PNT 36 Alto de La Fortaleza Loop Trail

PNT 36 is a 2.19 km (1.36-mile) loop across the high plateau of Alto de La Fortaleza. It climbs and drops about 93 m (305 ft), and the route estimate is about 1 hour 15 minutes at low difficulty. It starts and ends at Cruz de Fregel on PNT 29. You reach that junction on foot from PNT 29 or PR TF 41, so the approach is extra. One route description lists 1.7 km; the mapped circuit is 2.19 km, so plan around the longer figure.

The route crosses a broad volcanic shelf where the vegetation stays low and turns bright with spring flowers. Some of the plants are more typical of the Canary Islands' high mountain than the neighboring pine belt. Across the Abeque ridge, Canary Island pine runs toward the foothills of the Teno Massif. The trail is short, but stays high, around 2,100 m, and it is not classed as accessible for people with reduced mobility.

The southern stretch follows the rocky outcrop above Cañada de Los Guancheros, a natural balcony about 100 m above the basin. This is the walk's defining view. The rim is also the main hazard: expect uneven ground and loose rock on a steep slope, stay on the marked route, and keep well back from the edge.

Late afternoon can bring the sun down behind La Palma, whose silhouette stands out on the horizon. From the southern rim, frame the Cañada below with the island beyond. Access is free and needs no reservation, but the loop's start has no direct road access. No parking or visitor facilities are listed at Cruz de Fregel, so add the connector walk and carry what you need.