Bosque Estatal de Susúa Observatory Road

The climb up to Susúa’s abandoned radio tower starts innocuously enough on PR-366, but once you hit the forest service gate, the real fun begins. The narrow dirt track winds through dense rainforest canopy, crossing multiple water bars and rocky outcrops as it climbs nearly 1,400 feet in just over 3 miles. The final approach to the tower requires careful navigation around washouts and fallen trees, but the payoff is a 360-degree view from Cerro La Santa to the Caribbean coast.

This is a technical moderate route requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear. The wet season from May through November makes the clay sections treacherous, so stick to the dry months. No permits required, and there are several pull-offs for primitive camping along the ridge. Fuel up in Yauco before heading in — this remote corner of the Susúa State Forest sees more wild pigs than people, and that’s exactly why it’s worth the drive.