The Bano Grande Pool is a man-made pool that was built in the 1930s. It was created by damming off the river to create a large circular pool. The pool is extremely easy to access by taking a set of stairs across the street from the Palo Colorado Information Center. The stairs are also the start point of the El Yunque Trail.
Parking for the Bano Grande Pool is located at the Palo Colorado Parking Lot. The parking lot is well marked and can be seen on our map below. There are multiple parking areas at the Palo Colorado Information Center.
Once you cross the parking lot towards Bano Grande Pool you will see the waterfall created by the water emptying over the edge of the dam. There is also a stone walkway that circles the entire pool. Overall the Bano Grande Pool makes for a nice place to stop and get some pictures, but it does not offer the fun of places like La Mina Waterfall. Read more →
The Bano de Oro Trail is a short trail that originates about 150 feet up the mountain from Palo Colorado. The trail winds it’s way through the forest passing the Bano de Oro pool, many native plant species, and the La Mina River. The Bano de Oro Trail ends as it hits a junction with the El Yunque Trail.
Parking for the Bano de Oro Trail is available at both the Palo Colorado Visitor Center and across the road from the trailhead on PR 191. There is much more space available at the Palo Colorado Parking Lot.
*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.
There is no doubt that Yokahu Tower is one of the top two or three spots in all of El Yunque National Forest. Yokahu Tower is one of two observation towers that you can climb to the top for outstanding views.
Yokahu Tower is the more consistent of the two towers when it comes to weather. The other tower is Mount Britton Tower, which is located at a much higher elevation and usually has cloud cover that interferes with the views. The other major benefit to Yokahu Tower is the ease of access. The tower is maybe thirty feet away from the parking lot with no elevation change until you start to climb the tower. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mt. Britton Tower requires a good amount of exertion to hike a trail which ascends rapidly through the forest before reaching the tower.
In addition to the wonderful views and ease of access that Yokahu Tower affords you, there are also many informational signs around the tower. We have included a few of those signs in the pictures below.
IF THE WEATHER IS CLEAR WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU HEAD STRAIGHT TO YOKAHU TOWER!!! Taking advantage of the clear weather will set you up with views of the entire northeast coast and mountains.
*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.
The Sierra Palm Picnic Area is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. It is located a short distance up the mountain from the Big Tree Trail and La Mina Waterfall Parking Area. There is a large parking area at Sierra Palm Picnic Area to help accommodate everyone.
Most of the tour groups stop at Sierra Palm to eat. In addition to the picnic areas they also have the Yuquiyu Delights Cafe, which serves hot food off the grill as well as different snacks and drinks.
If you brought your own food there is a trail next to Yuquiyu Delights Cafe that leads down a short trail to a nice picnic area. This picnic area is really nice because it lies alongside a small river or creek. You can see pictures of the picnic area and shelter below.
There are numerous picnic areas in El Yunque National Forest, so if you miss this one or it is just too busy, do not worry there are many more just up the mountain. A really nice, and large picnic area is located at Palo Colorado Information Center and Picnic Area. There is also one just a short hike from Palo Colorado on the Caimitillo Trail.
The biggest benefit to Sierra Palm Picnic Area is that they have food on location if you did not pack anything and you are getting hungry.
*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.
Mount Britton Trail and Tower is a demanding, but rewarding hike. It is located at the highest access point just a short distance off to the right of where PR 191 dead ends. Take a look at our map below for a more detailed understanding of where it is. The map and pictures should also give you a better view of where to park as well as the route the hiking trail takes.
Parking for the Mount Britton Trail is congested with space only available along the sides of the road. As you pack up your car and get ready to hike make sure to double check that you brought some water and depending on the conditions, rain gear. If you are extremely lucky and it is clear at this high elevation get ready for the most amazing view of your life when you reach Mount Britton Tower.
The trail is paved and well maintained, but that does not necessarily mean it is easy. The trail starts off weaving back and forth while sharply ascending through the Sierra Palm forest towards the peak. The Palm Trees along the route are awesome, with interesting root bases. Along the trail there are a few shelters in case the weather changes on you. As you start to get close, the narrow concrete walkway will connect to the El Yunque National Forest Service Road. Once you are on the service road pay close attention for the Mt. Britton Trail Sign and Wildlife Viewing Area Sign. You will take a sharp right at those signs and head up a straight walkway to the tower. Again, if the weather is clear you are in for a treat and hopefully remembered a camera to get some great pictures from the top of Mt. Britton Tower.
The Tower, Trail and area was named afters Nathaniel Britton, a botanist that worked this region in the 1920s. The tower itself was constructed in the 1930s. Today it is a great hiking destination for those willing to put forth the effort to reach the peak.
*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.
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