The best hiking routes in Paisaje Protegido de la Resbala

Paisaje Protegido de la Resbala occupies a steep, north-facing segment of the Tenerife highlands, characterized by dramatic elevation changes and dense vegetation. Unlike the dry, volcanic pine forests found further south on the island, this reserve is dominated by humid laurel forest and fayal-brezal shrubland. The terrain is defined by deep, shadowed ravines and sheer basalt cliffs that trap the moisture-laden trade winds, creating a damp, mossy environment where ferns and lichens cover almost every surface.

Walkers should expect demanding verticality rather than flat, rolling paths. The trail network consists primarily of steep, uneven dirt tracks, stone-laid steps, and narrow ridges that require careful footing. Underfoot, the ground is frequently damp and covered in leaf litter, which can make the clay-heavy soil slippery. There are no wide boardwalks or paved promenades here; the paths are rugged and follow the natural contours of the barrancos.

This reserve is best suited for those seeking a quiet, densely forested hike rather than wide-open volcanic vistas. While you will catch occasional glimpses of the Orotava Valley through gaps in the canopy, the primary experience is one of deep immersion in a closed, humid woodland. It lacks the facilities and signposted simplicity of more popular recreational areas, offering instead a raw, shaded climb through Tenerife's ancient cloud forest zone.