13 May Hiking Sendero Cerro Picacho
By Natalie Warner
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” – Henry David Thoreau
Being outdoors provides a restorative, grounding experience; hiking Sendero Cerro Picacho is no exception. This moderate hike is sure to be enjoyable for anyone looking for a semi-challenging, yet fun hike. Sendero not only gets your heart pumping, but is also within a short drive of the Coronado area.
The trail, which is 6km out and back, begins with an upward climb among trees in dense jungle-like terrain. The trail itself is primarily packed down dirt with the exception of the occasional tree root, loose rock, or pile of fallen leaves. The trail eventually levels off. This part of the hike offers panoramic views, including meadows, Picacho, and the Pacific Ocean—on a clear day.
This is also when you will see a platform, which is the final ascent of the hike and marks the turning point for the “out and back” trailhead. You will get to a fork in the trail. The easiest and recommended option is to take a left. Keep the hill to your right, and you will hike around to the back of the hill. There will be cement stairs all the way to a platform. The other option is to follow the trail to the right of the fork. This will take you straight up the hill. It is much steeper than the first, and it requires you to hike over loose rocks. Additionally, you will have to climb over the platform railing at the top.
View of the final ascend at Sendero Cerro Picacho
The trailhead Sendero Cerro Picacho is relatively easy to find. Take the turn off for Las Lajas and drive for 21.4 km. Take a right on the dirt road. The trailhead is just before you get to the La Laguna, which is at the end of the 1km dirt road. A location on Google Maps can be found here. You will see the sign for the trailhead. Parking is available along side the road. Contact us if you are interested in connecting with other hikers.
