There are many picturesque trails on the remote Spanish island of Gran Canaria. If you just had one day to trek in the nearby mountains, this would undoubtedly be our pick.
Pico de las Nieves is a must-see spot on Gran Canaria. The views that open from this point are fascinating. And one of the iconic views is towards Roque Nublo, “the Cloud Rock,” with its twin structure and natural grandeur.
This hike covers both monuments and leaves you in a soothing environment of nature’s ancient mightiness. You don’t have to be an advanced hiker or backpacker to walk the trail!
What is the location?
Gran Canaria is a volcanic island, like all eight Canary Islands. Being one of the oldest formations on the lithospheric plate, Gran Canaria also holds one of the highest peaks in the area, Pico de las Nieves – 1,949 m. It is surpassed only by Mt. Teide in Tenerife – 3,715 m.
Aside from it firmly stands Roque Nublo, a colossal rock split in two pieces, opening a breathtaking perspective to the hazy oceanic lowlands. With this trail in the Rural Park of the Cloud (“Parque Rural del Nublo”), one can hike a circuit to see both locations. And indeed, it’s a scenic walk!
Where does the trail start?
It’s easy to park next to the busy roads from the Tejeda village, as there are many camping and recreational areas (the first you need permission to camp, the second is free to access). You can start the trail at any point, leading to your designated path. To follow the path below, park next to Zona Recreativa Llanos de la Pez.
How difficult is this trail?
The parking is just a few hundred meters below, making the hike a pleasant route with insufficient gain. The path is highly developed – with “stairs” at some segments – and on the weekend, you will see many other hikers on it and around.
This makes the trail easily accessible, even with kids. However, the big circuit with Roque Nublo will take a few additional kilometers and some moderate descents. With the right footwear, there’ll be no problem walking these mountains.
What should I know?
Here are some additional observations that’ll prepare you for this existing hiking trail.
The landscapes of Gran Canaria are season-sensitive. Although the island’s lowlands may have stable temperatures all year round (24 degrees C winter time / 27 degrees C summer time for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), the seasons change here.
As we walked in May, the colors were captivating, with the reddish mountains, yellow dry grass, and wild bushes in bloom. The haze turned the ocean view in the far distance magenta.
These same views can be clearer and greener in winter, but you’ll also likely arrive in dense fog.
Pico de las Nieves is a touristic viewpoint. You can access it by car in case you have difficulties walking. One can see a splendid perspective of nearly all parts of the island from up there (and even the famous dunes of Maspalomas!)
You will also notice an observatory – this is a closed military area. So, unfortunately, no drones or 360-degree filming is permitted.
Roque Nublo, nature’s wonder, is rising 1,813 tall above sea level. The nearest viewpoint is divided from the rock with a cleft. It’s still worth the walk to the end.
Recreational zones in Gran Canaria can be bustling on a weekend afternoon. The change between the calmness of nature and the sounds of conversation, music, and play next to where you’ve parked shouldn’t surprise you — as well as the fact that many camping areas here stretch out to the road. The locals don’t mind setting tents right in front of them.
The trail’s stats
- Elevation gain – less than 500 m. in total.
- The big circuit comprises two trails – Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo. As you follow the pillars from 1955 on the lower polygon angle descending from Pico de las Nieves, keep straight and follow the Roque Nublo signs.
Keep in touch
Photos in this post were taken by Yury Chernov.
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