Our blog could not miss an article dedicated exclusively to Nublo Rural Park and its protagonist: the Natural Monument Roque Nublo. As you may know, this Monument is one of the most representative symbols of the Canary Islands and, of course, from the island of Gran Canaria. It is located within the municipality of Tejeda and is one of the highest points on the island. As we said, the Natural Monument of Roque Nublo and its surroundings make up the Nublo Rural Park and in 1987 they were declared Protected Natural Area. Below, we share everything you need to know about this natural resource if you want to visit it.
Below you can consult the index of contents that you will find throughout this article – guide to visiting the Roque Nublo.
Natural Monument of Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria
Without a doubt, the Nublo is one of the essential what to see in Gran Canaria and you should include it in your route around the island. It stands out because it is one of the highest points on the island and from where you will have spectacular panoramic views of the interior of the island. Specifically, the height of Roque Nublo It is 1.813 meters above sea level. As for how long the rock is, it is one of the largest rocks in the world 80 meters high. From here, in addition to seeing one of the most beautiful landscapes on the island, on many occasions you will have views of the island of Tenerife and some beautiful sunsets.
Next, we will share with you one of the routes hiking in Gran Canaria that cannot be missing from your list if you want to visit one of the most representative places on the island of Gran Canaria. Next, we share information about the fireplace al Roque Nublo if you are going to visit it on your own.
Ruta Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria
First of all, you have to know that it is possible to take several routes on foot to the Natural Monument itself. Roque Nublo. Here we will talk to you about the route to Roque Nublo more short. The beginning of the trail is right in front of the parking lot, so you can't get lost. The hiking route to the top has just 1,5 km one way and 1,5 km return. But how long does it take to get on the Roque Nublo? On the way there are some 40 minutes going up and on the way back about 20 minutes going down. Unless you go with children or someone older. Below you have all the technical details of the path to Roque Nublo:
Distance | 3 km |
Approximate duration | 1 hours |
Total promotion | 146m |
Circular | No |
Picnic zone | No |
You should add something more to the walking time to take photographs and appreciate the spectacular views of the summit of Gran Canaria and its Sacred Mountains. What's more, from here you can take one of the most beautiful photos. instagrammable from the island of Gran Canaria.
Dream views and magical sunsets
You also have views of the nearest towns and places of interest. For example, Ayacata, Chira dam, Pico de Las Nieves and La Culata. Also to Pico Teide and the island of Tenerife, as we mentioned before. You can see it in the next photo right above the clouds.
La previous location is also becoming very fashionable to take a photo. If you have vertigo and are somewhat clumsy, we do not recommend it, since it is a bit dangerous to access. It is a few meters from the big rock. As we mentioned before, the Roque Nublo and the Nublo Rural Park It is a must-see among the places to see in Gran Canaria. It is the best way to get to know the diversity of landscapes and microclimates that we have on the island of Gran Canaria. Besides, From the top you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in Gran Canaria. In the next few lines we will tell you the different ways to get there.
Roque Nublo: how to get
First, if you want to know how to get to Roque Nublo by car, first enter “Parking” in Google Maps or Waze Roque Nublo« O well "Degollada de La Goleta car park«. The application will take you to the parking lot where the hike to Roque Nublo. From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria It takes approximately an hour by car passing through Santa Brígida and San Mateo. At the same time, we can say that it takes practically the same time if you come from Maspalomas, along the Fataga. In both cases, keep in mind that The road is inland and full of curves, it is impossible to avoid the curves given the orography of the island.
Finally, for those looking how to get to Roque Nublo in busIt is possible, but it is a long journey. You can take the bus number 18 from Maspalomas and it takes just over 2 hours. From Las Palmas I do not recommend it since there is no direct bus and it would take more than 4 hours each way. If you still want to go, you can see all the connections on Google Maps giving the option of public transport from wherever you leave or look at all the buses on Guaguas Global.
