Overview

Hype:

The Trail: Starting at the trailhead sign, the trail ascends rapidly through the Sierra Palm forest, crosses two rushing mountain streams and then intersects with Forest Service Road 10 (closed to public vehicle traffic). The hiker turns right and continues along this road for approximately 500 feet, where it intersects with the remaining portion of the trail. The trail leads steeply upward through the Cloud Forest – take a right towards Mount Britton Tower or go straight or left to continue onto El Yunque Peak.

The Tower: Constructed of stone, the tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937-38, becoming the tallest of the Civilian Conservation Corp towers with stone masonry.  On a clear day the tower’s observation deck offers a panoramic view of the forest, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the eastern coastal plain.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 1-2 hours

Length: 1.6 miles round trip from Torre Mount Britton Trailhead

Elevation Gain: 700 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

Links: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recreation/recarea/?recid=43409

Getting There

Navigate to 18.298547, -65.791046.

Park at the Mt Britton Trailhead.

Maps

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

Coordinates: 18.301001, -65.793173

Interactive 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