Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca: The Complete Hiking Guide

The Montana Rajada trail is one of the most underrated hiking trails in Tenerife. Located in Teide National Park, the trail explores an immense volcanic landscape at the foot of Mount Teide. During the hike, you’ll actually walk in between both Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca, which are two smaller mountains dwarfed by Tenerife’s highest mountain – Mount Teide. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the Montana Rajada trail in Teide National Park, Tenerife.

Montana Rajada (S-27 Trail)

Officially known as Sendero 27 (S-27), the Montana Rajada hike features a short and simple trail. As an out and back hike, the Montana Rajada trail only takes around 1–2 hours to complete. So, after you’ve explored the more popular and well-known hikes and attractions in Teide National Park, you can easily squeeze this trail into your day trip. Otherwise, it makes for the perfect leisurely morning or afternoon walk, if you’re looking for a relatively quick and straightforward trail to do in Teide National Park.

Read our guides about Roques de Garcia, Mount Guajara and Mirador de Samara

Hiking Between Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca in Tenerife

Basically, the S-27 trail involves walking between Montana Rajada and Montana Balanca in Teide National Park. You won’t summit either of these mountains. You’ll simply walk on the flat volcanic valley that sits in between the two smaller mountains. Of course, it’s possible to summit both Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca, if that’s what you want to do during your trip to Tenerife. But, traditionally, the S-27 trail simply involves an out and back hike, which passes by both Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca, with Mount Teide looming large in the distance.

Montana Rajada Map and Technical Details

• Type: Out and Back
• Distance: 5.8km
• Time: 1–2 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 205m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Sendero de Montana Blanca Car Park
• Map: AllTrails

FYI – when Beck and I arrived at the Sendero de Montana Blanca Car Park, it was full. This isn’t uncommon as it’s only a small parking area with space for around a dozen cars. The nearest alternative parking is at Mirador El Tabonal Negro. By parking there, you’ll have to do a small amount of road walking, before joining a walking trail, that leads you to Sendero de Montana Blanca Car Park. By parking at Mirador El Tabonal Negro, the walk is approx. 2km longer. Here’s our GPS-guided map of the route, starting at Mirador El Tabonal Negro.

Montana Rajada Elevation Profile

Below, you’ll find the elevation profile of the Montana Rajada trail in El Teide National Park, Tenerife. Please note, this is the elevation profile from the walk we did, starting at Mirador El Tabonal Negro.

Montana Rajada Trail Description and Photos

Below, we’ll briefly describe the Montana Rajada trail in Teide National Park, Tenerife.

Montana Rajada, El Teide National Park

If you’re able to find a parking spot at Sendero de Montana Blanca Car Park, your Tenerife hiking adventure will begin there. Initially, you’ll ascend a winding and ascending trail, that quickly immerses you into the volcanic landscape. Red and orange coloured scorched rocks and mounds will surround you.

Soon enough, you’ll reach a sign and a fork in the trail. The trail leading left ascends to Mount Teide – this is the trail to take if you’re hiking up to the peak of Mount Teide. The trail leading right will take you to the summit of Montana Rajada. You’ll want to follow the middle trail, which follows a valley, between Montana Rajada and Montana Blanca.

Not long after following the middle trail (S-27), you’ll enjoy marvellous views of Montana Rajada to your right.

Montana Blanca, El Teide National Park

After passing the magnificent Montana Rajada, the trail continues north. You’ll find the trail gently weaves and undulates over the sublime rugged volcanic field. Despite being an unapproved trail (according to the Tenerife Footpath Network), the track is well-defined and easy to follow. Eventually, you’ll pass Montana Blanca to your left, with Mount Teide looming large in the distance. Indeed, this a great trail for experiencing the mightiness of the mountains littering Teide National Park.

After passing Montana Blanca to your left, the trail continues further north. You’ll eventually reach a sign and another trail. This trail connects the summit of Montana Blanca with the town of El Portillo. At this point of the walk, you’ll simply retrace your steps to complete the walk.

How to Get There

To access this hike, you have two options – car or bus.

Car Hire in Tenerife

The simplest and quickest way to get to Teide National Park to do the Montana Rajada trail is to drive there yourself. If you’re visiting from abroad, then you’ll need to hire a car. We easily picked up a car from South Tenerife Airport.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Public Transport: Bus

Titsa is the company that runs the 342 buses in and out of Teide National Park. The bus stops at Sendero de Montana Blanca Car Park. Visit their website for the latest information about departure times, locations and costs.

Safety and Other Things to Know

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important things to know before doing this hike.

• Weather: particularly in summer, the temperatures in Tenerife are very hot. So, make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks and wear long sleeves, sunscreen and a hat. Despite only being a relatively short walk, you’ll want to be sun safe and prepared for harsh weather conditions.
• Trail terrain: the trail is well-maintained and mostly flat. But, you’ll sometimes walk on uneven and rocky surfaces. Bare this mind if you have dodgy ankles or knees.
• Popularity: personally, when Beck and I did this walk in February, there were no other people on the S-27 trail. Even in peak season, this trail shouldn’t get too busy.
• Signage: although we’ve provided maps, you’ll hardly need them. There’s adequate signage on this walk, which makes navigation easy.
• Explore other places in Teide National Park: of course, there are more popular and well-known attractions in Teide National Park to visit. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, it may be best to do a tour to experience the other highlights of the national park. We’ve heard great things about GetYourGuide’s Tenerife: Teide National Park Full-Day Scenic Tour. Certainly, it’s a highly-rated tour. Otherwise, if you can drive to Teide National Park yourself, make sure to explore other hikes and attractions while you’re there.

Hiking Essentials

These are some of our hiking gear essentials for the Montana Rajada trail in Teide National Park, Tenerife.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

• Visit Roque de Garcia and Roque Cinchado: these wondrous natural attractions aren’t far from Montana Rajada. Make sure to visit this amazing natural site before or after the hike.
• Visit the Canary Islands, Spain, outside of peak season: for milder weather, fewer crowds and cheaper prices, visit Tenerife outside of summer. As mentioned, Beck and I visited in the non-peak season and had an absolute blast!
• Hiring a car is best for hiking in Teide National Park: certainly, buses can take you to and from Teide National Park. But, a car will give you the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore and hike Tenerife at your own pace.

Have a look at our Tenerife Hiking YouTube video.