{"id":18390,"date":"2024-06-25T11:57:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-25T09:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=18390"},"modified":"2025-06-23T10:41:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T08:41:20","slug":"graveling-in-geoparque-de-granada-unimaginably-beautiful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/spanje\/andalusie\/gravelen-in-geoparque-de-granada-onvoorstelbaar-mooi","title":{"rendered":"Graveling in Geoparque de Granada - beautiful beyond imagination"},"content":{"rendered":"

The camper's door slides open. Two sleepy heads look around the corner of the door. On a stray Wednesday in May, these camper fans do not expect gravelers. Let alone some gravelers disturbing their serene tranquillity. But nothing could be further from the truth. While we are already making noise and taking pictures, getting ready for a cool gravel adventure, the motorhome owners are stretching out once more. Coffee first and then they'll see. Where are we? In the Geoparque de Granada<\/a>, just under an hour northeast of the famous Spanish city. We left the Alhambra behind for a while, as today the gravel adventure calls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Geoparque de Granda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those who have never heard of the Geoparque de Granada, here is a brief intro. So the park is located about 45 to 60 minutes north of the city of Granada, in sparsely populated areas. It has an area of almost 4,800 km2 and took its main shape in the Quaternary, the geological period 2.5 million years ago. It is a UNESCO designated geo site and everything about it in terms of tourism is founded on 'sustainability'. That means no mass tourism, hiking, a bit of cycling, that work. That this is a gravel haven, I did not know beforehand. What's hot: I had never heard of the Geoparque until this trip. But now that's completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These views are not to be sneezed at<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is this Arizona?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we get our bikes ready, I am already photographing adrift. I see a beautiful hairpin bend and think: I must have it! The guides of TunTunTrip<\/a> laughing at me just barely. 'Wait my friend, we'll have many more'. Ok, I do anyway. We roll out of the car park with our new bikes, onto the red gravel. Soon I look around and think: am I in Spain now? Or is this Arizona? Beautiful red rock formations, colouring with the sun, that sometimes seem almost neatly carved into the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gravel riding in Geoparque de Granada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Badlands country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Badlands<\/a> is a grass event that captures the imagination of many. The event has become a very popular happening, for which tickets sell out pretty quickly. Not coincidentally, this also starts in this beautiful Geoparque. Of course, this also produces the beautiful, dramatic images. That is also exactly what we see when we drive around in it. Digging in the Geoparque de Granada is every time the film set you think, is this real? On the 30-kilometre route, it's highlight after highlight. Sometimes you can see for miles, other times you are in a gorge and can find dwellings where nomads have lived. The park is millions of years old, so history is there for the taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The mountains in the background, with snow peaks, make it surreal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beautiful round through the park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We end up making a lap of about 30 kilometres and are still met halfway by our support car. We then get some food and drink, which is very welcome. As it gets hot quite quickly. So oiling up is a must. Meanwhile, we take cool photos of the vast desert backdrop. Bikes go up in the air, there is laughter, but when we start climbing again later, we hear the bikes and legs creak. After all, what you're going to find here is not always flat. The climbs are short and vicious, but at the top you again get the reward of the view of the red rock formations. So that colour red changes with the time of day. So every time it looks different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This could just be in Arizona, New Mexico or Utah. Enjoy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips when graveling in Geoparque de Granada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Despite the temperature being around 20 degrees, it gets hot very quickly in this Geopark. So make sure you have FULL water with you. In fact, there is no water point anywhere, except in the village at the end of our route. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Your phone's range is also pretty poor, so prefer not to go out alone, but at least in pairs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You do need wide tyres. At least 40mm, with good studs is nice for this environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • We encounter many bikepackers who are packed and packed. There are several routes right through the park. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Gravel riding in Geoparque de Granada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This route takes you through the Geoparque de Granada and this route really comes highly recommended. Near Gorafe, you will find the most beautiful spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n