GR 132: Vallehermoso and Alojera Loop

This is a challenging mountain bike route, classified as 'difficult' by komoot and a 'Hard mountain bike ride' in general. It requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for strenuous sections, as some parts may even require pushing your bike. The technical difficulty is rated approximately between STS S3 and S6, indicating challenging singletrack with obstacles and steep sections.

Komoot estimates the duration at around 3 hours and 31 minutes. However, given the significant elevation gain and technical difficulty, it could easily extend to more than 5 hours, especially if you take breaks to enjoy the views or navigate challenging sections.

The terrain is diverse and rugged. You'll encounter continuous ascents along hills like Lomo del Cabezo, impressive vertical basaltic cliffs, and twisty climbs through Canary Islands pine forests. The route also traverses areas with agricultural terraces, palm groves, and deep ravines. The landscape is often arid and unique, with rolling hills broken by barrancos.

The route offers unique and imposing landscapes. You'll pass through the rural village of Alojera, known for its traditional architecture. Highlights include the Santa Clara Trail, Santa Clara Hermitage, and Our Lady of Coromoto Hermitage. Don't miss the Viewpoint of Tenerife and Teide for stunning vistas. The trail also goes through the Tazo Trail, Monumento Natural del Lomo del Carretón, and Parque Rural de Valle Gran Rey, offering majestic views of almost vertical cliffs, deep ravines, and picturesque agricultural terraces.

The trail starts and ends in the rural village of Alojera. While specific parking details for this exact trailhead aren't provided, Alojera is a small village, and you should be able to find suitable parking within the village or near its outskirts to begin your ride. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

La Gomera generally enjoys a mild climate year-round. However, for mountain biking, the cooler, drier months from autumn to spring (roughly October to May) are often preferred to avoid the intense summer heat. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the significant elevation changes can lead to varied microclimates.

While La Gomera is generally welcoming, specific regulations for dogs on this particular mountain bike trail are not detailed. Given that parts of the route pass through natural protected areas like the Monumento Natural del Lomo del Carretón and Parque Rural de Valle Gran Rey, it's advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure their safety on challenging terrain. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

The trail passes through the Monumento Natural del Lomo del Carretón and the Parque Rural de Valle Gran Rey. La Gomera is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Generally, there are no specific entrance fees or permits required for accessing these natural areas for recreational activities like mountain biking. However, always respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and avoid disturbing the environment.

Yes, the route intersects with several other official trails. You'll find yourself on sections of the Camino Natural Costas de La Gomera - Etapa 3, Ruta 07, Ruta 10, Ruta 04, and the Camino Natural Costas de La Gomera - Alternativa. Other intersecting paths include the Camino de Epina a Santa Clara and the Camino de La Cruzada - Lomo del Espino.

Given the trail's difficulty and length, you should bring plenty of water, energy snacks, and appropriate mountain biking gear including a helmet, gloves, and repair kit. Sun protection (sunscreen, hat) is essential. A first-aid kit, navigation tools (like a GPS device or the komoot app), and layers of clothing are also recommended due to potential weather changes at different elevations.

Alojera is a rural village, so you can expect to find some basic facilities. While specific cafes or pubs directly at the trailhead aren't guaranteed, the village itself should offer options for refreshments and possibly local accommodation. It's a good idea to check in advance, especially if you plan to stay overnight or rely on services before/after your ride.