Excursion to Roque Nublo and guided tour
If you do not have how to go up Roque Nublo, because you are not going to rent a car, We recommend you go with a tour guided. In addition to saving you bus stops and transfers, you can visit this emblematic place with a expert guide. There is tour to Roque Nublo from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with very good reviews from other travelers. You have all the information about days of the excursion, prices and reviews in this page.
Roque Nublo car park
You must bear in mind that the parking lot Roque Nublo It is VERY limited. Therefore, we recommend Schedule your visit early in the day (before 10am) or at less busy times such as lunchtime. Otherwise, you will experience first-hand the chaos of parking, cars on the shoulders, buses, etc. Below we share a list with more tips for your visit to this natural monument.
Curiosities of the Roque Nublo: the frog and the friar
It has always been said that the small monument next to the Nublo It is shaped like a frog. What do you think?
Likewise, next to it there is another monument that you will find on the hike up, it is the Roque del Fraile, since its silhouette resembles that of a friar In the next photo we see the Roque del Fraile to the left and in the background Las Nieves Peak covered by clouds. The Pico de Las Nieves is one of the highest points of Gran Canaria with 1.949 meters of altitude and you can combine a visit to its viewpoint with this day.
Tips for visiting the Roque Nublo
- As we mentioned before, parking is scarce. Avoid on weekends and holidays, since locals also visit it. And try to go before 10 in the morning, at lunchtime (13-15 p.m.) or at the end of the day, although sometimes quite a few people gather to watch the sunset.
- Bring enough warm clothing. Being so high you can be below zero in winter. The rest of the seasons of the year you may find yourself perfectly 8 degrees, except on heat wave and haze days, when we do not recommend visiting.
- Carries hiking shoes. The path is not very long, but it is steep and with pine needles in some places, which can be slippery.
- You can go with children. The trail is not very difficult or extensive, although you will have to be careful in some areas. Therefore, we can recommend it to go as a family.
- If you are not used to curvy roads, you may get dizzy on the way. Both since Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as from the south. Avoid looking at your phone or reading when you're on the road, open the windows and breathe.
- If you are going to see the sunset, it would be recommended bring headlamps for the way back. If you use your cell phone flashlight you won't have your hands free if you slip on the trail.
We leave you with an image of what happens to the majority of travelers who do not read us before visiting the corners of our island. They cover themselves with whatever they can from the cold weather and wear inappropriate shoes and clothing. It's better to change in the car than to sprain your foot and catch a cold.
Edible souvenir shop
Another of our tips is that it is not necessary to bring food with you, since just before starting the walking tour, in front of the parking lot, there is usually a souvenir and local food stall. They also offer fresh orange juice, coffee, ice cream and cheese sandwiches, chorizo Teror or both combined. In any case, the trail is quite short and Tejeda is nearby with a wide range of restaurants.
Nublo Rural Park: what to do in the surroundings
Both next to the monument and throughout the Nublo Rural Park there are several hiking routes to enjoy one of the best natural spaces on the island. We recommend the route of Pigeon Puddle that goes through the Tejeda stock. Since you are in the interior of Gran Canaria and you have had to suffer all these curves, We recommend you visit Tejeda, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. You have all our recommendations in the article about what to see in Tejeda.
It is also very close Cross of Tejeda, from where different hiking routes start and you can make a stop to eat or have a coffee. Also, here is the Cruz de Tejeda Parador, hotel near the Roque Nublo where we recommend you spend the night to visit this area of the island. Do not search hotel in the Roque Nublo, since there is nothing around.
Moreover, another of the rocks that you should know in Gran Canaria and which is very close to the Cloud is the Roque Bentayga. There is also a (short) path that will allow you to ascend to it. Many visitors confuse them because they are quite similar. Judge for yourself below.
Videos on how to get to Roque Nublo and the path
Next, we leave you with a more detailed video about how to go to Roque Nublo regarding roads, parking, trails, etc. Remember subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips and plans to do in Gran Canaria.
We have also prepared for you a video of Roque Nublo and the route on foot. The visit coincides with sunset.
Gran Canaria Guides
Finally, we invite you to take a look at other articles about places that you cannot miss on your visit to Gran Canaria.
