Laguna Grande: A Short Forest Circuit in Garajonay

Laguna Grande I is a compact way to see Garajonay’s southern forest. It passes through fayal-brezal, with mossy ground in the higher heath woodland and a viewpoint toward the volcanic dome of Cherelepín. It is a walking choice for time among trees rather than a summit day.

The national park’s Route 3 profile gives 0.9 km, 20 minutes and 20 m of elevation difference. It is a circular route with interpretation panels, starting from the Laguna Grande recreation area and bringing you back there. Allow extra time to stop at the panels rather than treating 20 minutes as the entire visit.

Start at Laguna Grande, not Juego de Bolas

Arrange road transport to the recreation area on GM 2, km 26.5. The Laguna Grande information center is here; Juego de Bolas is a different visitor center elsewhere on the island. Identify the Route 3 panel before setting off, follow the marked circuit and finish back at the recreation area for your vehicle or agreed pickup.

Laguna Grande II, Route 6, is a different commitment: the official profile gives 3.8 km and 1 hour 40 minutes. Its former mule path, restored vegetation and planted woodland make it more than an extra turn on the short circuit. Get its own route information if you prefer that longer outing.

The drive can be the complication

The park’s incidents page checked on October 18, 2026 reported intermittent closures on El Rejo road, CV 14, from 09:00 to 15:00, and a specific Route 17 section closure through October 31. Neither notice should be generalized into a closure of Laguna Grande I, but either can matter if you build a wider drive or add another walk.

Reopen that page before leaving and keep the day focused on the circuit you selected. If road access or weather prevents it, do not use an unfamiliar forest track as a substitute. The trail-description guide explains how route numbers, start points and durations keep neighboring walks from becoming one misleading itinerary.