Monte Escuro

  • Monte Escuro
  • 889 m
  • Primary factor 204 m
  • Sao Miguel, Azores
  • Location: North 37.78136, West 25.43430 (GPS on the summit)
  • Difficulty: YDS class 1
  • Climbed: August 1. 2014

Information:


Here is a quick summary of my climbs in the Azores islands.
How to get there:
This nice summit is located to the north-east of Lagao do Fogo. From Ponta Delgada, drive on the nice 4-lane Hwy. along the coast (east) towards Vila Franca do Campo. Continue about 3 kilometer after passing this town and locate a signed road that forks left (uphill). After approximately 3 more kilometer, take another left fork with signs for your destination. You will soon see the nice mountain up ahead slightly on your left side. Continue uphill until the road crosses a gentle col (which is the main crest of the island). Pay attention, since your trailhead is a very small side-road going left. If you reach a left bend on the main road and two smaller roads going right, you have travelled too far. The trailhead location is N37.78430, W25.42713, elevation about 770 meter. You may drive a short section of this small road in order to find convenient parking.
Route description:
The road runs all the way to the crater rim, then around (clockwise) to the summit. The road is not suitable for normal cars. It is partially badly washed out and may be difficult to drive also with a 4WD. However, it is a nice hike and the view from the summit is outstanding.
Comments:
After looking around for the best trailhead, I discovered this nice route. I parked my car a few hundred meter away from the main road, then continued uphill on foot. The hike takes perhaps 15 minutes, and it was easy to follow the old road as it contours right and gains the crater rim at the opposite side from the summit marker.
I had a very nice view across to the higher Barrosa, unfortunately cluttered with antennas. The view east was a bit more obscured by clouds. I returned the same way and continued my sightseeing of the island.

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