Caimitillo Trail - Hiking trail near Palmer, Puerto Rico, United States - Description

The Caimitillo Trail is a short 0.2 miles (0.6 km) interpretive trail rising from 2,067 feet (630 meters) to 2,427 feet (740 meters). Hiking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, one-way. The trail is rated as moderate to easy, and has an asphalt-paved or graveled surface. A picnic area with several native stone picnic huts (glorietas in Spanish) each containing tables, a barbeque and running water taps are found along the trail.

Due to its minimal length, easy access and comfortable picnic area, this trail is very popular with both locals and visitors with only a morning or an afternoon to spend in the EYNF. At the trailhead, a series of concrete stairs, followed by wood supported steps cut into the rocky trail surface, lead upward to the Caimitillo picnic area. From the picnic area the trail, bordered by hundreds of bright colored Impatiens flowers (“Miramelinda” in Spanish), continues past Giant Tree Ferns and Motillo trees to the junction with the El Yunque trail. At this point the trail turns to the left passing by a rocky cliff covered with moss, lichens, miniature climbing bamboo and liverwort, all existing together under the forest canopy. At this point visitors can view examples of Puerto Rican parrot nests high up in the bromeliad and orchid studded Palo Colorado trees to the left of the trail.

The trail ends at the Baño Grande Pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. A walk around the path encompassing this tranquil pool, which briefly captures the waters of the La Mina river before it rushes on down through the forest, affords the hiker a chance to view interpretive signs which identify some of the most prevalent trees in the EYNF, growing around the pool.

Continuing a few steps down from the pool brings the hiker to PR 191, km. 12.2 across from the Palo Colorado Information Center. It is then only a short walk back down the road to the parking lot at the Sierra Palm Visitor Center.

This trail originates about 100 feet south (up) from the Sierra Palm Visitor Center on PR 191, km 12.0 in the EYNF El Yunque Recreation Area. Parking is available in a parking lot adjacent to the visitor center and at a designated area near the trailhead.