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, not only that 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.Here’s a closer glance 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, at the same time 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, not entirely El Hierro, born from volcanic fire, boasts a rugged landscape of hardened lava, sunken craters, and ravines that plunge into shadow, not only that 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.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, to boot 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, loosely From the summit, you can observe ancient lava fields and weathered craters, their edges softened by centuries of wind and rain, moreover pico de Malpaso’s trails draw hikers and outdoor lovers from all over.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, not only that the trails vary in difficulty, but the climb’s tough-steep switchbacks twist over loose, sharp rocks.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, after that the trail winds over black volcanic rock, crunches across stony paths, and slips beneath the shade of thick forest.As hikers climb higher, the path opens to the wind and sky, the air crisp against their cheeks, meanwhile 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, as a result at the top, the view stretches across El Golfo Valley, the jagged coastline, and a scatter of volcanic peaks, moderately When the sky’s clear, you can spot the ocean spill out toward the neighboring islands, their shapes hazy in the distance, and it’s no wonder photographers love this spot, what’s more 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, moderately 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, and far below, the forests shelter minute birds-robins hopping between branches and radiant yellow canaries singing in the leaves, slightly Rabbits, wild goats, and other slight mammals roam the area, while lizards-like the rare El Hierro giant lizard-often stretch out on warm rocks beside the trails, besides 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, in turn from the summit, you can spot the jagged peaks of other island mountains, like Pico de los Santos and Pico de la Peña, more or less On a clear day, the Atlantic stretches out in deep blue, with La Gomera, Tenerife, and La Palma etched against the horizon, then 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, while higher up, the air turns crisp and cool, perfect for an easy-paced hike, a little In summer, the lower valleys of El Hierro can feel sweltering under the midday sun, but the summit’s gentle breeze gives hikers a welcome break, as a result start early in the day so you can climb before the heat settles in.In winter, the summit can be bitterly icy, with the air damp from occasional rain or a thin veil of mist, yet the trails feel quieter, almost empty of tourists, while this time of year, it pays to be ready for sudden shifts in mountain weather.One moment the sky’s clear; the next, a chilly wind cuts through and mist rolls in, especially higher up, so pack for warmth and protection, and 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, equally important watch your footing and pause often so you don’t wear yourself out.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
