How to Get to Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria: Hike & Viewpoints

Roque Nublo, which means “Cloud Rock,” is a 65 meter tall volcanic rock on Gran Canaria. It was formed by a volcanic eruption around 4.5 million years ago. At 1813 meters, Roque Nublo is the third highest summit on the island. 

This top natural landmark is located in the mountainous center of Gran Canaria in the municipality of Tejeda. Its distinct shape is easy to spot from multiple viewpoints and villages across the island. 

Access to Roque Nublo is free and simple with a car. Simply drive to Degollada de La Goleta, along the GC-600, and walk 1.5 km to the Roque Nublo plateau. This is the shortest route to Roque Nublo. 

There’s no public transit to the Goleta trailhead. If you don’t have a car, the best option is to join a guided tour:

• From Las Palmas: Bandama, High Peaks, and Roque Nublo Tour
• From Puerto Mogan / Lomo Quiebre: The Volcano’s Heart Tour in Gran Canaria

Roque Nublo was also a place of worship for the Guanches, the pre-Hispanic indigenous habitants of the island. 

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Roque Nublo Map

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Where to Start the Hike to Roque Nublo

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Degollada de La Goleta 

La Goleta is located along the GC-600, between the village of Ayacata and the outdoor recreation area of Llanos de la Pez. 

Here are the driving distances to La Goleta from nearby towns and prominent resorts:

Cruz de Tejeda to La Goleta | 16 minutes, 9.7 km, Google Maps

Tejeda to La Goleta | 27 minutes, 15.5 km, Google Maps

San Bartolomé de Tirajana to La Goleta | 24 minutes, 14.5 km, Google Maps

Mogán to La Goleta | 56 minutes, 29.3 km, Google Maps

Maspalomas to La Goleta | 1 hour, 38.9 km, Google Maps

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to La Goleta | 1 hour, 41.8 km, Google Maps

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria to La Goleta | 1:15 hours, 44.6 km, Google Maps

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La Goleta Car Park

The car park is free, but spaces are limited. 

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Roque Nublo Hiking Trails

The hike from La Goleta to the Roque Nublo plateau is a simple 3 km out-and-back hike, which takes 1:15 hrs total. In addition, you can also hike the 2.2 km circuit trail around Roque Nublo, which adds 45-55 minutes to the hike. 

This circuit trail isn’t a must-do. 

We recommend skipping the circuit and hiking to Ventana del Nublo (Roque Nublo Widow viewpoint) instead.

Another option is to head up to Cruz de Tejeda and hike to the Cuevas del Caballero caves – one of the most scenic hikes in the region. 

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Roque Nublo Out-and-Back Hike

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La Goleta to Degollada Roque Nublo (25 minutes)

From the La Goleta car park, cautiously cross the road. Follow signs to Roque Nublo (S-70, 1.5 km). 

An obvious cobbled footpath leads to Roque Nublo, which is already visible straight ahead. On your left, you’ll see the serpentine GC-600 and the village of Ayacata nestled between the mountains. 

The flat path cuts across a slope, revealing more spires, including El Fraile (“the Monk”). 

The path enters a sparse forest and starts to ascend a rocky uneven trail, which nonetheless has good traction. 

At the signed intersection, continue left and ascend to Degollada Roque Nublo (1709 m), the saddle between El Fraile and Roque Nublo.

Note: the right trail (direction: La Culata/Tejeda) marks the beginning of the circuit trail around Roque Nublo (optional). You can hike this loop trail before, or after hiking to the Roque Nublo plateau.

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Degollada Roque Nublo to Roque Nublo Plateau (10 minutes)

At the saddle, continue right to Roque Nublo, now signed .5 km. 

You can also start the circuit trail here, heading left in the direction of El Aserrador (S-70). 

The trail leads to a sienna-colored rocky plateau. As you approach the rockwall, make a sharp right and climb up onto the plateau. 

The trail leads towards Roque Nublo and its shorter companion, Roque La Ran (“the Frog”).

The trail makes one more short ascent to an upper plateau.

Continue walking across the rugged plateau to the base of the standing rocks. 

The only way to scale Roque Nublo is with rock climbing equipment. 

Once you reach the foot of Roque Nublo, you can explore the direct vicinity.

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Roque Nublo Plateau to La Goleta (30 minutes)

Retrace your steps back to La Goleta.

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More Roque Nublo Viewpoints

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Mirador Presa de Los Hornos

This viewpoint is located along GC-600, just up the road from the La Goleta parking lot. There are a few parking spaces below the viewpoint. 

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Ventana del Nublo 

Ventana del Nublo is a natural arch, which serves as a frame for Roque Nublo. 

You can detour to Ventana del Nublo along the Cruz Grande – Pico de las Nieves hike, or from the Bailico camping area, just off the GC-600 road. We wrote about this short and direct route in our Ventana del Nublo guide.

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Where to Stay near Roque Nublo

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Cruz de Tejeda 

Cruz de Tejeda (1514 m) is a small hamlet situated on the crossroads of GC-150 and GC-15, high above the town center of Tejeda. Cruz de Tejeda serves as a viewpoint, pit stop, and trailhead.

Multiple hiking trails start here, including the Cuevas del Caballero Caves hike, Cruz de Tejeda to La Culata circuit trail, and the hike to Tejeda.

