Sabina Albar Natural Monument
Near Chirivel in the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park is an example of a species of juniper, juniper thunifera, or sabina albar in Spanish.
It has an impressive age, estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 years old. It is the oldest and largest one of its kind in Almeria province.
It is surprising that it has been able to with-stand the summer heat and winter cold for so long. It is located in a mountain valley at 1.600m altitude which is above the natural tree line. It stands alone and isolated in a large valley and is only surrounded by grass.
It has a large number of intertwined branches that extend the dark green foliage that is supported by a thick and sinuous trunk at its base its bare roots stand out.
It was declared a natural monument on October 1, 2003.
The tree's location can only be accessed on foot or by mountain bicycle. It is located at 37°39'52.5"N 2°13'45.2"W.
Drive from Chirivel to the east of the town and take a track with leads under the motorway and then climbs to the hamlet called El Mojanar. The track continues north and where it turns west, park the car and walk the remainder. Here is a link to a suitable route on Wikiloc.
