A total of 27 trails and forest tracks on the island, along with 5 recreational and camping areas, remain closed six months after the wildfire that devastated the Corona Forestal in Tenerife. The damage to the flora and the instability of the slopes are still a risk factor that necessitates the closure of these paths for those looking to traverse some areas of the more than 14,000 hectares that were burnt. This figure highlights the severity of the fire declared on August 15 in the highlands of Arafo, which caused serious damage to the largest protected landscape in Canary Islands.
The closed routes include 12 footpaths, 8 trails for bicycles and horses, and 7 forest tracks for vehicles. Access is also prohibited to the recreational and camping areas of Hoya de Abade, La Caldera (camping area only), La Laguneta Chica, Las Calderetas, and Los Frailes. These closed areas cross through part or all of the perimeter affected by the fire. They are located in the highlands of the municipalities of Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza, La Victoria, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava, and Los Realejos. These are seven of the 12 municipalities affected by the flames.
On the other hand, the recreational area of Ramón el Caminero is reopened to the public. While this area boasts views of the Canarian pine, a species greatly damaged as a result of last summer’s fire, visitors will have to settle, until the landscape recovers, for its strategic location that offers a good view of the sea of clouds.
Meanwhile, all the trails in the Teide National Park and the Fuente Fría track, which runs through the municipality of El Sauzal, have also reopened. Four months and 12 days after one of the worst wildfires in Tenerife’s history was declared contained, there are still serious aftermath effects. However, progress is beginning to be seen in the recovery of the devastated landscape. The Tenerife Island Council estimated a period of at least two years and an investment of 80.4 million euros for clearer signs of recovery to start showing. The island’s Corporation recommends exercising extreme caution on unmarked trails due to possible bush falls, rockslides, ground movements, and the presence of holes due to burnt tree trunks. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting the signs and barriers that prohibit access to the closed pathways.