With its advantageous location and close proximity to other trailheads (Degollada de Becerra, Llano de la Pez, Degollada de la Goleta, and even Cruz Grande), Cruz de Tejeda is an ideal base for hiking. 

Luxury | Parador de Cruz de Tejeda is an iconic mountainside hotel overlooking the Tejeda basin. Stay here for the sweeping views of the Tejeda basin and the comfortable rooms with balconies. The cherry on top is the on-site spa and the infinity pool spilling out towards the caldera. If you stay here, make a reservation for the spa in advance. 

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Tejeda 

Situated on the eastern edge of the caldera de Tejeda (volcanic crater of Tejeda), the white-washed town of Tejeda (1050 m) is arguably the most beautiful town on the island.

The town center is home to a famous bakery, Dulcería Nublo, an artisan gelateria, Heladería LaLexe, the upscale canary restaurant and brewery Texeda, as well as a number of other eateries. 

Best Choice – Midrange | The modern and stylish apartments of Calma Suites Tejeda are outfitted with fully equipped kitchens and parquet floors. There’s free on-site parking. 

Midrange | Hotel Rural Fonda De La Tea is a welcoming bed and breakfast in the town center of Tejeda. Guests love the mountain views, the friendly service, overall cleanliness, and the private terrace. 

Budget-Midrange | Vivienda Vacacional La Portada is a top-rated, spotless apartment in the heart of Tejeda with a well-equipped kitchen and terrace facing Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. 

Look for accommodation in Tejeda.

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Maspalomas 

In Gran Canaria, all roads seem to lead to Maspalomas – arguably the island’s most famous beach resort along the south coast.

With its windswept dunes, long sandy beach, and colossal resorts, Maspalomas is one of the most popular bases on the island. It’s a one-hour drive from Maspalomas to Roque Nublo.

Luxury | Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel (Adults Only) occupies an enviable location directly on Maspalomas Beach, near the lighthouse. With its standout design concept, three swimming pools, rooftop terrace and snack bar, this modern beachfront hotel is the very best that Maspalomas has to offer. You can book breakfast-only or half board. Breakfast is included.

More accommodations in Maspalomas:

Budget | boungalow Mena Playmar and Vistaflor Bungalows

Midrange | Kumara Serenoa By Lopesan Hotels

Luxury | TenSuites and Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas (Adults Only)

Look for accommodation in Maspalomas.

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Las Palmas 

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city of Gran Canaria. With its own beautiful stretch of sand (Canteras Beach), historic district (Vegueta), and vibrant atmosphere, many people choose to base themselves in Las Palmas for the duration of their trip. It’s only a one hour drive from Las Palmas to Roque Nublo.

Budget | La Ventana Azul Surf Hostel is a friendly, social hostel close to Canteras Beach, perfect for solo-travelers. Double rooms and dormitory rooms available. 

Budget | Aguita House is a top-rated beachfront hostel offering beds in mixed dormitories. 

Budget – Midrange | Maresía Canteras Urban Hotel is a centrally-located 3-star hotel with bright, sparkling clean modern rooms. 

Midrange – Luxury | Chez Abel is a modern, beautifully-designed aparthotel just 300 meters from Canteras Beach. Breakfast included in the rate. 

Luxury | Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a classy hotel surrounded by beautiful grounds, located between Las Canteras Beach and Vegueta. This unparalleled hotel features an outdoor pool, three restaurants, a rooftop bar and piano bar, a wellness center, and on-site parking (20 EUR/day). 

Also check out these accommodations in Vegueta: Santa Ana Suite & Rooms (budget B&B),  VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotels (Adults Only hotel), and  Suites 1478 (luxury hotel).

Look for accommodation in Las Palmas.

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More Gran Canaria and Spain Travel Guides

Hiking in Gran Canaria. Learn more about hiking in Best Hikes in Gran Canaria. We’ve summarized the most beautiful trails across the island including Güi Güi Beach and Roque Faneque.

Gran Canaria Trip Planning: Read Adventurous Things to Do in Gran Ganaria. Also, check out all our articles about Gran Canaria.

Tejeda is one of the best places to stay if you want to explore the rugged mountains of the interior. Check out these hiking trails around Tejeda:

• Cruz de Tejeda – La Culata Circuit 
• Cruz de Tejeda to Cuevas del Caballero 
• Ventana del Nublo Viewpoint Hike
• Pico de las Nieves Hike

Agaete in Northwest Gran Canaria is a the best base for exploring Agaete Valley and Tamadaba Natural Park. Check out these trail guides:

• Playa de Guayedra
• San Pedro to Puerto de las Nieves Hike
• Agaete Valley to Tamadaba Natural Park Circuit Hike

Gran Canaria Trip Planning: Read all our articles about Gran Canaria.

Tenerife: Plan a trip to Tenerife using this Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary and these guides:

• Hiking Tenerife: Best Hikes in the Tenerife Mountains 
• Where to Stay in Tenerife for Hiking
• Tenerife in January
• How to Visit Anaga Rural Park
• How to Visit Teide National Park

Mallorca Trip Planning: Read Where to Stay in Mallorca for a summary of the most scenic destinations and best accommodations on the island. If you’re eager to see the most spectacular places in Mallorca, we suggest following this 7-Day Mallorca Road Trip. 

Hiking in Mallorca: For tips on hiking in Mallorca, read Best Hikes in Mallorca. 

Spain: Read the latest articles in our Spain Travel Guide and Spain blog archive.

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