Finally if you want save time planning your trip and learn more places like this with our help, We suggest you take a look at our travel guides to the island of Gran Canaria. We are not the official tourism website of Gran Canaria, but we were born and live here and We share with you what we would like you to share with us about the places we travel to: local advice, restaurants, less crowded places, etc.
We are Ruth & Jorge, Gran Canarian people with a traveling soul. Experts in tourism and digital marketing. We share the most authentic side of Gran Canaria (where we live) and… our adventures around the world!
Carlos says
Good afternoon. I wanted to know if you can start the tour from the town of Tejeda itself instead of the parking lot.
Ruth & Jorge says
Hi Carlos! By being able, you can... there must be some path. We haven't done it, nor do we know what it would be... maybe you can find a route on Google. We're sorry we can't help! Greetings.
Juan says
Hello good day
I plan to visit Nublo next week between Monday and Friday depending on the weather
Is it a good time to be in the parking lot at 8:00 to start the route?
I suppose that at that time there are not many people on the route and the parking will be free.
I guess a sweater will be enough for warmth.
Leaving Las Palmas at 6:45 we will be in the parking lot around 8:00 I guess
All the best
Ruth & Jorge says
Hello John! If you go during the week at that time you will not have any problems and you will enjoy a lot 🙂 Look at the weather forecast in Tejeda town and in the Roque Nublo It will be similar, so you know how much coat to bring. A hug!
Lara says
Very good, my question is whether the road that goes up from Maspalomas to Roque is very narrow, I am counting on the curves so what scares me is that it is very narrow or that there are many stretches of just one lane in both directions. Could you help me with this issue. Thank you
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hello Lara!! There are sections that are narrow and buses also pass here (not many), but as far as I remember, two cars pass (one in each direction), it is not a route that I usually take, sorry... In any case, if you want to go to the Roque NubloThere are no highways to get to the top of the island… any road that leads inland will be similar! A hug and good luck!
ANA BELEN says
Hello, this summer we want to go to Gran Canaria with our 2-year-old son. We are making a guide and we wanted advice if the day we go to Tejada we can go up to the Roque Nublo with the child or the road is complicated.
Regards!!!
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hello Ana Belén! The path is not complicated, but there will be sections in which you will have to carry the child in your arms (even if he already walks well on his own). Think of it as a trail that takes half an hour up and half an hour down, a trail with a slope like the one we show in the photos and video. In any case, you can always try to go as far as you feel safe and if not go back the way you came. The entire Nublo Rural Park is worth it 🙂 By the way, we invite you to take a look at these articles in case you haven't seen them already:
https://localguidegrancanaria.com/senderismo-con-ninos-gran-canaria/
https://localguidegrancanaria.com/que-hacer-con-ninos-en-gran-canaria/
A greeting!
Ruth
Tamara says
Good afternoon, I had a question and it is from where the path begins to go up to the roque Nublo, because from what I am investigating according to what I have read on Google Maps in the Degollada de La Goleta Parking Lot. If so, can you confirm it for me?
Thank you very much!
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hello Tamara! The truth is that I don't know the name of the parking lot as such, but if you put it in your Google Maps GPS Roque Nublo takes you there. Normally there is a van selling groceries outside, the parking lot and path are clearly visible, you can't miss it. All the best!
Sylvelin says
Can you go up with dogs? To the Roque nublo??
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hello Sylvelin! As far as we know, there is no prohibition on going with a dog. They also have the right to enjoy our trails! All the best!
Peter Matthias Kraus says
It seems that there is a confusion between the Bentayga and Nublo rocks. What you see above is declared as Roque Nublo but there are identical views of the Bentayga. Can you decide which is which?
Peter Matthias Kraus
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hello Peter! In this post we only show the Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga does not appear in any photo. He Roque Nublo It is considerably larger than the Bentayga. From afar they can be confused, but we are sure that in this post you will be able to see the difference between the two: https://localguidegrancanaria.com/tejeda/
Regards!