Overview

Hype:

El Yunque Trail takes you up all the way to one of the highest points in the Forest: El Yunque Peak. This trail is accessed through the Caimitillo or Mt. Britton Spur trails. As the elevation changes, you can observe different trees. Starting at Palo Colorado forest, you will ascend through sierra palms and eventually reach the cool mist of the rain forest at the peak cloud forest. Trail surface is a composite of asphalt, gravel and native stone, and can be muddy in places. There is a rain shelter mid-way along the first half of the trail.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 2-4 hours

Length: 5 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • Hiking Trails
  • Mountains
  • Forest
  • Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas
  • No Drinking Water
  • Marked Trails
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Wildlife and Birding

Links: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recreation/recarea/?recid=43407

Getting There

Navigate to 18.302589, -65.783619.

Maps

Closest City or Region: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

Coordinates: 18.310361, -65.791343

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

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March 29, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Madilyn Dye,

Logistics

Trailhead: 8:45

Trail Junction and Shelter: 9:35

Upper Trailhead: 9:45

Torre Mount Britton Trailhead: 10:10

Finish: 10:15

Story

We hiked up the El Yunque Peak Trail to the trail junction. The actual tower was closed, so we didn't hike all the way to the top. Instead, we made a loop and hiked down the Mount Britton Trail then down the road back to our car. 

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Pictures

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