Hiking Flattop Near Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
The most popular hike in the Jarabacoa area is called El Mogote, which we have done many times. However, it is 3 miles and 3,000 ft. in elevation gain each way, not exactly a leisurely walk! So a couple times, when we wanted something a bit shorter, we have hiked its neighbor - Flattop.
This trail receives far less traffic so it is more like hiking a game trail, and while it is shorter than Mogote, it is just as steep, but with a lot less mud. To get there you have to bluff your way past the guard at the gate to a planned community (not actually very hard to do). In fact, the hardest part is simply knowing where to leave the road you are on and start on the trail since nothing is marked. The hike started with some playful antics from this adorable calf, shown on the right. After catching us watching him he started running and bucking up and down the road. Priceless. And then we started up the trail, and I do mean UP. This was the first long hike for our new son Isaac, and he took to it like a champ. Even really young children like to be allowed to interact with their environment. When I found a flower whose stem was bent and crushed by a boot on the trail, I took the opportunity to let Isaac check it out. |
This view is worth the effort!
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Likewise, we stopped in a couple places to let the kids eat wild raspberries that we found along the trail. OK, a few of us adults might have samples a few as well, but the main point is that when hiking with kids, it is not just about the destination or the big vistas. With children you need to allow time along the way to check things out and let them inquire into the natural surroundings.
We were making good progress up the ridge when we boys went ahead to allow a bio-break for the ladies. Suddenly we looked to our right and there was a hawk about 20 yards away, cruising the rising thermals and trying his best to make out just exactly what we were! He was really close and the boys were fascinated.
We were making good progress up the ridge when we boys went ahead to allow a bio-break for the ladies. Suddenly we looked to our right and there was a hawk about 20 yards away, cruising the rising thermals and trying his best to make out just exactly what we were! He was really close and the boys were fascinated.
As we waited for the others to catch up, it gave us a moment to appreciate the views. Then we got started again and resumed the steep climb. That's El Mogote in the pictures below.
Finally we reached the upper plateau, for which we were all thankful.
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From there we pressed on a bit further to the top, a house sized mound of granite at the top of the ridge. Although the adults tend to want to take in the views, the kids have more of an appreciation for a good rock to scramble around on or a "cave" to explore. While the adults took a break to catch our breath and appreciate the scenery, the kids climbed all over the rock and then found a sort of "cave" at the base to explore. It is great when you can find a hike that gives the adults a scenery "wow factor" and the kids an exploration "wow factor!"
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Great boulder at the top!
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There were some beautiful wildflowers growing right out of the rock near the top, and using my still-budding photography skills, I tried my best to capture some of them. I know it looks like I simply held a bouquet in front of the lens, but in truth I had to contort myself while clinging to a cliff to get this shot of the flowers springing out of a crack in the rocks!
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The views make the hike worthwhile!
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Views like this always keep us coming back for more.
panorama from the top
Just below the highest point is a great ledge for sitting and admiring the view. We made the most of it!
If you're ever looking for advice on fun things to do in Jarabacoa or the Dominican Republic, send us an email! The DR has great opportunities for a different type of Caribbean vacation - one with adventure!
