Refugio El Pilar - Image 1
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Refugio El Pilar

4.5
·111 reviews·El Paso, Spain

A vital trailhead and scenic picnic spot in La Palma, offering access to volcanic hikes and beautiful pine forests.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Refugio El Pilar - Image 1

Refugio El Pilar

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital trailhead and scenic picnic spot in La Palma, offering access to volcanic hikes and beautiful pine forests.

4.5
(111 reviews)

"A meticulously arranged picnic spot featuring barbecue facilities, along with convenient access to captivating hiking trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Convenient parking available, making it easy for motorists to start their adventures.

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Hiking paths are clearly signed, guiding you through volcanic terrain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ruta de los Volcanes

Ruta de los Volcanes

Starting point

Trek across volcanic landscapes with stunning views of the island and neighboring islands.

Volcán El Duraznero

Volcán El Duraznero

Near Refugio El Pilar

A relatively accessible volcano hike offering a taste of La Palma's volcanic heart.

Picnic & Barbecue Area

Picnic & Barbecue Area

Refugio El Pilar grounds

Enjoy a meal amidst pine forests with barbecue pits and picnic tables.

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Planning Your Visit

Trailhead Hub

Refugio El Pilar is a key starting point for many La Palma hikes, especially the Ruta de los Volcanes. Arrive early to secure parking, as it gets busy. Check weather forecasts; conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Picnic Paradise

This spot is a popular picnic area with barbecue facilities and water. It's a great place to refuel before or after a trek. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep this beautiful natural area pristine.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Paso por Las Deseadas y avituallamiento Refugio de El Pilar
transvulcania
2.5K likes • 94.9K views

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Convenient parking available, making it easy for motorists to start their adventures. Reddit

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Hiking paths are clearly signed, guiding you through volcanic terrain. Reddit

We closed Gravel Ground among volcanoes. 🌋🚴‍♂️ 52 km and +670 m from Refugio El Pilar to Los Cancajos, circling Cumbre Vieja on ash-covered trails before the final descent to Santa Cruz de La Palma and its black-sand beach. Lava, dust, and the crew giving it all to the very end. 🤘 - Cerramos Gravel Ground entre volcanes. 🌋🚴‍♂️ 52 km y +670 m desde el Refugio El Pilar hasta Los Cancajos, rodeand...
gravelground.cc
136 likes • 7.8K views
Isla La Palma. Poblado de cabañas del Lomo de las Casas; Los Corrales o Barranco de las Ovejas. Refugio El Pilar. Este poblado, ubicado en el sitio más resguardado de la zona, está formado por 79 estructuras. Se conoce desde la década de 1980, en 1992 se inventarió y, en 2010, ADER La Palma y el Cabildo Insular financiaron un proyecto para realizar excavaciones arqueológicas, cerramiento y colocac...
steffen2826lapalma
45 likes • 557 views

🌲 Shaded Forest Hikes

Enjoy cooler treks through pleasant pine forests on many trails. Reddit

💧 Water & Restrooms

Facilities include running water and restrooms for visitor convenience. Reddit

5 hikes you shouldn’t miss in La Palma 🌋 1. Las Tricias - Cuevas de Buracas 2. Cubo de la Galga 3. Cascada de los Colores 4. Roque de los Muchachos - Pico de la Nieve 5. Refugio El Pilar - Volcán El Duraznero
nicolapiccirelli
0 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Convenient parking available, making it easy for motorists to start their adventures. Reddit

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Hiking paths are clearly signed, guiding you through volcanic terrain. Reddit

🌲 Shaded Forest Hikes

Enjoy cooler treks through pleasant pine forests on many trails. Reddit

💧 Water & Restrooms

Facilities include running water and restrooms for visitor convenience. Reddit

🌋 Volcanic Views

Experience the unique volcanic rock and 'soul' of the island. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(111 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Refugio El Pilar as an excellent starting point for hikes, particularly the Ruta de los Volcanes, highlighting its convenient parking, well-marked trails, and beautiful pine forest setting. The picnic and barbecue facilities are also a significant draw for families and groups seeking outdoor recreation.

"I highly recommend this hike! We weren’t able to complete due to time restrictions, however there is a nice and convenient place to park. The hike is quite nice, and you get to see a lot of the volcanic rock and soul. The hiking trail has plenty of signs to indicate where you’re going. The hike was easy to moderate level."

Ibrahim Abdus-Sabur

"Nice hike mostly in the shade of pine forests. On the Top you get the view of cadela, the whole hike is about 4.5hrs"

Whisper of the Sacred

"A meticulously arranged picnic spot featuring barbecue facilities, along with convenient access to running, drinking water and restroom facilities. Nestled amidst a picturesque forest, it intersects captivating hiking trails and provides easy access for motorists, complete with a parking area."

