PR LP 11. ROQUE DE LOS MUCHACHOS – PUNTAGORDA

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  • DISTANCE: 17.1 km.
  • DIFFICULTY: Average. The path is physically demanding due to the large height difference involved. The presence of snow can also make transit of the high zones difficult or even impossible.
  • ACCUMULATED ASCENDING LEVEL: 0 mt.
  • ACCUMULATED DESCENDING LEVEL: 1710 mt.
  • ESTIMATED TIME OF GOING:  4:45 hrs.
  • ESTIMATED TIME COMING BACK: 5:45 hrs.
  • RECOMMENDED TIME OF THE YEAR: Any time of year but beware of snow in winter.
  • GETTING TO THE TRAIL: By road, with a private vehicle or taxi.
  • BASIC RECOMMENDATIONS: Habitual precautions common to hiking in general are listed below. At the risk of sounding obvious, here are some of the most important:

    • Check weather forecasts before setting off to hike.
    • Don´t go alone.
    • Tell someone your intended destination and expected time of arrival.
    • Carry a small rucksack with warm clothing, waterproofs, food and plenty of water. 
    • Don´t forget such simple items as: sun hat, protective cream and sun glasses.
    • Carry a mobile phone with fully-charged battery, a map and, if possible, a compass. They will probably never be used but, when required, are of vital importance.
    • Wear suitable gear, especially footwear: trekking boots or similar are essential, trainers or pumps are to be avoided, habitual precautions common to hiking in general are listed below.
  • REMARKS: Not a very long, but nevertheless a solitary route implying a certain degree of commitment. Most walkers start from the helipads at the foot of Roque de los Muchachos, since the last section to the summit itself follows the road, until the path, which disappeared decades ago, is eventually recovered. The route should not be undertaken after recent snowfalls as the high zone becomes covered by a layer of hardened snow and transit is extremely hazardous. Furthermore, the path sometimes disappears, the markings are no longer visible and it is easy to get lost. The low part of the path lends itself to tailoring hikes to suit individual requirements, by combining different footpaths forming part of the Network.