Night ascent of Teide: what you need to know
Climbing Mount Teide is not just about romance; it’s about organization. Permissions, appropriate gear, and adequate physical training.
1. A permit for trail number 7 is mandatory
Trail #&;7 (officially called Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta) is the classic route to the upper cable car station. Even if you’re going at night, you need to obtain a permit in advance from tenerifeon.es. It’s free.
2. A second permit is required to reach the summit
To reach the very top via trail #&;10 (Telesforo Bravo), a separate permit is required. This applies to everyone, even those going at night. The permit is free and can be obtained here: reservasparquesnacionales.es.
3. Gear
You will be checked for the following mandatory items:
• trekking boots
• warm clothing
• rain jacket
• both permits
• passport or ID
• emergency blanket (like a foil bag, can be purchased at a pharmacy)
• charged phone
• headlamp
• food and water
It can get cold at the summit at night, even in summer.
4. Descent by cable car
If you don’t want to descend on foot, you can use the cable car. The first ride starts at 9:00 AM, and by that time, there is already a line at the upper station. Tickets can be found here: www.volcanoteide.com.
5. Descent option via Pico Viejo
A good descent route is through three trails:
• №&;12 Mirador de Pico Viejo
A short section (about 0.8 km one way) from the upper cable car station to the viewpoint above the Pico Viejo crater. It runs at an altitude of about 3500 m, through a lava landscape with almost no vegetation. The view of the crater and nearby islands is clear on a good day.
• №&;9 Teide – Pico Viejo – Las Narices del Teide
About 9.6 km with a significant elevation change (descent of over 1600 m). This route is challenging, starting over lava flows, circling the Pico Viejo crater, and leading to a chain of side craters from 1798. It ends at the TF-38 highway (where you can park a second car).
• №&;23 Los Regatones Negros
Connects trail #&;9 with the lower park routes. Approximately 3 km with steep ascents or descents, depending on the direction. Lots of scree, loose rocks, and lava fields. Requires caution and good footwear.
Permits are also required for trails #&;9 and #&;23, which can be obtained at tenerifeon.es.
You can descend entirely via route #&;9 or combine it with route #&;23 for a shorter descent.
