Ruta del Roque Nublo

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Ruta del Roque Nublo: Gran Canaria’s Classic Short Hike

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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HikeList Score

Ruta del Roque Nublo scored 77/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 85
Varied terrain 83
Accommodation 74
Food & support 68
Path quality 80
Season flexibility 63

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

Ruta del Roque Nublo is a 3 km out-and-back day walk in the central highlands of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. Signed as trail S-70, it climbs from Degollada de la Goleta on the GC-600 to the plateau at the foot of Roque Nublo, an 80-metre volcanic monolith. The walk is moderate: short and well waymarked, but with steady ascent, uneven rock, roots and exposed high ground. It suits reasonably fit walkers who want a half-day mountain viewpoint hike.

Route Overview

The standard route starts and finishes at Degollada de la Goleta, also called La Goleta, on the GC-600 between Llanos de la Pez and Ayacata in Tejeda. From the viewpoint the S-70 path climbs on a cobbled/paved start, then continues over rocky, pine-dotted ground to the open volcanic plateau below Roque Nublo and El Fraile. A short circuit around the base of the rock can be added before returning the same way. The former trailhead car park is permanently closed: use Cruz de los Llanos or Tejeda town and take the Global Line 18 shuttle, or walk in. For longer Spanish routes, compare the Camino Francés or the Carros de Foc circuit.

Roque Nublo history and protection

Roque Nublo formed during Gran Canaria’s Pliocene Roque Nublo volcanic cycle, roughly 5–3 million years ago, as harder volcanic material resisted erosion after surrounding softer rock weathered away. The monolith was a sacred place for the pre-Hispanic Canarii, the island’s indigenous people. The surrounding landscape was protected as a Natural Space in 1987 and later declared Nublo Rural Park in 1994; Roque Nublo itself is a Natural Monument.

Notable highlights

Roque Nublo (80-metre volcanic monolith): The walk reaches the base plateau below this phonolitic volcanic plug, one of Gran Canaria’s defining landmarks. Its summit is 1,813 m above sea level, but walkers do not climb the tower itself.
El Fraile (The Friar): This neighbouring rock pinnacle stands beside Roque Nublo and is named for its monk-like silhouette. It is one of the most distinctive features as you approach the plateau.
Views of Mount Teide, Tenerife: In clear weather, Teide is visible across the Atlantic from the plateau. The viewpoint also gives wide views over Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior.
Roque Bentayga: This sacred volcanic monolith and former aboriginal stronghold can be seen across the Tejeda caldera from the route and viewpoints.
Tejeda caldera and La Culata ravine: From Degollada de la Goleta and the higher ground, the walk looks into the eroded central crater landscape and the Tejeda basin.

Challenges to expect

The route is short but not flat: expect about 185 m of ascent, uneven rock, loose stones and pine roots. The upper plateau is exposed, with little shade, so summer middays can be hot; in winter the high ground can be cold, windy or misty. Navigation is straightforward on signed S-70, but logistics now matter: the La Goleta car park is closed and a free reservation is mandatory during regulated hours.

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Ranked #661 of 974

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