The geographical landmark of Roque Nublo is the stand out symbol of these lands. It is a near ninety metre high monolith, and is a proud memento from a dim and distant past. It has inspired painters, writers and composers, and has appeared in a multitude of works. Many images spring to mind, such as Néstor Álamo’s “Lyrical lunar stone” or “Altar of my mystic land”.
Canarian historian from the late 19th century, D. Agustín Millares, refers to its formation as: “hysterical land movements, horrendous detonations in the air, thick clouds of burning sand that darkened the atmosphere, liquid streams of molten lava criss-crossing in all directions, titanic wrenching of the earth…”
Modern geologists have identified it as a special type of volcanic rock and have christened it the ‘Roque Nublo gash’. This gash is the result of the hardening off of burning clouds following its formation and latter cooling off. Its uniqueness has led to the second great volcanic cycle in Gran Canaria being named after it, the Roque Nublo cycle, covering a period of nearly two million years (from 5.3 to 3.4 million years to the present day).
The Roque Nublo has always been a focal point for Canarian pilgrims, and is a profound sentimental manifestation of those who belong to this island’s deep-rooted culture. The Roque Nublo also represents a goal for numerous mountaineers since a German team climbed its summit for the first time back in 1932.
It is also surrounded by the Nublo Rural Park, and has been singled out as a Natural Monument.
The surrounding vegetation is a recently replanted pine wood which sits alongside brush and scrubland typical of the Grancanarian peaks, such as scotch broom and sage.
This whole area forms part of the World Reserve of the Gran Canaria Biosphere, as declared by UNESCO on 29th June 2005.
New regulations for access to trail S-70 of the Roque Nublo Natural Monument via Degollada de La Goleta in Gran Canaria.
1. Mandatory reservation for access
• It is necessary to book in advance at www.grancanariasenderos.com.
• Access will be limited to 60 people per hour.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 h.
• Entry will be controlled using the QR code obtained with the reservation.
2. Exceptions
• Schools and active tourism companies will have a special regulation.
3. Parking restriction
• Parking is prohibited in the area surrounding Roque Nublo.
• Park-and-ride facilities have been set up, from where you can take the bus to the start of the trail up to Roque Nublo, at:
- Tejeda town centre.
- Cruz de los Llanos. From here, you can choose to take the bus or walk along several trails, the shortest of which takes about 50 minutes. For more information on the trails in the area, visit: reservasroquenublo.com
4. Transport by bus
• There is a shuttle service provided by the company Global, with departures every 30 minutes on a circular route from 9:30 to 18:00.
• The Global line 18 will connect the south of the island with the Roque Nublo natural monument three times a day (round trip). More information on routes and schedules for the buses, both outbound and return, can be found at guaguasglobal.com and reservasroquenublo.com.
These measures aim to control visitor numbers, protect the natural environment and improve accessibility to Roque Nublo by public transport. If you plan to visit, be sure to book in advance and consider the different options when planning your visit: where to park, how to get there and how to return, either by public transport (it is very important to check the timetables) or by walking along the trails in the area.
