Roque Nublo: The symbol of Gran Canaria

Shadow of Nublo
Altar of my beloved land,
There is snow and sun on the summit
Summit of my Gran Canaria

Nestor Alamo- “Sombra del Nublo”

What is Roque Nublo?

Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria is a geological formation product of a volcanic explosion and erosion after several million years. With its 80 meters of height; it is the third-highest rock in the world and the one located at the highest altitude.

Located at 1,813 meters above sea level, almost in the geographic centre of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Tejeda; its name comes from the fact that in many occasions the clouds are below their level, standing out above them.

“It is a tremendous commotion of the bowels of the earth, it seems like a petrified storm, but a storm of fire, lava, rather than water.”

Miguel de Unamuno

Why should I visit Roque Nublo Gran Canaria?

It is difficult to explain in words the sensation that it produces when you reach the stone platform that forms the base of this imposing geological formation; after having travelled a path surrounded by forests. No doubt you will have the feeling of having reached another planet. But it’s not just that: on sunny days you will discover a 360º panorama of the island of Gran Canaria, and even contemplate other islands; on low-cloud days, you will have the sensation of stepping on the sky. In any case, you will discover the exuberant nature of this beautiful island.

What will I discover in this area?

It’s not just the Roque Nublo. Next, it stands out two other geological formations surprising for their beauty and uniqueness; They are called “the frog” and “the friar”, guess why?

But there is much more: going through the forests of Canarian pine, breathing the aroma of chamomile, anise and other shrubs and plants. Cross with small animals such as lizards and rabbits. Contemplate the majestic flight of hawks, kestrels or crows. Be amazed by the sight of the vertiginous volcanic calderas during the ascent …

New rules for visiting and hiking Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria

Since the year 2025, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria has managed a new regulation to restrict visits to Roque Nublo and thus preserve this monument integrated into the Nublo Rural Park and the Biosphere Reserve of Gran Canaria.

This new regulation can be summarised in the following points if you wish to visit it privately:

• The visit to Roque Nublo can only be made by prior reservation: The reservation will be made through a website, will be limited to a maximum of 5 visitors and can only be booked up to 15 days in advance. Access will be controlled using a QR code.
• The Degollada de la Goleta car park is permanently closed: From the year 2025, it will no longer be possible to park in the vicinity of Roque Nublo. The nearest point to leave a private vehicle is located at Cruz de los Llanos, about 5 km from the start of the hiking area.
• Access to the starting point of the hike to Roque Nublo will be by public transport: Shuttle buses will be provided from Maspalomas, but it is also possible to take this bus from Cruz de los Llanos or Tejeda. The journey from Maspalomas will take about 2 hours, from the other points the buses will run every hour.

However, you also can do the hiking route to Roque Nublo with official guides. Sky Rebels offers you the following advantages:

• We will take care of the bookings: As an Active Tourism company and authorised official guides, we have the permits to manage the bookings.
• You won’t have to worry about parking: We will start our hike at the starting point, and then pick you up at the same place with our private and authorized vehicle.
• You won’t have to spend most of your visit on public transport: We will pick you up in Maspalomas and take you directly to the starting point of the route, no waiting, no stops and for a maximum of 6 passengers. You will enjoy this incredible route accompanied by local guides, who will explain to you all the secrets of this unique place.

This route includes hiking to Roque Nublo, the most emblematic point in Gran Canaria. To make the route easier for you, we will provide you with hiking equipment (sticks); however, we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and water. Finally, the day before the excursion we will inform you in detail about the weather forecast so that you bring the appropriate clothing.

During the hike to Roque Nublo, we will tell you the legends and stories about this magic place.

What do I need for the Roque Nublo hike?

The logical material for any type of walk: shoes comfortable clothes and sun protection. In summer, the temperatures at the summit can exceed 25ºC. In winter they can descend below 5ºC, in any case, we recommend that you check the weather forecast before making the ascent. Hiking poles can be useful to make the journey easier, although they are not essential.

Finally; it is advisable to bring water, some “enyesque” to recover strength once you get up, the mobile phone charged 100% and, of course, a camera. As a curious fact: the telephone network at the summit is relatively good, so you can make a video call to your loved ones to show off where you are.

What else can I do?

There are many points of interest in the Parque Rural del Nublo. A few kilometres away is the Pico de las Nieves and, a little further, the magical Roque Bentayga. You can also take the opportunity to visit Tejeda and taste the famous “dulces de Tejeda”

Important: Respect the environment

Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria receives the visit of hundreds of visitors every day of the year and, unfortunately, some do not care about respect for the environment. To the list of materials to carry, we can add a bag to collect your waste. If you smoke, please be careful to throw ashes or cigarette butts to avoid the risk of fire.

Discover Roque Nublo with Sky Rebels!

At Sky Rebels, we propose a private guided tour that includes, among other essential points in Gran Canaria, a hike to the top of Roque Nublo; as well as a forest picnic. If you want to know more, get in touch with us.

Thanks for reading this article! We look forward to your comments and questions!