Roque Nublo is an iconic Gran Canaria spot that’s easy to reach and offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the island.
Here are some useful tips for planning your hike from Roque Nublo to Gran Canaria.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Tour summary and map
- Distance: 3.1km round trip (1.9 miles)
- Running time: 1h15
- Difficulty: Easy
- Ascent: 187m, between 1557 and 1720 metres above sea level
Here’s the map of the hike:
Is the Roque Nublo hike worth it? Our review
Yes, the Roque Nublo hike is well worth it. This is an easy excursion that offers breathtaking views of the whole island of Gran Canaria, and takes you close to a huge volcanic rock 80m (262ft) high! The whole family will appreciate it.
This is one of Gran Canaria’s top attractions.
Our favorite moments:
- The feeling of being tiny next to the rock
- The change in vegetation between the trees at the start of the hike and the desert plateau
- Views of the island and the sea, with even Tenerife in the background!
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What are the difficulties?
This is a fairly easy hike. What you need to know:
- There are passages with rocks and roots on the ground in some places, so watch your step carefully.
- There are no toilet facilities, and few places to hide in the wild.
- There are several hikes in the area, so follow the signs to Roque Nublo.
- There’s no shade at all on the second half of the path. Remember to protect yourself and bring plenty of water!
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
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Access
Where to find Roque Nublo – map
- In the heart of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 1h drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h drive
- From Puerto Rico = 1h10 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access road by car
Roque Nublo is located in the mountains, so access roads are winding…
But there are no major difficulties. The roads are in good condition.
Occasionally, the passages are a little narrower, but this is just an occasional occurrence.
Roque Nublo parking lot
Parking, on the other hand, is a very important issue.
The parking lot is quite small considering the popularity of this hike.
If you’re too late, you’ll be circling with lots of other cars waiting for some of them to finish the ride, and it’ll be a battle to take your place.
We did it in November. And when we got back to the car at around 10am, the parking area was full with lots of cars looking for parking.
Parking is currently free. Discussions are underway to change access conditions and better manage the situation.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Access by public transport or organized transfer
For the moment, there is no public transport access.
Beware: many guided tour programs indicate Roque Nublo, but it’s not the hike, it’s the viewpoints around it where you can see the rocks well.
Here’s a guided tour that really includes the Roque Nublo hike, plus our favorite village of Agüimes: see program and availability.
Useful tips
How long and Best time
Allow a minimum of 1 hour, but more likely 1h15 to 1h30 to enjoy the views.
It’s a hike you can do all year round. However, in summer, we advise you to avoid the middle of the day, as there is no shade at all on the second half of the hike.
The meaning of hiking
It’s an out-and-back hike, so not much choice.
However, there are many other paths in the area to villages and other places, so you can combine to make a longer hike.
Reduce hiking
You can do only part of the hike and then turn back. But the best moments are on the plateau with the views and the rocks, i.e. on the second part of the outward journey. It’s not worth doing just one game.
Hiking with children
It’s a good hike to do with children. There are no particular technical difficulties or greater risks than on other hikes. And the kids seem to really enjoy the variety this trail has to offer.
Installations
Please note that it’s an hour’s drive to reach the parking lot, and there are no toilets at the start of the trail (or at the end). And along the way, there’s little room to hide in nature…
At the start of the trail, there’s often a small stand with drinks and snacks.
Trailhead
From the parking lot, it’s impossible to get lost – the path is obvious, with the rock jutting out in the background.
The very beginning is paved, with a few steps here and there.
The path is not very wide but not difficult. There are beautiful views of the rocks on the plateau opposite, and on the left, panoramic views of the valley.
If you come early in the morning, you won’t have to pass anyone on this narrower section, which is much more pleasant.
Wooded section
You then climb into a wooded section. Gran Canaria is less deserted than Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, and here you have pine trees: Pinus Canariensis. It grows between 600 and 2000m altitude.
Soil type varies, with more or less pebbles and roots.
We really appreciated the change in conditions. Gran Canaria remains very desert-like, and it’s good to see trees and enjoy a little shade.
In the middle of the forest, there’s a moment when there’s an unclear separation of paths. Choose the left-hand path, which continues to climb.
Last climb to the plateau
Once you leave the wooded area, you can no longer see Roque Nublo/. But the path remains clear towards a rock wall. You’re getting close!
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Approach to volcanic rocks, geology of the plateau
And here we are, on the plateau, with the rocks getting bigger and bigger. A final climb is necessary to reach it, but it’s a short one, and the 360° views are fantastic.
If you want to know a little more about the geology of the plateau:
From what we understand, the area was formed during the second cycle of subaerial volcanic activity on Gran Canaria, when a 2,500m-high volcano formed (in the Pliocene age).
Then erosion did its work. It’s the last piece left standing!
Unlike many rocks that visually resemble it, this is not an ancient volcanic plug. It is made up of ash and tuff that have fused together rather than lava.
Roque Nublo
As you approach Roque Nublo, you’ll feel very small. It’s rare to see boulders in a single block so straight and so high.
It is 80m high (262ft) and stands 1813m above sea level (5958ft). Note: other sources indicate 65m, others 120m…
It’s right in the middle of the island. It’s not the highest point, but you’ll enjoy magnificent views in all directions.
It is possible to climb Roque Nublo if you come with the appropriate equipment.
Its name means Cloud Rock.
The Roque La Rana window
The other rock next to it is much less well known. It’s Roque La Ran or Roque La Rana.
It’s smaller, but we haven’t been able to confirm its height.
There are already different heights for Roque Nublo…
Don’t miss the little hole in the rock, a window onto the island’s wonderful landscapes.
Its name means Frog Rock.
Viewpoints on the rock without hiking
If you don’t want to hike, there are plenty of places in the mountains with viewpoints from which you can see this rock. For example:
- Pico de las Nieves: the best known, with Tenerife in the background
- Mirador Presa de Los Hornos
- From the watchtowers of Artenara village
- …
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
