In this entry we are going to tell you the shortest route to climb the legendary Tirma track on a gravel bike. Its 72 km with 1.966 m of positive elevation gain in a circular format, departing from near Artenara, and with a 37% of landIf you've always wanted to cycle around Tirma but don't feel like tackling a 120km day trip from the north, this is your route: descend to sea level, climb to 1.311m and close the loop at the same place where you left your car.
Before leaving: the Tirma Estate permit
This is the first thing you need to resolve, because It is not requested on the same dayThe Tirma track crosses a property belonging to the Island Council within the Tamadaba Natural Park, and To enter by bicycle, a free permit is required. from the Ministry of the Environment.
How to order:
- An email is sent to [email protected] with the data of the people who access it and the number of bicycles.
- At least 5 days in advance. Permits are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The maximum quota is 50 bicycles per day, according to the Tamadaba Natural Park Master Plan.
It is true that There is usually no one watching.But the process is free, it only takes five minutes, and you're driving through a protected natural area. It's worth doing things right. Two more details: inside the property You must always go on the dirt trackIt is forbidden to go off the trails with your bike, and The hunting area is reserved for hunting days. for that activity.
The short gravel route to Tirma, step by step
The starting point is the junction between the Artenara-Acusa road and the Tamadaba road., Near ArtenaraYou can leave the car there without any problem. Since it's a circular route, you end up in the exact same spot.
We started by going down through the Valley of TearsIt's one of the most beautiful and popular cycling routes in all of Gran Canaria. The usual way to cycle it is in the opposite direction, uphill, but Doing it downhill has its own reward: the views of the Parralillo dam They are spectacular and you can enjoy them without feeling overwhelmed.
To get to La Aldea Ravine You have two options. You can approach the town of La Aldea de San Nicolás to grab a bite to eat or stop by a supermarket, or continue along the ravine itself to the La Aldea dockWe recommend the pier: it's another good place to have a coffee or a sandwich, and You are literally at sea level (The lowest point of the route is 7 meters above sea level). Enjoy it, because from here on it's all uphill.
From Andén Verde to the Tirma turnoff
From the dock The climb begins along a secondary road to Andén Verdewhere there's a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the cliff. And here's the important warning about this route.
The section of the GC-200 that passes through Andén Verde is permanently closed to trafficThis is not a temporary closure. It was closed after a technical report concluded that the risk of a landslide at that point was 100% and that even installing netting could not guarantee safety. Landslides of hundreds of cubic meters have fallen onto the road.
Our track predates the closure and still includes that section.So ignore it at that point: From the viewpoint, turn around and go down through the tunnel.That's the good option, and the one we recommend. It's not just a question of whether it's allowed or not; the rocks really do fall there.
Once you've passed through the tunnel, you turn off towards Tirma and you go up another very quiet secondary road to the exit of the dirt road of the estate.
Tirma's Trail
And finally, what you came looking for. The Tirma dirt track is a joy for gravel riding.: most of it is very flat And it rolls wonderfully, with the added bonus that you're passing through a protected natural area with very few people around.
As of August 2026 or Some sections with improvement works of the track, a consequence of the rains, but It goes perfectly And it won't cause you any problems.
Upon reaching the top, at the Tirma's house, we did a small loop to get closer to a spectacular viewpoint that is next to the camping area of tamadabaIt's a short detour and well worth it. From there, walk back to the car and the road is closed.
Be careful with the heat and the water
This is the point we want to emphasize most about this route. We did it in August and The average temperature was 33 °C, with peaks of 41 °C.The clock estimated a loss of 3,8 liters of fluid against 1,7 liters consumed: more of two liters deficit in just over four and a half hours of pedaling.
And the most important: After the La Aldea pier you will find practically nothing all the way to the end. The entire climb to Andén Verde, the Tirma turnoff, and the whole track are an area without services. So minimum load 3 liters in La AldeaLeave early and, if you can, Avoid the hottest months.
Route characteristics
| Distance | 72,43 km |
| Total promotion | 1.966 m |
| Minimum/maximum height | 7 m / 1.311 m |
| Earth | 37% (26,8 km) |
| Estimated time | 4 hours 40 minutes of cycling (6 hours with stops) |
| Minimum drink | 3 l (more in summer) |
| Minimal food | 1.200 Kcal |
| Shops on the road | Yes (The Village and the Pier) |
| Technical level | Low |
| Recommended bike | Gravel |
| Excuse me | Yes, it's free, with 5 days' notice. |
Route track
Then you can Download the route track in .gpx format so you can follow it on your own without getting lost. If you don't know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone, here we explain it to you. Remember The track includes the closed section of Andén Verde. Because it's before the closure: at that point, head through the tunnel. If you'd like to support us so we can continue creating content about cycling and routes, we'd appreciate it if you purchased one of our tracks, either to enjoy incredible routes or as a donation.
Is that not enough for you? We also have the long version of Tirma on a bicycle, departing from the north of the island.
Below you can see all our gravel bike routes in Gran Canaria to discover new places on two wheels.
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