Barranco Masca blocked indefinitely

Barranco Masca closed at the end of February 2018

The Barranco de Masca, the most famous gorge on the island of Tenerife, has been closed indefinitely by the authorities since 26 February 2018. So at the moment you can’t go on the tour described here, the last part of which leads through the Barranco of Masca. I will let you know if the block should be lifted.

Background to the decision of the Island Council

In the Barranco of Masca there have been more accidents in the last weeks and months. The last incident occurred there on 25 February 2018. Seven German hikers went into the gorge, ignoring the weather forecasts of the state weather service. On that day all hiking trails were closed. They had to be rescued.

However, despite the closure of the Barranco de Masca, hikers returned to the gorge on 12 March 2018. One hiker was injured and had to be rescued by the Guardia Civil Mountain Service.

I do not know the background of all accidents. But I myself have probably hiked up and down the gorge more than 30 times. I met again and again people, who hiked without appropriate hiking clothes (in particular with simple shoes). In this way they quickly endanger themselves and other people.

Consequences of the closure of the Barranco Masca

No one knows how long the lockdown will last. I still remember the past years when the Barranco del Infierno was closed for a long time due to landslides and hiking accidents. The sufferers are the many hikers who will probably not be able to see the gorge for a long time. In addition, many hiking and boat companies are also affected by the closure.

And finally

When hiking, please always pay attention to the weather and storm forecasts beforehand. Good equipment – at least hiking boots should be a matter of course. Sufficient water supplies and an emergency food ration belong in every hiking baggage.

I wish you safe hiking at all times,

Dagmar von SiebenInseln