PR LP 7: Los Sauces to Pico de la Cruz

An insight into the hike:

From Parque Antonio Herrera in Los Sauces, PR LP 7 climbs from town level to the island's highest crater rim. Terraces, old water channels and the historic El Regente mill accompany the early section. Mirador Llano Clara opens a view into Barranco del Agua, while later branches lead towards Las Barandas and the bridge in the Los Tilos area.

Above the laurel forest, Canary pines take over. The route gains height without respite, joins PR LP 8 and eventually crosses LP-4. In open summit vegetation, only the final climb remains to 2,351-metre Pico de la Cruz and its exceptional view into Caldera de Taburiente.

At 14.4 kilometres with an extraordinary 2,178 metres of ascent, this is among the island's hardest one-day traverses. Nearly eight hours on foot, major temperature changes and few recovery sections demand exceptional fitness, a very early start and stable weather.

Return transport from the high zone must be firmly arranged; never rely on an improvised ride. Cloud, wind or time loss require a clear early bailout decision. Sunhikes documents the complete ascent, optional side visits and the summit connection.