La Coca Trail
Vereda La Coca
A rough, steep trail that crosses three rivers on its way down from La Coca Falls. The Forest Service rates it very challenging.
Hard
About 1,057 ft of climb in 1.6 mi, with mud and a river crossing.
- 1.6 mi each way2.6 km, measured by the Forest Service
- 2 h 15 min to 3 h 25 minRound trip, at an easy pace with stops
- 1,057 ftDownhill going in, so you climb it on the way back
- Mud, River crossingsUnderfoot
- TrailheadPR-191 km 8.5, by La Coca Falls
- ParkingA few spaces at the trailhead
Open. The Forest Service calls it rough and slippery, with fallen trees to cross and creek crossings that can be dangerous in a flood. (USDA Forest Service, La Coca Trail page, checked Sep 28, 2026)
Highlights
- La Coca FallsAt the trailheadAn 85 ft drop beside the road at the trailhead
Where it goes
Distance1.6 miElevation674–1,558 ftClimb+321 ft
Trailhead, 1,556 ft1.6 mi, 810 ft
- Easy
- Moderate
- Hard
- Closed
Up and down
- Climb321 ftgoing out
- Descent1,057 ftgoing out, so you climb it on the way back
- Lowest674 ftabove sea level
- Highest1,558 ftabove sea level
Good day to hike it?
Checking today's conditions…
Best time to go. Come early. The Forest Service calls the busiest trails congested later in the day, and it limits visitor numbers when the parking fills.
What to bring
- Water
- Shoes with grip for mud and river rock
- A charged phone
What you'll see
- A river
- A waterfall
Parking
- A few spaces at the trailhead
Entry to the PR-191 North recreation corridor in Río Grande is free and needs no reservation. It is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the number of visitors is limited when the parking fills.
Along the way
Further reading
- La Coca Trail (USDA Forest Service)
- El Yunque National Forest (Wikipedia)
- El Yunque trail map (USDA Forest Service, public domain)
