09. Teide - Pico Viejo - TF 38

Technical information

  • Start: La Rambleta - Pico Viejo Lookout Point
  • Finish: Las Narices del Teide Lookout Point
  • Approval status: Not officially approved
  • Degree of difficulty: High
  • Type of trail: Linear
  • Distance: 9.3 km (12.89 ft)
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Highest altitude: 3,498 m (12.89 ft)
  • Lowest altitude: 2,048 m (12.89 ft)
  • Elevation gain: 109 m (12.89 ft)
  • Elevation loss: 1,521 m (12.89 ft)
  • Links to other trails:
  • Protected Nature Areas:
  • Authorisation required: No

Trail description

This tough trail starts by the interpretation boards at the Pico Viejo Lookout Point (trail number 12). It then heads downwards on an undefined path across the black lava towards the Pico Viejo crater. The walk across the lava is the most difficult part of the trail, which lasts until you reach La Degollada de Chahorra, where the ground is made of pumice stones. You will then walk southbound around Pico Viejo below the edge of the crater, which stands 3,100 m (10,170 ft) high. After that, the trail drops quickly down to Las Narices del Teide, a series of beautifully aligned craters. Bordering around them, the trail continues to the ridge of Lomo de Chío and from there to the TF-38 road. This walk welcomes you to discover the medieval tongues of lava that flowed from El Teide's crater during the last eruption from the peak. You will also see the amazing crater of Pico Viejo, measuring 800 m (2,624 ft) wide, and the eruptive mouths of Las Narices del Teide, which date from 1798 and were responsible for the last eruption inside the National Park.

Hypsometry

Altimetría 9. Teide - Pico Viejo - TF 38 

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.

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Weather Today
Maximum: 21º
Minimum: 13º
Orotava (La). Mostly clear skies, but more cloud cover will develop on Thursday morning. In the afternoon it will drizzle. At night, clear with cloudy periods. Mild temperature dropping.
Remember: Prevention, Information and Knowledge are the key to avoiding unpleasant situations.
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  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.