Pico Ruivo hike , Pico Arieiro Trailhead, Madeira
Posted by: 
arby101ca
N 32° 44.124 W 016° 55.721
28S E 319280 N 3623599
The hike to Pico Ruivo is the signature mountain hike on the island of Madeira
Waymark Code: WMA1X8
Location: Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal
Date Posted: 11/03/2010
Views: 35
Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean, an autonomous region of Portugal, due east of Morocco. The volcanic mountains are greatly eroded from the peaks over 6000 ft (1800 m) descending rapidly to the ocean less than 12 miles (20 km) Spectacular ridge hikes join the peaks.
Pico Ruivo is the highest peak at 1862 m, There are three major trails to the summit. The route starting at Pico Arieiro (1818 m) is the most popular and accessible.
The trailhead at Pico Arieiro is a busy place as this is a popular scenic viewpoint. Expect tour busses loaded with people off the cruise ships, tourists in taxis and cars, locals enjoying the view and a few hikers starting the hike. The crowds drop away quickly as you leave the congested parking lot near the radar dome.
Be aware! This is a mountain trail with significant exposure. The mists and clouds envelope this area often by noon. Start early on a clear day. The temperature is 12 C(20 F) cooler than down on the shore. The winds are strong. This is mountain hiking. The views are spectacular.
There are two routes, the short cut uses tunnels, the longer, more strenuous route climbs the Torres (towers).
We came to Madeira for a three week vacation in November 2010 to enjoy the hiking. The guide we are using is "Landscapes of Madeira", by John and Pat Underwood. This guide, also known as "Madeira, Car Tours and Walks" is now in its 10th edition. This guide made Madeira a hikers' destination. Get the up to date version for the latest maps and trail descriptions.
Parking: N 32° 44.092 W 016° 55.713
Trail allowances or restrictions:
This is a HIKING trail
Trail type: crushed stone
Trailhead/trail website: Not listed
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