Official trailPRC05SMI
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Serra Devassa
Serra Devassa brings together several volcanic lakes and wetlands in the highlands of São Miguel, with PRC05SMI as its reference trail.
Serra Devassa is marked by a succession of lakes, including the Empadadas lakes, Lagoa do Carvão and the lakes around Pico das Éguas. The area also matters for São Miguel’s water resources.
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Photo informationPhoto: Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0Source
Distance9,1 km
Duration2h
DifficultyEasy
Trail typeLoop
PREMIUM HIKING MIGUEL™
Technical reading of the trail
A technical reading of the trail based on Miguel™ Hiking criteria: route, terrain, exposure, relief, effort and decision conditions.
Technical profile
Elevation gain/loss+100 m / -100 m
Altitude765–864 m
TerrainForest, Volcanic terrain
ExposureSheltered
PanoramaModerate
Access from the area~30 min from Ponta Delgada
Expert reading
How to read the trail
A forested volcanic massif with several small lagoons (Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa do Canário) between São Miguel's two best-known areas, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Official trail PRC05SMI (9.1 km, about 3h30, circular, medium) crosses a forest of Japanese cedars and endemic species, away from the crowds at nearby sites.
Best for
For hikers of all levels curious about several little-known volcanic lagoons between Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
When to pass
Bad weather (the massif is regularly covered in cloud) or looking for a heavily trafficked, well-signed trail for occasional walkers.
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel recommends this option rather than Sete Cidades or Lagoa do Fogo on days of heavy crowds or fog at those two sites: Serra Devassa stays walkable, easier, and much quieter.
Trail logistics
9.1 km, about 3h30, medium circular route. Forested and sometimes damp terrain: hiking shoes recommended.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
A landscape of volcanic lakes
Muro das Nove Janelas, the lakes and the volcanic ridges create an itinerary whose interest lies in the succession of landscapes. The current official trail sheet gives a 9.1 km circular route taking about 3 hours 30 minutes and rated medium difficulty.
The route crosses several high points and wetland areas, with views towards the Sete Cidades caldera. The official sheet rates the route as medium difficulty.
Wet weather can change both ground conditions and visibility. PRC05SMI crosses a high-value ecological area around the Carvão, Caldeirão Grande and Empadadas lakes before climbing towards Pico das Éguas. The route also passes the Muro das Nove Janelas and Grota do Inferno viewpoint, with broad views over the Sete Cidades caldera.
ON SITE
PRC05SMI
Lakes and volcanic ridges
Muro das Nove Janelas, the lakes and the volcanic ridges create an itinerary whose interest lies in the succession of landscapes.
PRC05SMI distance and duration
PRC05SMI crosses a high-value ecological area around the Carvão, Caldeirão Grande and Empadadas lakes before climbing towards Pico das Éguas.
Trail difficulty
The current official trail sheet gives a 9.1 km circular route taking about 3 hours 30 minutes and rated medium difficulty.
Landscape and visiting conditions
Wet weather can change both ground conditions and visibility.
CHOOSING YOUR VISIT
A walk to read as well as hike
Muro das Nove Janelas, the lakes and the volcanic ridges create an itinerary whose interest lies in the succession of landscapes. Wet weather can change both ground conditions and visibility.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan my trip with Maria™Maria™ can integrate Serra Devassa into your trip while taking into account your available time, overall pace and other possible stops.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide today with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
CONDITIONS
Decide with Miguel™
Miguel™ can compare this place with your current context: time available, preferences, local conditions and other options on the island. It is not a fixed ranking; relevance depends on your situation when you decide.