Nestled in the Teide National Park, this moderately challenging route offers a close encounter with the park’s iconic, otherworldly rock formations, including the famous Roque Cinchado, a symbol of Tenerife often featured in postcards.
This circular trail offers panoramic views over Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and the surrounding volcanic landscape that ranges from stark, moon-like terrains to fields dotted with colorful, resilient flora.
Looking back on all of the hiking trails that we did on Tenerife, the Roques de Garcia trail is definitely my favorite one!
In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know to have the best and more importantly, a safe experience on the trail.
Roques de Garcia Hiking Stats
Hiking distance – 3.5km
Elevation – 175m
Route Type – Loop
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy. A big part of the trail is paved and accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Halfway through the terrain becomes rockier and is only suitable when wearing proper hiking boots
Parking Lot – There’s a pretty spacious parking lot at the start of the trail.
Best time to visit – In my dream scenario we would have completed this hike during sunset. The crowds have faded away and the light up in Teide National Park is spectacular. But since we were hiking with our 3 month old baby we arrived at around 10am.
Interesting facts about the Roques de Garcia hike
The clear skies and high altitude make the trail an excellent spot for stargazing. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Starlight Reserve, where light pollution controls are in place to ensure an unspoiled view of the night sky.
The area has a rich cultural history, influenced by the Guanches, the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Many Guanche archaeological sites are found within the park, offering insight into the pre-Spanish civilization.
The trail is not only popular among hikers but also attracts geologists and photographers from around the world, drawn by its unique landscape and geological significance.
How to get to Roques de Garcia
Getting to Roques de Garcia, located in the stunning Teide National Park on Tenerife, Canary Islands, is relatively straightforward whether you’re driving yourself or using public transportation. Here’s how you can reach this spectacular hiking destination:
By Car
- From the North (Santa Cruz de Tenerife): Take the TF-5 motorway towards La Laguna, then switch to the TF-24 that leads up to Teide National Park through La Esperanza Forest. Once in the park, continue on TF-21, which will take you directly to the Roques de Garcia trailhead, located near the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide hotel.
- From the South (Adeje, Arona): Take the TF-1 motorway north and exit onto TF-21 at Vilaflor. This road goes through the southern part of the park and also leads directly to the trailhead near the Parador hotel.
🅿️ PARKING – There is a parking lot directly across from the Parador hotel, which is very close to the start of the Roques de Garcia trail. This parking area tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early in the day is advisable.
By Public Transportation
- Bus: TITSA bus services operate on the island and can get you close to Teide National Park. However, public transport options within the park are more limited. The most direct bus route is the 348 from Puerto de la Cruz or the 342 from Costa Adeje, both of which stop at several locations within the park, including near the Roques de Garcia during specific times of the year. It’s important to check the current schedules and routes on the TITSA website as services may vary by season.
By Guided Tour
- Many visitors opt for guided tours from various parts of Tenerife that include transportation directly to Teide National Park and often feature stops at major sights like Roques de Garcia. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or deal with the hassle of bus schedules.
Hiking the Roques de Garcia Trail with a baby
We completed the Roques de Garcia hike when César was 3 months old and it was our very first time traveling with a baby and especially, hiking with a baby!
We started the hike counter clockwise and I highly recommend doing it this way. Like this you might start with the easiest part of the trail but also the busiest. The first kilometer is on a well maintained path and can also be done with a stroller.
However, since we didn’t want to miss the most adventurous and beautiful part of the Roques de Garcia hike we opted for using the baby carrier. This way we had a lot more flexibility and were able to keep on hiking once the paved pathway was over.
There isn’t too much elevation gain or loss along the trail so I didn’t feel the need to use my hiking poles.
How to hike the Roques de Garcia Trail – A step by step guide
The trail begins near the parking area across from the Parador hotel. Look for signs for the Roques de Garcia trail and from there the path is well-marked and circles around some of the most striking rock formations in the park, including the famous Roque Cinchado.
As you hike, you’ll encounter various informational signs that provide details about the geological features and history of the area. Do know that this is only in the area where there’s a paved pathway. Once you leave this area there are no longer any informational signs.
After hiking about 1km the paved path stops and it’s very clear why you need to wear proper hiking shoes. But the trail is relatively easy, with some uneven surfaces and slight inclines. It is accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
Once we left the paved path it felt like we were all of a sudden alone. Gone were the dozens of strollers (hooray for the middle of the day!) and the crazy amount of tourists. But as usual, a lot of people are pretty lazy and will simply stick to the main viewpoint at the very start of the hike.
The further you go, the less crowded it will be!
My favorite part of the Roques de Garcia hike was the descent into the valley. It honestly felt like I was back at the Valley of the Moon in Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
Afterwards the only way is up via a short ascent back to the parking lot.
The best time to hike the Roques de Garcia Trail
The best time to hike the Roques de Garcia Trail in Teide National Park, Tenerife, is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). These seasons offer the most favorable conditions for hiking in this region:
- Mild Weather – Spring and fall provide mild temperatures that are ideal for hiking. The weather is not too hot, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, which is particularly important given the high altitude and exposure to the sun on the trail.
- Clear Skies – These months often have clearer skies, enhancing visibility and allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning views of Mount Teide and the surrounding caldera. Clear skies also make for excellent photography conditions, capturing the dramatic landscape and unique rock formations.
- Avoiding Crowds – By hiking in the shoulder seasons, you can avoid the peak tourist months of July and August, when the trail can be more crowded and the temperatures are much higher. Fewer crowds mean a more serene hiking experience and easier access to popular spots along the trail without having to wait.
- Optimal Daylight – Spring and fall offer ample daylight hours, giving you plenty of time to complete the hike without rushing. This is crucial as you’ll likely want to stop frequently to enjoy the views and take photos.
- Unique Flora – If you hike during the late spring, you might also catch the end of the blooming season for many of the area’s native plants, adding a splash of color to the volcanic landscape.
Always check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions at high altitudes can change rapidly. Also, even in these ideal months, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so dressing in layers is recommended to adjust comfortably to the changing temperatures throughout the day.
Where to stay in Tenerife
I can’t recommend The Ritz Carlton Abama enough but staying here is what made our trip absolutely unforgettable. It’s only a short drive away from most hiking trails and you won’t have to deal with the daily traffic jams in the south of Tenerife.
We stayed at their Villa Club Deluxe which comes with a semi private heated pool, exclusive access to El Mirador for breakfast and includes complimentary drinks and snacks by the pool.
All in all it was the perfect hotel to stay in Tenerife with our baby.
If you have any questions about how to visit Tenerife or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Tenerife
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The 9 Very Best Baby Friendly Luxury Hotels In Tenerife
The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Travel Itinerary
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The Ritz-Carlton Abama – The Best Luxury Hotel In Tenerife To Stay With A Baby
The 7 Very Best Hikes In Tenerife (Map + Tips Included)
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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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