Climbing Mount Teide (3718 m) - The Highest Peak Of Spain + Fossilized Lava Turtle

Tenerife is one of my all-time-favorites and those who followed my previous posts know this only too well. Today I want to share our story and a couple of amazing photos of this truly remarkable hike. We made it a 2-day 21 km roundtrip which few people ever do. Enjoy.

First, let's take a look at our destination.

My description as I wrote it down in my travel diary:

This 2-day hike to the peak of Mt. Teide (heighest point of Spain) takes about 3 hours on the first day up to 'Refugio Altavista' (trail Nr. 7) where you spend the night (21 € p.p. - make reservation in advance) and another 5 hours on the second day (trails Nr. 9, 10 and 28).
On the first day you pass the so called 'Huevos del Teide' which are giant volcanic bombs once spit by Mt. Teide. Once you arrive at the refugio (3200m altitude) you can continue to a small ice cave (no ice in summer) some 200 meters higher to get used to the altitude. The refugio opens at 5pm and is equipped with a stove where you can prepare a meal. There is a water vending machine selling 0.5 liters for 1.20€ in the evening and 3€ in the morning (you should try to bring as much water as possible). 16 persons per room and lack of oxygen make the night not too comfortable.
On the second day you should start at 6 o'clock to reach the peak by sunrise. Enjoy the stars and city lights of 'La Orotava'. Trail Nr. 10 leads you to the top of Mt. Teide (3700m) and it takes about 1.5 hours from the refugio. You can access the peak without permit before 9am and after 5pm. Walk slowly to minimize adverse effects due to altitude. Once on top (0 °C) you can smell sulphur and see the shadow cast by Mt. Teide extend to 'La Gomera' (weather permitting). On clear days you have sweeping views of the entire Canarian archipelago. The crater itsself is an unspectacular gravel pit.  
Your descent back to Boca Tauce includes Pico Viejo and two black volcanoes called 'Narices del Teide'. The landscape is even more spectacular than on the first day.  

So that's where the trail starts with elevation profile. We began our ascent in the late afternoon. I carried a 8-liter water canister for 2 persons because water was said to be so expensive at the refuge ;) 

Passing 'Huevos del Teide' (Teide Eggs)

Going higher and higher with view of Montanita Blanca

Eventually arriving at 'Refugio Altavista' (3200m) to spend the night.

As there was still daylight we set out to find a mysterious 'Ice Cave' (off-season -> no ice)

Sleeping was hard because of the altitude and snoring people.

Getting up early to make it to the top before sunset and to evade rangers demanding a permit. La Orotava glowing in the dark. It was cold and breathing was hard. The altitude took its toll.

Dusk sets in, but visibility is very poor because of a rare phenomenon called Calima (Sand of the Sahara Desert blows over and ruins your views) 

Finally at the top. The volcanic crater is a pitiful gravel pit and the wind is blowing cold like ice :-)

With no views of the neighboring islands, let alone the phenomenon when the Teide volcano casts a shadow on La Gomera. Somewhat disappointed we look back. Cool cloud shape though.

Heading for 'Pico Viejo' (3100m) - beautiful colors with the sun slowly rising.

We feel like on Mars when looking back to El Teide.

Approaching the black-sanded 'Narices the Teide' (nostrils) - Amazing.

Alien rainbow-colored rocks (Can anyone tell me what they're made of?) . Don't dare to take them with you :-)

Fossilized Lava Turtle? Or just one of the most beautiful rocks I've ever seen.

Spiders also call it home.

Teide 'lowland' (2000m) vegetation on our way down.

That's it - even though it was physically demanding I'd recommend it to everyone. Truly remarkable landscape and an amazing adventure. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section.

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