It is situated in Almería province in the municipalities of Chirivel, Maria, Vélez-Blanco, Vélez-Rubio.

It was designated a natural park in 1987 and covers 226.7 km2 (87.5 sq mi).

The park encompasses pine forests and supports a varied flora, including some species unique to the Sierra.

[1] Its highest peak is the María, a limestone outcrop of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft).

There is a butterfly subspecies of parnassius apollo, which is endemic to this area.