Welcome to the majestic Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic natural hiking trails, standing tall at 1,813 meters above sea level. Situated right in the heart of the island, this ancient volcanic rock offers a journey through the geological and cultural history of the Canary Islands.
The hike to Roque Nublo provides breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the island, encompassing rugged mountain terrains, verdant pine forests, and on clear days, you can see all the way to Tenerife and its iconic Mount Teide.
The Roque Nublo hike was one of our favorites on Gran Canaria and this is also THE hiking trail that you absolutely can’t miss when on holiday in Gran Canaria.
Roque Nublo Hiking Statistics
Hiking Distance – 3.1km
Elevation – 187m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy
Parking Lot – There’s a parking lot right across from the start of the hiking trail towards Roque Nublo.
Best time to visit – Roque Nublo is one of the most famous hiking trails in Gran Canaria and while there is an actual parking lot it’s definitely not big enough for the amount of visitors during the day. We arrived around 10am and scored one of the last spots.
Toddler proof? – Yes! We saw a ton of young children along the trail. Just make sure to keep an eye on them around the rock formation itself.
Interesting facts about Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is a volcanic rock formation that formed around 4.5 million years ago during the volcanic activity that created Gran Canaria. It stands as a massive monolith, approximately 80 meters tall, rising dramatically from the island’s central highlands. It is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island and a point of pride for locals.
Historically, Roque Nublo held spiritual significance for the indigenous Guanche people, who inhabited the Canary Islands before Spanish colonization. It was considered a sacred place of worship, akin to a natural temple or monument.
How to reach the Roque Nublo trailhead
Reaching the Roque Nublo trailhead in Gran Canaria is straightforward and accessible for visitors from all parts of the island. Here’s how to get there.
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Roque Nublo trailhead:
- From Las Palmas: Take the GC-110 from Las Palmas towards the interior of the island, following signs for San Mateo. Continue on the GC-15, passing through San Mateo and Tejeda. From Tejeda, take the GC-600 towards La Culata and look for signs directing you to Roque Nublo. The drive from Las Palmas takes about 1-1.5 hours.
- From Maspalomas: Drive north on the GC-60 through Fataga and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, continuing towards Ayacata. From Ayacata, follow the GC-600 towards Roque Nublo. The drive from Maspalomas also takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.
🅿️ PARKING – Parking at Roque Nublo is very limited, especially compared to its popularity. Make sure to arrive early to snag one of the parking spaces.
By Tour
Hiking to Roque Nublo with a baby
The hike to Roque Nublo is one of the easiest hikes on the island of Gran Canaria. Especially if you compare the low effort required to the spectacular views that you get in return.
Like always we carried César in his baby carrier and for this hike you really won’t need any hiking poles. Make sure both you and your baby are dressed appropriately for the weather. Layers are key as temperatures can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
Aim to start your hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun. This will help keep the baby comfortable and reduce the risk of overheating.
Bring plenty of water, baby food, snacks, extra diapers, a change of clothes for the baby, and first aid supplies. Don’t forget sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat for both the baby and yourself.
Roque Nublo Hiking Trail – A step by step guide
The trailhead is located near La Goleta, off the GC-600 road. It’s about an hour’s drive from both Las Palmas and the southern resorts of Gran Canaria. There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, which can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
The path starts with a gentle incline through a pine forest before becoming rockier and steeper as you approach Roque Nublo. The trail itself is well-marked and winds through some of the most picturesque scenery in Gran Canaria, leading to the base of the majestic rock formation known locally as “God’s Finger.”
From the base of Roque Nublo, you can see across Gran Canaria, and on clear days, views extend to neighboring islands like Tenerife.
We saw so many families with small children on this trail. It’s definitely an ideal hike to bring your little ones along!
Do know that around Roque Nublo it can get very windy!
Retrace your steps back to the parking area. The descent is generally quicker but requires caution as the rocky path can be slippery, especially if it’s wet.
💡 TIP – For more experienced hikers, the trail can be extended to include nearby peaks such as Roque de La Rana or Pico de Las Nieves, the highest point on the island.
There are no facilities on the trail, so consider stopping in nearby towns like Ayacata or Tejeda for refreshments and to explore more of Gran Canaria’s rugged interior.
The best time to hike to Roque Nublo
Hiking to Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria is best in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the landscape is vibrant. Spring offers the added beauty of blooming flora and greenery, making the paths particularly picturesque, while autumn provides a tranquil hiking experience with fewer tourists and excellent conditions for photography due to the soft autumn light. Both seasons feature comfortable temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter, from December to February, is also a good time for hiking, although it is the rainiest season. The weather remains mild with cooler temperatures, making it comfortable for hiking, but always check the forecast for rain or storms before setting out.
Summer, on the other hand, is the least recommended due to the high temperatures, which can make hiking strenuous and less enjoyable. If hiking in summer, it’s crucial to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and ensure adequate sun protection and hydration.
❗️Regardless of the season, starting early in the day is advisable to enjoy a quieter and cooler hike.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
We chose to stay at Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria and it was the best decision we could have made. The hotel is located at Playa de San Agustín and boasts incredible ocean views.
My main draw to the hotel was its design and their luxury all inclusive service. Our baby stayed for free and we got a beautiful cot set up for him in our room. There are several restaurants in the hotel but one of the biggest benefits for me was their lavish buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You never know how dinner will go with a baby and with a buffet you have a less strict schedule and can take care of your little one if he needs you.
They had plenty of high chairs for kids and also a kids pool where he could test the water without being too cold in the big swimming pool.
I also loved the driving distance to most attractions so our car time never was too short. This way César could enjoy a good nap in his carseat before embarking on a new adventure.
The hotel also has an adults only section so no angry looks from other people if your baby gets fussy. Not that this should bother you but I know a lot of parents will absolutely love this.
CLICK HERE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY AT PARADISUS BY MELIÁ GRAN CANARIA.
If you have any questions about how to visit Gran Canaria or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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