El Pijaral Trail is a circular walk through the Reserva Natural Integral del Pijaral, a strict nature reserve of just under 3 km² in the Anaga mountains of north-east Tenerife, protected since 1994. The route starts at La Ensillada on the TF-123 and covers about 6.4 km with around 570 m of ascent and descent, through laurel forest and tree heath. It is known for its moss-covered trees and ferns, and walking it requires a permit.
El Pijaral Trail
Circular trail through misty, moss-hung laurel forest in a strict nature reserve, walked by permit only.
- Entrance
- Permit required; walking without one risks a fine.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access at the car park or on the trail; the path is narrow, muddy in places, with around 570 m of ascent.
- Parking
- Free car park at La Ensillada, at the trailhead; fills from late morning.
- Difficulty
- Moderate: a circular walk of about 6.4 km with around 570 m of ascent and descent, on a muddy, slippery path with narrow sections; about 2.5 to 2.75 hours.
- Transport
- La Ensillada bus stop, beside the trailhead car park (stops 1511 and 1487).
- Advance booking
- A permit is required; arrange it before you go.
- Hours
- Open at any time; a permit is still required.
- Address
- TF-123, 38129 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
What makes it special
From the first metres at La Ensillada the path drops into a green tunnel: laurel and tree heath twist over the trail and lean low across it, their trunks wrapped in thick moss, with ferns lining both edges. The reserve takes its name from the píjara, a giant chain fern that grows in its damp gullies.
The trade winds push cloud straight through the forest, so much of the walk happens in mist, cool and dripping, with the ground soft underfoot. The damp suits fungi, and anyone who likes spotting them will move slowly. This is one of the last remnants of the laurel forest that once covered much of southern Europe. The trail runs quiet and enclosed for most of its length, and a few openings give views out over Anaga.
Good to know
- Permit first. El Pijaral may only be walked with a permit, and walking without one risks a fine. Sort it out before the drive up.
- Footwear with grip. The path turns muddy and slippery in the mist, and some sections are narrow. Hiking boots are the right call.
- Bring water. There are no toilets and no drinking water at the trailhead or nearby.
- Winding road. The TF-123 climbs in tight bends with narrow stretches; a smaller car is easier, and come prepared if you get car sick.
- Dress for cloud. Mist, cool air and damp clothes are the normal state here; pack a waterproof layer.
Getting there
The approach is the TF-123, which winds up into Anaga and narrows in places before reaching La Ensillada. The free car park sits at the trailhead, with the La Ensillada bus stop and an information board right beside it.
The car park is easy early in the morning and fills from late morning. When it is full, park further away and walk back to the start. From there the loop sets off on foot straight into the forest, and the path is easy to follow throughout.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning, when the car park at La Ensillada still has room.
Avoid: arriving late morning or in the afternoon, when parking gets hard, and the days straight after rain, when the track turns to deep mud.
The trade winds drive cloud through this forest much of the time, so plan for mist and wet ground whatever the season.
Access & restrictions
El Pijaral is a reserva natural integral, a strict nature reserve and the highest level of protection on the island's protected-area map. Access is by permit only, and walking the trail without one risks a fine. Keep to the marked path, and leave plants, ferns and fungi where they grow.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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El Pijaral Trail on the map
Cloud keeps the path wet, muddy and slippery, and some sections are narrow. Wear boots with a good grip and take the descents slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to walk El Pijaral Trail?
Yes. The trail runs through a strict nature reserve, and walking it without a permit risks a fine. Arrange the permit before you go.How long does the walk take?
The loop is about 6.4 km with around 570 m of ascent and descent, and takes about two and a half hours to two and three-quarter hours including a few short breaks.Is there parking at the start?
Yes, a free car park at La Ensillada on the TF-123. It is easy early in the morning and fills from late morning; when it is full, park further away and walk back.What should I wear?
Hiking boots with a good grip and a waterproof layer. The forest is often in cloud, and the path gets muddy and slippery.Are there toilets or drinking water at the trailhead?
No toilets and no drinking water at the trailhead or nearby. Bring enough water for the whole loop.