A MUCH-LOVED landmark locally, Dique 24 was built in 1943 as a bridge and dam to control any flood water flowing down the Rio Chico riverbed from the Sierra Nevada mountain peaks. A surprise flood could be caused by heavy rainfall and snow melt. A century ago, before climate change took hold, there would have been more snow.
One of the most notable aspects of the Dique 24 is its eye-watering 30 meter drop to the south side. If you get close to the structure, from below, you will see the beautiful brick work and attention to detail. If you’re lucky, water will be running, and you’ll be treated to the sight of a fast-moving waterfall (‘cascada’ in Spanish).
The bridge part of Dique 24 over the Rio Chico – with that huge 30m drop – is not something to explore. In the past, there were no warning signs or concessions to ‘health and safety’. Approaching from the north part of the dam, you might not even realise that the drop existed! However, a recent reform of the Dique location and GR7 walking trail between Cáñar and Soportújar has made the area safer and easier to navigate. However, take care if you have lively dogs running into the water above the dam, and playing close to the edge. Or daredevil friends!
A pleasant stopping point on the famous GR7 hiking trail
Dique 24 is a known stop-off point on this beautiful stretch of the GR7 hiking trail. Marked with red and white signposts, the GR7 is an ancient walking route running from Tarifa, through Spain, to Andorra, and France. The stretch from Cáñar to Dique 24 takes about 45mins. From Dique to Soportújar, the hike is around an hour, depending on your fitness level and whether you pause to enjoy the view. The route is graded as “medium difficult”, as there are some steep and rockier stretches.
When you reach Soportújar, the village famed for its witchy theme (‘brujas’), you can explore the attractions, enjoy refreshments in local bars, and buy souveniers. However, during weekends and public holidays, the town is very busy and it is difficult to be served. In more tranquil Cáñar, at the other end of the route, you can enjoy the two bars – Bar Piki and Los Angeles.
Rain creates a cascade
Until the ‘biblical’ rainfall that occurred during spring 2024, the Dique 24 was – for a long time – running dry. Locals were missing its impressive ‘cascada’ (waterfall). However, thanks to the snow melt that is still flowing from the high peaks, the Dique 24 currently has ‘mucho agua’. On a warm day, you can bathe in the natural dip pools that have formed (although don’t dip close to the drop!).
If you need to cross the Rio Chico beside the Dique, a large tree trunk has been placed (or fallen!) as a makeshift bridge. Although it’s not for the young or elderly, this is perfectly traversable if you take care. From the nearby stone staircase taking you on to the GR7 on the Soportújar side, you can sometimes see a rainbow effect refracting across the waterfall. A beautiful and rewarding site during your hike!
Dique Dos and Don’ts
DO:
Take drinking water in a bottle.
Consider at least one hiking pole or wooden stick.
Wear walking boots with sufficient tread.
Take your camera / smartphone to record the running waterfall.
DON’T
Ignore the warning signs and get close to the 30m drop.
Let your dog get near the edge OR knock you off a steep part of the walking path.
Proceed carelessly down the steep path that goes under the Dique on the south side, and fall down it.
Leave any rubbish.