Mal Pais Loop Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Wildflowers

Poison oak is prevalent along the trail, long pants are advised.

Warning! Many have gotten lost for hours. Do not attempt this trail if you can't download the track on a smart phone or other device like the Trail Run Project mobile app as there are many side trails.

Parking is available on the south side of the road at the shrine. Run along the north side of the road for 0.6 miles, just past Restaurant Campestre Aleman, and cross the road when you see a dirt road going up a slight hill. Follow the road passing through hills and farmland. The trail begins as a doubletrack and gradually becomes a not well-defined path with many side paths, through trees and brush with numerous orchids and bromeliads blooming at the end of the rainy season.

The trail passes through an area of volcanic rocks with views of rock formations and two volcanic domes to the south, then gradually becomes a grass-covered doubletrack. The trail continues along a rock wall with some interesting structures. It then passes a rock quarry and finally heads left down to the parking area.

Orchids and bromeliads are numerous.