Walk 7 - The Dragon Tree walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
The Dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is a very rare tree
indeed, the only mature specimen on the island, reputedly
more than 400 yards old. There are said to be other
Dragon trees cultivated in gardens, possible in the wild
on other Canary Islands, in the mountains of Morocco
and a few small trees on Madeira, but nowhere is there
a Dragon tree to rival this one.
This mainly circular little walk includes both old and
new routes - a former mule trail and a more recently
engineered path which is obviously based on the format
of the mule trail. Although this is a very short walk, as the
tree is situated close to the bottom of a barranco there is
a fair amount of rise and fall involved. Fortunately for the
less energetic, there is a viewpoint part way down from
which the tree can be clearly seen.
Start Point
Several spaces on the right at the junction of the main
road with the little road signposted to Imada. From El
Balcon de Santa Ana this junction is about 20 minutes
by car along the main road, by-passing Alajero, or take
the bus from Playa de Santiago or the stop by the Las
Trincheras junction. Alight at the Imada road junction.
Refreshments:
Cafe and bar on the Alajero by-pass road
Cross the main road to the small mirador and go down
a flight of steps to join an old mule trail. Turn left to go
downhill, passing several palm trees. Reach a narrow,
surfaced road, turning right towards the Casas Agalan,
a few scattered houses.
1. By the last house on the right turn right, along a narrow
path behind the house, signposted ‘Camino de El Drago’.
After passing the house join a broad earth track leading to
a narrow path where the track has been close and emerging
at a junction with an engineered path. Turn along this
comparatively new path to another junction in less than 100
yards. This is the point of decision - either go a few yards
to the right for the viewpoint or turn left to continue the
descent on the engineered path, winding down the hillside
to the Dragon tree.
2. Return from the tree to the last junction. Turn right for
less than 100 yards to the first junction, bearing left here to
stay with the ‘new’ path, though it is now heavily overgrown
for some stretches, as it twists and turns, rising steadily with
some steps through lovely natural rock gardens, rich in cacti
and rock roses to join the main road by a large water tank.
3. Continue right, then immediately right again to descend
along another section of the old mule trail, back to the start
point at the foot of the flight of steps. Turn left, up the
steps, to the main road and the parking area/bus stop.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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