The diversity of Las Canarias is remarkable. One island in particular boasts an incredible variety of landscapes – from lush greenery in the north to a rugged mountainous interior to rolling sand dunes on the southern coastline. We are talking about Gran Canaria of course! The center of Gran Canaria is where you can hike epic trails at places like Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo. In this hiking guide we focus on Roque Nublo which is the better option for casuals.

With an average completion time of just over an hour, every traveler on earth can finish this hike without too much strenuous effort being put in. As long as you bring a positive can-do attitude, and aren’t suffering any serious injuries or medical conditions, you will have no problem ticking this natural gem off your bucket list. And the rewards at the top are massive: a series of unique rock formations and sweeping views over volcanic mountains and valleys.

Although the walking time across this 3.1 kilometer out-and-back trail only takes about an hour and 10 minutes, you will still want to set aside more time to explore the various viewpoints and take plenty of photos along the way. Depending on where you are driving from, you can wrap up this awesome adventure over a full morning and then enjoy other activities in the afternoon. You can’t go past Roque Nublo for a short and sweet trek in Gran Canaria!

Roque Nublo Hike Details

● Starting Point: Degollada de la Goleta car park
● Distance: 3.1 kilometers out-and-back
● Height: 1,813 meters above sea level
● Elevation Gain: 155 meters
● Average Walking Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
● Time Needed for Photos: 1 or 2 hours
● Difficulty: Easy/moderate
● Best Months To Go: April – October
● Where to Stay: Tejeda

Best Times for Hiking Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo can be hiked all year round. However, summer and the shoulder season are the best months as the weather is consistently better during these times of year. The only downside to hiking Roque Nublo in say July or August are the crowds it will inevitably attract. One way to counteract this is to arrive early in the morning when you can enjoy the trail without too many people blocking the view. There will also be less cloud cover early in the morning.

If you are traveling to Gran Canaria in April/May or in September/October then crowds shouldn’t be an issue. These are the best months to come later in the afternoon for a sunset mission. Just make sure you pick a day without clouds as this natural monument is more beautiful with clear skies. A little bit of low hanging cloud in the distance is lovely, but being surrounded by clouds as you hike diminishes the experience and the ability to take good photos.

Where to Stay when Hiking Roque Nublo

The best town to base yourself in for the Roque Nublo hike is Tejeda. Nestled in the mountains with stunning views, this place is a must-stay for a couple of nights on your exploration of Gran Canaria. The white buildings of the village contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscapes. It’s the perfect getaway to enjoy nature, wander the charming streets and try some almond desserts (Tejeda is known for its almond trees and this healthy nut is a local favorite).

When it comes to accommodation, everything from cozy apartments to quaint bed & breakfasts to luxury hotels can be booked in Tejeda. While in the area, driving to the Degollada de la Goleta car park for the Roque Nublo hike is an absolute no-brainer. You can also utilize Tejeda as your base for other hiking adventures in central Gran Canaria like Pico de las Nieves and Cuevas del Caballero. There are so many epic encounters with nature to be had here!

Getting to Degollada de la Goleta Car Park

There are a few ways to hike Roque Nublo but the easiest route is to drive to the Degollada de La Goleta car park and walk from there. Simply enter the parking area (“Aparcamiento de la Degollada de la Goleta”) into your GPS and it will give you directions. The car park is free and there are many spaces for your vehicle. Renting a car is the best option for Gran Canaria as it gives you the chance to do things like this without having to rely on public transport.

History & Geography of Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo is a natural monument and crag that stands at an impressive height of 67 meters. Right beside this rock is another formation called Roque de la Rana. The history of this rock stretches back to the days when aboriginal people would see it as a place of worship. Since then it has been a site of pilgrimage for the residents of Gran Canaria. In 1987, it was declared a natural space and in 1994 the area was given the title “Parque Rural del Nublo”.

Millions of years ago Roque Nublo became a volcanic plug stemming from the Tejeda volcano. A volcanic plug is formed geographically when lava cools and hardens inside a vent of an active volcano. When hiking to Roque Nublo you will be afforded views of the Caldera de Tejeda and surrounding rock formations such as Roque San Jose and El Fraile. Not to mention the vegetation dotting the landscape composed of pine trees and scrubs.

What to Expect while Hiking to Roque Nublo

Once you leave the car park you embark on the trail which takes you through a pine forest, across ancient lava formations and finally to the barren yet beautiful landscapes of the upper plateau where Roque Nublo is situated. The path is in good condition but there are a few rocks which impede on the track every now and then. Just make sure you watch where you walk because you don’t want to trip over and fall. Apart from that, it’s a leisurely stroll to the top.

Along this hiking trail you will be presented with some extraordinary photo opportunities. There are cave dwellings, rocks with holes and aboriginal sites to check out – all incredible places to snap up a few creative images. One of the highlights from the top of Roque Nublo is getting the opportunity to see Mount Teide in the distance which is located on the nearby island of Tenerife. That is the ultimate photographic achievement if you have the right weather!

Go with Epic Tours Gran Canaria for Great Photos

Epic Tours Gran Canaria is a small tour company run by myself, Sergiu, where I take guests on private photography experiences across the island. I capture professional photos of your group as you enjoy the outing, and even provide a few tips and tricks for those interested in improving their photography skills. Each experience finishes with 60 photos ready for you to download digitally and take back home. One of our most popular trips is our Roque Nublo Hike.

In addition to leading the hike and revealing the top photography spots along the way (many of which tourists don’t know about), I bring travelers to other points of interest in the region such as Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas and Fataga. The tour is five hours long which includes pick-up and transportation. If you want to complete this hike with the most breathtaking photos then please get in touch and we can arrange a fun day trip that everyone will love!

Tips for Hiking to Roque Nublo

● Wear Decent Hiking Boots: Even though this hike is classed as being easy/moderate, it won’t be unless you wear the correct footwear. Hiking boots with ankle support give you the proper protection to walk over those loose rocks, and head up and down hill in comfort. The last thing you want is to be slipping and sliding or get blisters because you wore flimsy tennis shoes. Invest in a quality pair of boots, you won’t regret it.

● Pack Plenty of Water: There is no place to buy water on the way up Roque Nublo apart from a food truck that sells drinks at the trailhead. So bring your own water just in case the truck isn’t there. You will be surprised by how much water you end up drinking even during a short two or three hour hiking period. If you book with us here at Epic Tours Gran Canaria we provide lots of bottled water for you which is a plus.

● Bring a Flashlight for Sunset: If you are planning to hike Roque Nublo at sunset, which is magical by the way, ensure you have suitable gear to help you walk back down in the dark. A flashlight and head torch are good items – plus some warm clothes like a beanie, gloves and jacket as it gets cold at night at that altitude. It goes without saying that your cameras must be brought along for those gorgeous golden hour views!