elyunque.com

DWARF OR ELFIN FOREST EL YUNQUE

Trail through the dwarf forest to la Roca


The dwarf forest ( also called the cloud or elfin forest) lies at the very top of the mountain peaks along the ridges and receives, not only the most rain, but also the most wind. The soil is very thin due to constant rainfall erosion and the roots of the plants must spread out in a matrix over the ground, rather than grow down into a soil, which is not there.

The plants that do manage to survive these harsh conditions are different than the species of plants a little further down in elevation. Trees are stunted or 'dwarfed' due to the wind and a small tree in the dwarf forest can be very old.

The dwarf forest in el yunque path to la roca climbing up to the rock in the dwarf forest

Group tours do not access the dwarf forest because it is an additional 2 hour hike above Mt. Britton. Plan to hike up on your own, if you start early in the day. You should carry a rain jacket, it can get cold and wet. The trail to La Roca starts by the cyclone fence behind a utility building. Climb the rock at the end of the short trail, amazing view. (don't fall off!) A 'once in a lifetime' experience through the dwarf forest!

The little path to Mt. Britton does have some of the characteristics of the dwarf or cloud forest, so the 45 minute hike up to Mt. Britton from the parking does offer a glimpse of this uniquely dwarfed vegetation.

THe top of el yunque and the trail to la Roca


air plants such as these cover every space they can in the El Yunque  dwarf forest
   
• Sierra Palm Forest level of the forest, just below the dwarf forest. Walk through the Sierra Palms on your hike up to Mt. Britton. Cement path with occasional gazebos. • Dwarf Forest lies at the very top of the El Yunque rainforest. Plants are unique and survive the extreme rainfall and constant wind.
• MT. Britton Tower is a favorite hiking trail with the tower destination and views over the mountains tops. 45 minutes up from the parking at the top of road #191. Sunny days you can see forever, cloudy days the clouds swirl around and below you! • Visitors Center The El Portal Visitors Center is closed. Visit 'El Portalito' in the gateway town of Palmer for exibits and information.
Help the Rainforest various ecological threats and ways to help our environment.

Coqui Frogs Photos and a little about the Coquis.

NIGHT SYMPHONY

Coqui frog of Puerto Rico

Rainforest, biobays, scenic lighthouse views, kayaking, hang gliding, zip lining.
THE 7 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE EAST


TRAVEL GUIDE TO PUERTO RICO