Montaña Colorada
Hike around a vibrant red volcano, marvel at lava fields, and discover a massive ejected 'volcanic bomb'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Montaña Colorada
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike around a vibrant red volcano, marvel at lava fields, and discover a massive ejected 'volcanic bomb'.
"Extraordinary! It’s a beautiful walk around a vulcano. Landscape is breathtaking."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The 3-4 km loop trail is uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially if hiking during the day, stay hydrated. The sun can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Red Cone
Volcano Summit
Marvel at the striking red hues of the volcano, a result of iron oxides in the lava. It's a visual spectacle.

Volcanic Bomb
Trailside
See the massive 'volcanic bomb,' a testament to the volcano's explosive past, resting a distance from its origin.

Lava Fields
Surrounding Area
Explore the dramatic lava flows and surrounding volcanic landscapes, offering a glimpse into geological history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The 3-4 km loop trail is uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially if hiking during the day, stay hydrated. The sun can be intense.
☀️ Avoid Midday Heat
The sun is strongest around noon. Visit early or late for a more pleasant experience.
📸 Capture the Colors
The red hues are stunning. Visit during golden hour for the best photographic light.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The 3-4 km loop trail is uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially if hiking during the day, stay hydrated. The sun can be intense.
☀️ Avoid Midday Heat
The sun is strongest around noon. Visit early or late for a more pleasant experience.
📸 Capture the Colors
The red hues are stunning. Visit during golden hour for the best photographic light.
🗺️ Combine with El Cuervo
For a longer hike, consider linking Montaña Colorada with the nearby El Cuervo volcano.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Montaña Colorada's stunning red hues and the engaging 3-4 km loop hike around the volcano. Many appreciate the informative panels and the impressive 'volcanic bomb.' It's considered a perfect short hike, especially when visited during the quieter early morning or late afternoon hours.
"Extraordinary! It’s a beautiful walk around a vulcano. Landscape is breathtaking. I went very early in the morning so that you can truly appreciate the place."
Elisa Rossini
"Nice and easy hike of about 4 km around the volcano. No paths to the top or inside the volcano but still worth the hike.
Info tables along the path give some information on what you see and volcanoes in general. Loved the red side of the volcano. I have seen it from afar many times so it was nice to see it up close. Also loved passing the lava field with other volcanoes in the background. One of my favourite volcano hikes."
S. A.
"If you have an hour to spare and want to do a quick evening hike, this is a perfect one. We had the trail to ourselves and it was beautiful."
Lidia Sz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Montaña Colorada is accessible by car. You can park near the volcano and start the hike. Some visitors access it from the El Cuervo volcano area, which can make for a longer trek.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is generally recommended for easier access.
From Playa Blanca, it's best to drive. The route is straightforward, and you can find parking near the volcano's base.
Yes, it's possible to hike from nearby volcanoes like El Cuervo. This can extend your hike significantly, offering a more comprehensive volcanic landscape experience.
Many guided tours of Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes include stops at Montaña Colorada, often combined with other sites like Timanfaya National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Montaña Colorada is generally accessible without an entrance fee, as it's part of the natural landscape. However, always check for any local regulations or park fees.
There are no official opening hours as it's an outdoor natural site. You can visit at any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
Typically, there is no admission fee for hiking around Montaña Colorada. It's a free-access natural attraction.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. The best views are during daylight.
Respect the natural environment. Stick to marked trails and do not remove any rocks or flora.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main trail is a circular route of about 3-4 km around the volcano. It's considered an easy to moderate hike with some uneven terrain.
The hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos or admire the views.
The loop trail is manageable for families, but younger children might need supervision due to the uneven ground. The 'volcanic bomb' is a fun point of interest.
You'll see panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, including lava fields, other cones, and the unique red coloration of the volcano itself.
Yes, there are information tables along the path that provide details about the geology, volcanoes, and the specific features you are seeing.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the volcano's red hues and the surrounding landscape.
The summit area for panoramic views, the 'volcanic bomb,' and the contrasting colors of the lava fields are all highly photogenic.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The natural colors and dramatic landscapes are the main subjects. Wide-angle lenses can be great for capturing the vastness.
The juxtaposition of the red volcano against the stark black lava fields and the blue sky provides unique photographic opportunities.
Use hashtags like #MontañaColorada, #LanzaroteVolcanoes, #CanaryIslands, #VolcanoHike, #NaturePhotography, and #LavaFields.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort. The informative panels along the trail can also be a fun way to teach children about volcanoes and geology in an interactive setting. The unique red color of the mountain is visually captivating for all ages.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Combine this hike with other volcanic sites like El Cuervo for a more comprehensive exploration of the area. The unique red coloration and the presence of the ejected volcanic bomb make it a distinctive and memorable hike, especially for those interested in geology and natural history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel: The Red Volcano
The hike around Montaña Colorada offers a close-up view of these geological processes. You'll traverse lava fields formed by these ancient eruptions, witnessing the raw power of nature. The trail also leads you to a significant geological feature: a massive 'volcanic bomb' – a large rock ejected during an eruption that landed meters away from the crater. This provides a tangible connection to the volcano's explosive past.
Understanding the volcanic origins enhances the appreciation of the landscape. The unique composition of the lava and the subsequent weathering have created a visually stunning and geologically significant site. It’s a testament to Lanzarote's dramatic volcanic history, making it a must-see for nature and geology enthusiasts.
Hiking the Montaña Colorada Loop
Visitors often describe the hike as a rewarding experience, offering diverse views as you complete the circuit. One side of the volcano showcases its intense red coloration, while other sections reveal different geological features and surrounding landscapes. The trail is also dotted with informative panels that explain the volcanic phenomena and the unique flora that has begun to colonize the hardened lava.
Many travelers recommend visiting either very early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the harshest midday sun and to experience the volcano in softer, more atmospheric light. This timing also tends to mean fewer people on the trail, allowing for a more peaceful exploration. Combining this hike with a visit to the nearby El Cuervo volcano is a popular option for those seeking a more extensive volcanic exploration.
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