PNT 06 Montaña de los Tomillos

PNT 06 is a 3.18-mile linear trail from its junction with PNT 01 near Roque del Peral to the PNT 07 junction at Montaña Blanca. Allow about 2½ hours for the trail itself and expect a steady climb of roughly 1,600 feet to 2,532 m. It is marked medium, but this is a high-country hike, not a casual stroll. Both ends are reached on foot from other trails, so sort out your return or connection before setting off; retracing the line means hiking it back uphill or downhill in the opposite direction.

The PNT 06 fork is about 20 minutes on foot from El Portillo Visitor Centre along PNT 01. That approach is not included in the PNT 06 distance above. From the other side, the route connects with PNT 07; the junction is not a road-accessible pickup point. The route is free and does not require a reservation.

After leaving PNT 01, the trail climbs almost continuously toward Montaña Blanca. The volcanic pumice makes the ground pale and rough, with gravel underfoot. Montaña de los Tomillos, the dark volcanic cone in the middle stretch, stands out sharply against the lighter slopes. The route gets steeper as it reaches the Montaña Blanca track, so save a little energy for the finish.

This is an old ascent path used by Teide's early explorers and by people who collected sulphur and ice on the mountain. That history fits the route: it climbs through exposed volcanic ground rather than linking a string of overlooks or circling a summit.

Codeso and retama grow among pumice on the lower part of the walk. Near Montaña Blanca the vegetation thins in the wind, but the Teide violet grows in this high zone. The trail is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. Pets are not allowed; guide dogs are the exception.