Konrad Krupiński

What People Like

Great hiking trailhead
Beautiful picnic area
Well-marked trails

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Refugio El Pilar is accessible by car, with a convenient parking area. Buses also run frequently and reliably; the Moovit app is highly recommended for navigating public transport on La Palma. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a major trailhead, especially for the famous Ruta de los Volcanes. Many other captivating hiking trails intersect here. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can fly to La Palma. Flights from Tenerife with Canaryfly are often faster and more affordable than the ferry. Instagram

The area features volcanic landscapes, ash-covered trails, and beautiful pine forests. Some routes involve significant elevation changes. InstagramReddit

Refugio El Pilar is a gateway to numerous volcanic hikes. Nearby attractions include the Volcán El Duraznero and the broader Cumbre Vieja ridge. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Refugio El Pilar itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. Access to the surrounding hiking trails is also free. Reddit

As an outdoor recreational area and trailhead, Refugio El Pilar is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

The hiking trails, including the popular Ruta de los Volcanes, are free to access. You only need to pay for transportation to get to the trailhead. Instagram

While Refugio El Pilar itself doesn't offer tours, many local tour operators provide guided hikes that start or pass through this location. Booking in advance is recommended. Instagram

Visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. Pack out all trash and stay on marked trails to protect the volcanic landscapes. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The primary activities are hiking and picnicking. It's an excellent base for exploring the island's volcanic routes and enjoying nature. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are picnic areas with barbecue facilities, running water, and restroom facilities available for visitors. Reddit

The difficulty varies depending on the chosen trail. Some hikes are easy to moderate, while others, like the full Ruta de los Volcanes, can be challenging with significant elevation changes. InstagramReddit

You can expect stunning views of volcanic landscapes, pine forests, and on clear days, the neighboring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Instagram

Yes, the picnic area and shorter, well-marked trails make it suitable for families. Longer hikes might be more challenging for very young children. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic volcanic terrain, panoramic island views, and the lush pine forests. The 'golden hour' before sunset offers beautiful light. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant views of neighboring islands. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions. Instagram

Many viewpoints emerge along the hiking trails, especially on the Cumbre Vieja ridge. The summit of Volcán El Duraznero offers excellent photographic potential. Instagram+1

Mornings offer clear skies and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide warm, golden light for dramatic landscape shots. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying in protected natural areas. Always fly responsibly.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Refugio El Pilar offers a fantastic outdoor experience for families. The well-equipped picnic area with barbecue facilities is a major draw, providing a comfortable space for meals and relaxation. Shorter, clearly marked trails around the refuge are suitable for children, allowing them to explore the pine forests and get a taste of the volcanic landscape without undertaking strenuous hikes. Reddit

Parents should ensure children wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and bring plenty of water and snacks. While the main Ruta de los Volcanes might be too demanding for younger kids, there are gentler paths that offer scenic views and a chance to experience La Palma's unique environment. The easy access and available facilities make it a stress-free option for a family day out in nature. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Trekkers

For serious hikers, Refugio El Pilar is a must-visit trailhead. It serves as the primary starting point for the legendary Ruta de los Volcanes, a challenging trek across the island's volcanic spine. The well-maintained paths and clear signage ensure a navigable experience, even on more demanding routes. InstagramReddit

Experienced trekkers will appreciate the opportunity to explore diverse volcanic terrains, from ash fields to lava tubes, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas. The proximity to other trails, such as the one leading to Volcán El Duraznero, offers options for shorter excursions or multi-day treks. Remember to pack essential hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layers of clothing, and ample provisions, as services are limited once you leave the refuge area. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Refugio El Pilar and its surrounding trails to be a dream location. The dramatic volcanic landscapes provide a unique backdrop, with opportunities to capture the stark beauty of lava flows and craters. The panoramic views from the higher elevations, especially along the Cumbre Vieja, offer stunning vistas that are perfect for wide-angle shots. Instagram

Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The interplay of light and shadow on the volcanic terrain can create truly captivating images. Don't forget to bring a versatile lens kit, including a wide-angle for landscapes and a telephoto for distant island views. The lush pine forests also offer opportunities for more intimate nature photography. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking the Ruta de los Volcanes

The Ruta de los Volcanes is arguably the most iconic hike starting from Refugio El Pilar. This challenging trail traverses the spine of Cumbre Vieja, offering a dramatic journey through recent volcanic landscapes. Hikers can expect to see vast lava fields, ash-covered slopes, and craters, providing a raw and powerful connection to the island's geological history. The trail is well-marked, but its length (around 17km) and elevation changes (significant ascents and descents) require good physical condition. Instagram

Many travelers describe the experience as breathtaking, with panoramic views stretching across the island and, on clear days, to the neighboring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The route often takes you through a mix of volcanic terrain and pine forests, offering varied scenery. It's crucial to wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and pack sun protection, as sections can be exposed. InstagramReddit

Key considerations for this hike include starting early to avoid the midday sun and potential afternoon cloud cover. The trail can be completed in either direction, but starting from Refugio El Pilar and heading south towards Fuencaliente is a popular choice. Remember to check the weather forecast before you set off, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Instagram

Picnic and Recreation at El Pilar

Refugio El Pilar is more than just a trailhead; it's a beloved picnic and recreational area for locals and visitors alike. The grounds are equipped with barbecue facilities, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a gathering with friends. Ample parking makes it easily accessible for those arriving by car, and the presence of running water and restrooms adds to the convenience. Reddit

The area is nestled within a picturesque pine forest, offering a shaded and pleasant environment for relaxation. This natural setting also means it's a great place to simply unwind and enjoy the tranquility before or after a hike. The well-maintained picnic spots are strategically located, allowing visitors to soak in the natural beauty of La Palma. Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the area remains pristine for future enjoyment. This means packing out all trash and being mindful of the natural surroundings. The combination of accessible facilities and beautiful natural surroundings makes Refugio El Pilar a versatile destination for both active adventurers and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape. Reddit

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