Canyoning in the Verde River: flora and fauna to observe

Getting to know nature doesn't always mean carrying a magnifying glass in one hand and a field guide in the other. It doesn't mean that these aren't important, it's true, but let's say that, for those of you who find it a bit boring to have to go to the countryside to study, there are other methods.

Active tourism and Adventure activities They offer travelers the possibility of discovering and learning about nature, while enjoying what they are passionate about. And this is possible thanks to qualified local monitors and guides, who go beyond ensuring your safety. Those who make, let's say, a day of canyoning, the sample of the best side of their land, of its green river.

Canyoning in Spain began in the 1980s, and it seems to have been led by French adventurers. At that time, it was Sierra de Guara and its enormous variety of canyons and ravines the one that opened the door of this sport in our land.

Today, fortunately, this sport is enjoyed in numerous parts of our geography. Also in the south of Spain, of course. Thus, the canyoning in the green river, in Granada, has risen in recent years as one of the best canyoning in Andalusia; allowing us to enjoy, in addition to an intense day of emotion, the wonderful nature that surrounds this river.

Therefore, in this post, we help you discover the surroundings of the Verde River, and get to know some of the species of flora and fauna that you can find if this is your canyoning place.

You are ready?

THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE GREEN RIVER

The Verde River owes its name to a notable characteristic: its crystalline, green waters. In addition to being important for having different sections where you can practice canyoning, it is also important for being an ideal place for regular canyoners. hiking in the Andalusian province of Granada.

The Verde River rises in the Natural Park of the Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountains, specifically in the Granada municipality of Otívar. In its 20 kilometers of length it runs, until it empties into the Mediterranean, through the municipalities of Lentegí, Jete and Almuñécar, shaping its landscape.

This river arises after the union of several streams from the surrounding ravines. As it passes, it erodes the limestone material, forming waterfalls and areas of canyons, waterfalls and pools of turquoise waters. All of this contributes to the descent through the green river canyon becomes a splendid adventure.

During the entire route, we found a clean, weed-free riverbed, surrounded by intense riverside vegetation. The best thing is that it has water all year round, and if we are well equipped we will not be too cold, since the river receives sun for much of its journey.

The vegetation that surrounds it

Without getting into technicalities, it is necessary to know what type of soil we are on to understand the vegetation that grows in a place. The terrain through which the Verde River makes its way to the sea is limestone; Therefore, the general vegetation that accompanies it is typical of the Mediterranean forest (rosemary, rockrose and mastic, to name a few).

Among this typical vegetation, however, there are some interesting species, more specific to the area, that are worth highlighting.

One of them is the Erica multiflora or winter heather. It is a characteristic plant of these mountains, which can be seen in flower in the coldest months of the year. It has an appearance that could remind you of a small monster with a thousand heads; But that pink color and the shape of its flowers make it a plant that stays away from derogatory adjectives.

The species Pinguicula vallisneriifolia, better known as Andalusian grass, is a carnivorous plant endemic to the mountains of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas. However, you can also find it in the mountains through which the Verde River runs, such as the Sierra de Cázulas, where a population of this species classified as a differential species of this area has been described.

Despite being a carnivorous plant, you don't have to be scared. As its other name, flytrap, indicates, this plant only feeds on small insects which it catches when they are unlucky enough to land on it.

Finally, another differential species is Thymus granatensis subsp. micranthus. This type of thyme grows on dolomitic soils; and it is also usually found more in the Jaén mountains of Mágina and Cazorla. That's why it's a pleasure to find it in these parts.

Only for intrepid ADVENTURERS

Canyoning in the Verde River is only authorized in a certain area of the riverbed. The first thing you must do to practice it is ask for a permit from the Junta de Andalucía.

Of course, you must also be honest when embarking on an adventure activity like this: know your physical and technical condition, as well as take all the relevant precautions. This is if you are an expert in the field and do not need the help and guidance of a qualified instructor; which, in any case, is always the most recommended.

On the descent, you will find two sections of different levels. The first starts from the confluence with the Madroñales ravine, near the Cueva de Funes waterfall. This is the most technical and exciting part of the ravine. Also where you will find fewer people, since it takes some experience to do it.

This section is short, but very vertical. Several rappels, slides and jumps of different heights must be passed. If you feel strong, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy all of this by doing the complete descent of the Verde River ravine.

The residents of the VERDE river

As we descend the Verde River, absorbed in our adventure, we may have the sensation of finding ourselves alone in the mountains.

Nothing is further from reality. If we spent a few minutes observing and listening around us, we could surely witness some sounds or traces that reveal the presence of other inhabitants.

In fact, this would be a good place for a birding day in Andalusia. And birds are so diverse and have such curious behavior that the simple fact of being able to pick up binoculars and dedicate a little of our time to observing them already helps us recharge our batteries.

Look up at the sky for a moment to try to recognize some birds of prey in flight such as the golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle or peregrine falcon. Of course, this depends, as always, on luck, the time of year and, why not say it, how quiet we are.

You can also encounter a more adventurous animal, the exemplary mountain goat climbers, capable of standing on a tiny surface.

Other small animals, such as the otter, the common squirrel and smaller birds, are also part of the fauna of this area. Although, without a doubt, they will be much more difficult to observe.

The last section: THE CRUZADO CAÑOS

The last part of the descent begins in what is known as Caños Cruzados Waterfall. This is the section that most people usually do, since it is not as vertical, the jumps are lower and there are fewer rappels.

This does not mean that the fun is less. On the contrary. He descent of the classic section of the Verde River It has enough jumps to not leave anyone indifferent. All of this surrounded by hollows, ferns and abrupt vegetation.

If you have not started the descent in its upper part, you will have to reach the Caños Cruzados by taking a short hiking route. This path is as enjoyable as the riverbed; It has small hanging bridges, viewpoints and waterfalls.

Below you can see it with your own eyes in this video from one of our collaborators, the nature experiences company SaltaRíos:

Whether you choose to do only this last section or the complete descent, what is clear is that a day of canyoning in the Verde River is the best option to discharge adrenaline, enjoy nature and learn a little more about the flora and fauna that Located in the beautiful mountains of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama.