| Monte Pirata | |
| Etymology: | "pirate mountain" in Spanish |
| Location: | Vieques, Puerto Rico |
| Elevation Ft: | 960 |
| Prominence Ft: | 960 |
| Easiest Route: | Hike |
Monte Pirata (Spanish for "pirate mountain"), at 960 feet (290 m) of elevation, is the highest mountain in the island of Vieques.[1] The mountain is located in the western portion of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and it is the site of an old US Navy communications site, now operated by the Department of Homeland Security].[2] Hiking used to be permitted in the mountain,[3] and there is a trail (Mount Pirata Trail) leads to the summit.[4] Although the main trail has been closed to the general public for the past 20 years, an observation platform is being installed and currently there is interest in revitalizing and reopening the entire area.[5]
The mountain is also home to the endangered myrtle, the Thomas' lidflower (Calyptranthes thomasiana), which is only found in this mountain, in addition to Bordeaux Mountain on St. John and Gorda Peak on Virgin Gorda, in the United States and British Virgin Islands respectively.[6]