07. Montaña Blanca - El Teide Peak

Technical information

Trail description

This is, without doubt, the most popular and appealing trail in the National Park. The first stretch follows the Montaña Blanca track, where you will discover amazing examples of explosive volcanic activity and pumice stones. When you reach the slopes of El Teide, you will come to the beginning of the old path that leads up to the Peak, which climbs along the ridge of Lomo Tieso all the way to the Altavista Refuge. The slope is very steep with gradients of up to 60%. That steepness added to the high altitude makes it a very exhausting walk. The path carries on upwards a little less steeply over relatively recent tongues of black lava where the vegetation has still not managed to peep through. The trail ends at La Rambleta, by the La Fortaleza Lookout Point. This hike is only recommended for people who are in good physical condition; people with heart problems are advised not to take it. Worthy of special note are the giant accretionary lava balls at the foot of El Teide. These balls of magma were ejected from the volcano and rolled down the mountainside to the bottom. As you climb, a host of red buglosses decorate the scenery until, at an altitude of roughly 3,400 m (11,155 ft), the vegetation seems to disappear altogether. There are, however, some plant species in the Park that grow at higher altitudes, such as marguerites and the Teide violet.

Hypsometry

Altimetría 7. Montaña Blanca - Pico del Teide 

For your own safety, don't forget to check the condition of the trail.

The competent authority will be responsible for informing you if the trail is not recommendable in the wake of adverse weather conditions, as well as if the trail or part of it is closed, etc.

logo-fress.pngIn case of an emergency, call 112.
Download FRESS 112, available for iOS and Android

Weather Today
Maximum: 22º
Minimum: 13º
Orotava (La). Calm weather all Thursday long. In the evening clouds will alternate with clear skies. Temperatures will remain unchanged.
Remember: Prevention, Information and Knowledge are the key to avoiding unpleasant situations.
read more read less
  1. Make sure you always have somebody else to walk with, stick to the marked footpaths and respect the way of life, privacy and property of the local inhabitants.
  2. If you keep your noise levels down, you will discover just how much life there is all around you.
  3. Take any rubbish with you, even organic waste. This will help preserve the beauty of the scenery and prevent the proliferation of rodents in the area. Take special care with cigarette butts.
  4. Picking up plants, animals or other items from the environment may entail the loss of irreplaceable resources.
  5. The people who take care of these Protected Nature Areas would be very grateful if you let them know about any incidents you may have noticed on your walk. To do so, contact the Environmental Department of the Island Council of Tenerife:

    Área de Medio Ambiente del Cabildo Insular de Tenerife

     

  6. Remember that the Island's environment is as unique as it is unpredictable. It must be enjoyed responsibly and sensibly. Take special care in natural areas and don't forget that accidents can happen at any time.
  7. Pay attention to signs.
  8. Check the weather forecast to make sure the conditions are suitable.
  9. Wear suitable clothing and footwear for hiking and always pack your mobile phone, sunscreen, a hat, a coat, a waterproof, enough food and plenty of water in your backpack.
  10. Let your family and/or friends know which route you will be taking and bear in mind how many daylight hours you will need to complete it.