Mount Britton Tower - El Yunque Website

For captivating views over the forest canopies of El Yunque National Forest, head to Mount Britton Tower!

Mount Britton Tower is an observation tower that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 as the payoff for hiking the Mount Britton Trail. It is locally known as “El Pequeño Morro” and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The tower is named after botanist Nathaniel Britton and his wife, bryologist Elizabeth Britton.

Set atop the Mt. Britton Peak in El Yunque, Mount Britton Tower is at an elevation of 3,087 feet above sea level and offers gorgeous views, all the way out to the ocean on clear days. It is higher than the Yokahu Observation Tower in the park.

Note, however, that it’s usually cloud-covered at the top and you may be socked in.

Clouds at the top of Mount Britton in El Yunque, PR — Clouds at the top of Mount Britton

There is no elevator, but the climb to the viewing area at the top is short: just about 40 steps.

The recreational Mount Britton Tower features a pleasing stone masonry facade and is considered one of the best surviving examples of the Craftsman/Rustic style of architecture used by the CCC.

Set amidst tropical vegetation, Mt. Britton Tower is a good spot to observe trees and plants, and look for birds.

Mt. Britton Tower, El Yunque, Puerto Rico — Mt. Britton Tower is set amongst trees and plants

Getting to the Mount Britton Tower in El Yunque

You can’t drive all the way up to Mount Britton Tower but you can drive part way up the mountain.

You arrive at the tower via the Mount Britton Trail, one of the most popular hikes in El Yunque National Forest.

An out-and-back trail with a total length of about 1.7 miles, the Mt. Britton Trail features an elevation change of 646 feet. It is a beautiful trail through the cloud forest.

The moderately challenging Mt. Britton Trail should take about 45 minutes each way, but allow for extra time to appreciate the views from the tower and observe local flora and fauna.

The trail is open year round, but consult the official forest website to check for special closures. At the time of writing, the trail is open but the access road and Mt. Britton Tower itself are closed for maintenance.

To get to the trailhead, drive up PR-191 to PR-9938 (see map). This road and the trail are signposted. Drive to the parking area, where you will find the trailhead for the Mt. Britton Trail.

Mount Britton Lookout Tower in El Yunque, Puerto Rico — Looking out at the rainforest from the Mount Britton Tower

Is there parking at the Mount Britton Trailhead?

Yes, there is a parking area by the trailhead for the Mount Britton Trail, but it is limited.

We suggest arriving early as the trail is popular and parking may fill up in season and on nice weather days.

Do you need tickets for the Mt. Britton Tower at El Yunque?

The Mount Britton Tower in El Yunque National Forest is free to visit and you do not need tickets or reservations.

What are the opening hours for the Mount Britton Tower at El Yunque?

The Mount Britton Tower at El Yunque National Forest is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and if you want to climb to the viewing gallery at the top, you should plan to visit during this time.

You can view the tower from outside and snap photos of the tower from outside at any time the forest is open.

Planning a trip to see the forest? Bookmark our El Yunque National Forest website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

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