Cerro Punta, Puerto Rico
Cerro Punta is the highest natural point on Puerto Rico. While this highpoint was not on my original list, it IS a highpoint in the US, and just because Puerto Rico is a territory doesn’t mean it doesn’t count! This peak tops out at 4,390’ or 1338 meters and the trail is actually much shorter, taking less than an hour each way. Cerro Punta is not near most of the rest of the desirable and popular places on the island, so there is simply a road to a relatively short trail, and that is all.
Located on the border of the municipalities of Jayuya and Ponce, Cerro Punta does not provide a prominent face, nor does it tower over the neighboring peaks. What it lacks in sheer height, it, and the surrounding mountains, make up with green, lush vegetation and verdant growth, both under and over. If there were no roads in this part of the country it would be tough, slow going. The views at the top and along the winding mountain roads are fantastic and can be breathtaking. At the top of Cerro Punta it is possible to see the Caribbean as it is only a distance of about 13 miles. If you are coming from the closest metro area, Ponce, which is on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, it will take about an hour to drive.
On this peak bagging trip I had company; Heather and Sephora came. As it was a family vacation already, we killed two birds with our stone, and made for the bush. It is an easy drive as drives go, to get to the trailhead, but then things get a little rough. The trail up the mountain is easy enough going for a mountain, if steep on foot. The trail is in fact a road, but a poorly maintained one. At first it seems fine enough, but becomes progressively worse as it wends its way upward. We became stuck ourselves, so we recommend parking at the bottom and walking the remainder. It should take 20-45 minutes each way, depending on your fitness level and speed. However long, it is definitely doable.
The view from the top is great, and you can see for miles around. There are also cell towers at the top, and they do detract from the natural beauty and view, but they offer a necessary service to the surrounding municipalities, so it is what it is. We certainly appreciated the great cell service while we waited for a tow on the side of the mountain.
