Pico de Malpaso (Highest Peak of El Hierro)

The highest peak on El Hierro at 1,501 metres above sea level, located on the central mountain ridge (Cumbre) that runs the length of the island. The summit is accessible via a well-signposted hiking trail from the HI-1 road near the Doña Sila recreational area — the route is approximately 5 km one way (3 hours round trip, moderate difficulty, approximately 250 m elevation gain from the trailhead). The summit itself is marked by a modest cairn and a trigonometric station. On clear days, the 360-degree panorama is extraordinary: the entire island of El Hierro spreads below, La Gomera and Tenerife (with Mount Teide at 3,718 m) are clearly visible to the east, La Palma to the north, and the vast Atlantic stretches away in all directions. The summit area is often cloaked in cloud from the trade winds — the persistent mist creates the conditions for the island's cloud forest vegetation. The trail passes through Canarian pine forest (Pinus canariensis) and high-altitude shrubland (fayal-brezal). Free access. Best hiked in the early morning for clearest views before the trade wind clouds build up. The peak is also known by the name **Pico de Malpaso** on some maps, though local usage favours "Pico de Malpaso."