Information
Landmark: Pico de MalpasoCity: El Hierro
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe
Pico de Malpaso, El Hierro, Canary Islands, Europe
Overview
Pico de Malpaso rises as the tallest point on El Hierro, the tiniest of the Canary Islands, where the wind smells faintly of salt, also rising 1,501 meters (4,924 feet) above sea level, it dominates the island’s volcanic landscape and opens up sweeping views of rugged mountain ridges, the glittering coastline, and distant neighboring islands.I think, Here’s a closer look at Pico de Malpaso: it rises in the heart of El Hierro, not far from the quiet town of La Frontera, tucked into the island’s rugged northwest, meanwhile the island’s volcanic landscape holds rugged mountains, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys, and at its heart, a striking volcanic cone towers above the land.El Hierro, born from volcanic fire, boasts a rugged landscape of hardened lava, sunken craters, and ravines that plunge into shadow, while from Pico de Malpaso, you can take in the whole island at a glance, and on a clear day, the silhouettes of La Gomera, Tenerife, and La Palma rise on the horizon; El Hierro itself, Pico included, took shape over millions of years through relentless volcanic fire.Funny enough, The island belongs to the Canary Archipelago, a chain born from grinding tectonic shifts and fiery volcanic blasts that once sent ash drifting into the sea air, in conjunction with pico de Malpaso’s summit rose from ancient lava flows and relentless volcanic forces that carved the island’s jagged spine; around it, black lava rock crunches underfoot, basalt cliffs loom high, and rusty-red scoria dots the slopes.From the summit, you can observe ancient lava fields and weathered craters, their edges softened by centuries of wind and rain, simultaneously pico de Malpaso’s trails draw hikers and outdoor lovers from all over, for the most part Several trails wind up to the summit, but most hikers set out from La Dehesa on the mountain’s north side, where the path begins beside a line of weathered pines, as well as the trails vary in difficulty, but the climb’s tough-steep switchbacks twist over loose, sharp rocks, a little Reaching the summit of Pico de Malpaso isn’t a stroll-it’s a moderate to tough climb that demands solid fitness, especially on the final steep, rocky stretch, as well as the trail winds over black volcanic rock, crunches across stony paths, and slips beneath the shade of thick forest, almost As hikers climb higher, the path opens to the wind and sky, the air crisp against their cheeks, along with reaching the summit usually takes three to four hours, though the pace depends on fitness, with the return down taking about two to three.Along the way, the trail reveals sweeping scenes-deep green valleys, sheer coastal cliffs, and distant mountain villages, after that at the top, the view stretches across El Golfo Valley, the jagged coastline, and a scatter of volcanic peaks.Mind you, When the sky’s clear, you can glimpse the ocean spill out toward the neighboring islands, their shapes hazy in the distance, and it’s no wonder photographers love this spot, simultaneously on the lower slopes of Pico de Malpaso, thick stands of laurel and pine crowd the hillsides, their damp scent drifting in the humid air typical of the Canary Islands, perhaps As you climb higher, the altitude thins the vegetation until only hardy shrubs and tufts of grass cling to the rocky ground, as well as near the summit, you’ll spot rare natives like the El Hierro pine (Pinus canariensis) and delicate Canary Island ferns.Overhead, buzzards and eagles ride the wind, gliding above the deep, sunlit valleys, simultaneously far below, the forests shelter small birds-robins hopping between branches and bright yellow canaries singing in the leaves.Rabbits, wild goats, and other small mammals roam the area, while lizards-like the rare El Hierro giant lizard-often stretch out on warm rocks beside the trails, consequently from the top of Pico de Malpaso, the whole island of El Hierro unfolds in a sweeping 360‑degree view.Below, the island’s jagged volcanic ridges roll away toward the El Golfo Valley, past La Frontera, and down to the sunlit curve of the southern coast, and from the summit, you can spot the jagged peaks of other island mountains, like Pico de los Santos and Pico de la Peña.On a clear day, the Atlantic stretches out in deep blue, with La Gomera, Tenerife, and La Palma etched against the horizon, simultaneously at sunrise or sunset, the horizon glows with shifting bands of gold and crimson, spilling light over the ocean and the island’s rugged volcanic slopes.For hiking Pico de Malpaso, spring and autumn are ideal, with gentler weather that makes the climb far more inviting, not only that higher up, the air turns crisp and cool, perfect for an easy-paced hike.In summer, the lower valleys of El Hierro can feel hot under the midday sun, but the summit’s gentle breeze gives hikers a welcome break, not only that start early in the day so you can climb before the heat settles in.In winter, the summit can be bitterly cold, with the air damp from occasional rain or a thin veil of mist, yet the trails feel quieter, almost empty of tourists, also this time of year, it pays to be ready for sudden shifts in mountain weather.One moment the sky’s clear; the next, a cold wind cuts through and mist rolls in, especially higher up, so pack for warmth and protection, subsequently bring the right gear-layers for changing weather, a warm jacket, and sturdy boots that grip well.The path to Pico de Malpaso winds over rocky ground and climbs steeply in spots, moreover watch your footing and pause often so you don’t wear yourself out.As you can see, Pico de Malpaso rises ahead as one of El Hierro’s most iconic peaks, challenging hikers and rewarding them with sweeping views of the island’s wild, wind-brushed landscape, subsequently rising as El Hierro’s tallest peak, it draws hikers eager to explore the island’s rugged volcanic slopes and take in sweeping views where ocean meets sky.Whether you’re chasing rugged trails or just pausing to breathe in the pine-scented air, a trip to Pico de Malpaso leaves you with memories you won’t forget.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-08
