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Trade Winds Trail

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico · 3 min read

Distance
4.3 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
December through April
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
7 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Stays in upper forest zones throughout: cloud forest and sierra palm
  • Named for the northeast trade winds that shape the forest character
  • Connects multiple upper trailheads for route variety
  • Remote-feeling relative to lower, more popular El Yunque trails
  • Bromeliads, mosses, and orchids dense on every surface

Overview

The Trade Winds Trail traverses the upper elevation zones of El Yunque National Forest for 4.3 miles, staying in the sierra palm and cloud forest throughout without descending to the lower tabonuco zone. The trail is named for the northeast trade winds: the consistent airflow from the Atlantic that saturates the upper mountain with moisture, cloud, and the conditions that produce El Yunque's extraordinary biodiversity.

The trail is quieter than the La Mina and El Yunque Rock routes and appeals to hikers who want sustained cloud forest immersion rather than a single summit payoff. Bromeliads hang from every branch. Orchids appear in rock crevices. The forest understory is carpeted in moss.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Yokahu Area Entry

From the Yokahu Tower area (the Yokahu Tower is a small stone observation point on a roadside knoll), the Trade Winds Trail branches west and enters the sierra palm zone. The palms here are dense and mature. The trail is rocky and somewhat rooted. The first mile climbs moderately before leveling into a ridge traverse.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Cloud Forest Traverse

The middle section is the most remote-feeling part of the route. The cloud forest closes overhead and the visibility through the forest drops. Mist is common. The vegetation is extraordinary: bromeliads cover every surface, and mosses give the trees the appearance of being wrapped in thick green wool. Bird calls (including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot in this zone) are the dominant sound.

Miles 3.0 to 4.3: Western Descent

The trail begins a gradual descent toward the western trailheads, staying in the upper zone until the final mile. The western terminus connects to upper PR-191 near the El Toro and El Yunque trailhead junctions.

When to Hike

December through April: The driest period with the best chance of partial clarity in the cloud forest. Even in dry season, expect mist in the upper sections.

May through November: The cloud forest can be heavily fogged and wet. The trail is passable but the experience is more challenging and the footing muddier.

What to Bring

Rain jacket essential: the cloud forest is reliably wet. A layer for the cool summit zone temperatures. Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. No sources on the trail. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes. A map or offline navigation as the trail can be hard to follow in low visibility sections.

Trailhead Access

Multiple access points on upper PR-191. Some access points may not require the El Portal timed entry permit: verify at the USFS El Yunque website before visiting (as of 2026). No dogs permitted. No facilities at upper trailheads.

Nearby

The El Toro Trail and El Yunque Trail share the upper trailhead area and can be combined with Trade Winds for a longer upper forest day. The Mt. Britton Trail adds a historic tower visit. Check current trail conditions: the upper El Yunque trails are the most likely to be closed or damaged after storms. Review Leave No Trace principles with attention to staying on trail in the fragile cloud forest.

Trailhead Parking

Parking at Yokahu Tower area or upper PR-191 pullouts. Some access points do not require El Portal permit: verify current conditions at USFS El Yunque website.

← Back to El Yunque National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the trail called Trade Winds Trail?
The northeast trade winds drive moisture-laden air from the Atlantic into El Yunque's upper slopes year-round. The cloud forest that results: constantly wet, misty, and cool: owes its character to these trade winds. The trail traverses the zone most directly shaped by this airflow.
Do I need a shuttle for Trade Winds Trail?
A shuttle simplifies the point-to-point, though both trailheads are relatively close by road. Many hikers use the trail as an out-and-back from the Yokahu end, treating the first 2 miles as the main objective.
How does Trade Winds Trail compare to El Toro Trail?
Trade Winds stays in the upper forest zones throughout without the full ascent to a defined summit. El Toro climbs to the highest peak. Trade Winds is more of a traverse than a summit route, and slightly less strenuous overall.