castile and León.

Main image
Main image

Pico Almanzor is the highest mountain of the Sierra de Gredos in central Spain and the tallest point of the Sistema Central. Its summit reaches 2,592 metres above sea level and is a prominent granite peak in the province of Ávila.

The peak is a popular objective for hikers and mountaineers, approached via established mountain tracks and refuges in the Gredos massif. Routes vary in technical difficulty and may require scrambling on the final sections depending on conditions.

Historically the peak has been a principal landmark of the Gredos range and serves as a focus for regional mountain activities and conservation. It lies within natural areas that protect the high-mountain ecosystems of central Spain.

Geographically it is located in the province of Ávila in Castile and León, within driving distance from regional towns and mountain trailheads in the Gredos range.

  • Elevation and status: At 2,592 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Sierra de Gredos and the highest point of the Sistema Central mountain range.
  • Climbing conditions: The summit is composed of granite and is commonly reached by hikers and climbers from mountain refuges in the Gredos range; snow can persist on higher routes into late spring.
Pico Almanzor
Sierra de Gredos, Province of Ávila, Castile and León, Spain
40.2461, -5.2976
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Open year-round (mountain access; check local conditions)
Free (mountain access); guided climbs may have local guide fees

Tips for Visiting Pico Almanzor #

  • Start very early from the Plataforma de Gredos/Hoyos del Espino approach (the classic trailhead) - the ascent to Pico Almanzor is a full-day mountain route and early starts avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowds.
  • Check recent mountain and snow conditions before attempting the summit: snow and ice can persist outside winter and technical equipment or experience may be required in shoulder seasons.
  • Plan as a proper mountain outing rather than a short walk: allow enough time for the round trip, and pick a clear-weather day to get the best views from the summit.

Best Time to Visit Pico Almanzor #

The best time to attempt Pico Almanzor is in summer (June-September) when snow and ice are at their minimum and routes are most accessible.

Summer (best for summiting)
June-September · 5-20°C in valleys; summit temperatures often near or below 0°C
Most reliable window for climbs when snow is reduced; mountain conditions can still be cool and changeable-proper gear required.
Winter and spring (snow/ice risk)
October-May · often below 0°C at higher elevations
Heavy snow and ice make routes technical and increase avalanche risk; only for experienced mountaineers with winter equipment.

Weather & Climate near Pico Almanzor #

Climate

Pico Almanzor's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1506 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° – 0°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° – 0°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4° – 2°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

1°
Feels Like Cold
1°C
Temperature
-3° – 4°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.3
UV Index
High
13.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
1° – 9°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
14.3h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

64 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
6° – 15°
40%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.8h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and clear sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° – 21°
29%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
14.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
9° – 20°
30%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

74 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
6° – 16°
42%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
2° – 8°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

1°
Feels Like Cold
1°C
Temperature
-2° – 4°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (204 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4° – 1°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

204 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

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