Playa del Socorro - Pico del Teide

Access to starting point:
We must arrive on the island of Tenerife and proceed to Playa del Socorro beach, where the described trail begins.

Route description:
Ruta 0-4-0 symbolizes the ascent from sea level to 4000 m.a.s.l. and descent back. In reality, we fall short of that altitude by less than 300 meters.

From Socorro beach, we begin ascending a steep asphalt road to the first intersection with the highway. We continue right along it for about 100 m, then turn left onto a gravel track that later becomes a paved road. At the first intersection, we merely cross the street, and at the next (Calle Tigaiga) turn left. We continue another 300 m or so, then at the intersection by the chapel on our left, we proceed along Camino Vueltas de Icod El Alto street to reach the main TF342 road. We continue on the footpath to Mirador el Lance viewpoint. Above us, Mirador de la Corona viewpoint with numerous transmitters is clearly visible throughout, serving as an orientation point since the trail leads past it. Upon reaching it, a view of the peak opens up. Here we leave the urban environment and begin ascending forest roads and paths. We always head uphill. THERE ARE NO MARKINGS; where they exist, they point to other places not in our direction. When in doubt, choose the steepest path. After a long hike through the forest, we climb above the treeline onto a rocky plateau with sparse scrub. A view towards the volcanic cone opens again. We continue on the path, turn left at the chapel and descend past a wooden fence, crossing a sandy valley. Keep left. At the first intersection, turn right onto path 22 and follow it to path 7, then continue on that. When we reach just below the base of the steep section, no doubts remain. Here the path from the parking lot at around 2400 m joins, and the number of hikers increases immediately. We ascend steeply towards the summit past Refugia Altavista (3250 m) until we reach the control point (3550 m), where we must show the permit and ID document. Without it, we can only ascend to the summit and descend before 9 a.m. The summit offers fine views in all directions. Steam rises from hot rocks, there is a sulfur smell, and a large crowd of people who arrived by cable car.

Descend the same route.

WARNINGS:

- A special permit (Permiso) is required to visit the summit itself; it is free but must be obtained in advance (online), as they will not allow us up without it. Properly assess the ascent start time to arrive at the summit on time - the permit is valid for 2 hours! The trail is unmarked, which may extend hiking time.

- The trail is technically undemanding but nearly 30 km long, requiring over 3700 m of elevation gain. The hike can be shortened by using car, bus, and cable car for parts.

- Cable car available for descent to the valley (27 eur). A bus also runs down from the lower cable car station, but beware not to miss the last bus, which departs a full hour before the last cable car.

- Temperature typically drops by about 25°C en route to the summit, so dress appropriately.

- Protect against the sun and carry sufficient water. If not pre-registered, do not expect meals or lodging at Altavista refuge. Overnight requires reservation; only a vending machine with snacks and drinks available.

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