Cruz de Tejeda to La Culata Circuit Hike, Gran Canaria

The Cruz de Tejeda – La Culata circuit hike links together the best viewpoints of Central Gran Canaria. It’s a very interesting route which never bores due to its variation and outstanding views. 

The lollipop-circuit starts off blissfully along a high trail with sweeping views of the Tejeda ravine, Tejeda basin, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. 

Next, the trail enters a Canary Pine forest, passing various camping areas, and then descends to the Presa de los Hornos dam. A counter-ascent brings you to the Mirador Presa de los Hornos viewpoint. From here, the trail twists down a forest path all the way to La Culata village.

The trail weaves through a cluster of homes and ascends all the way back to Degollada de la Cumbre and follows the familiar track to Degollada Becerra and Cruz de Tejeda. 

Overall, the trail is easy to follow as signage is ubiquitous. It’s possible to shorten this hike by starting at the Mirador de Degollada Becerra viewpoint instead. This will trim off 1 hour. 

---

Cruz de Tejeda – La Culata Hiking Map

---

How to Get to Cruz de Tejeda

---

Car

Cruz de Tejeda is located at the intersection of the GC-15 and GC-150 roads, high above Tejeda village, in the interior of Gran Canaria.

• Las Palmas to Cruz de Tejeda | 50 minutes, 31.8 km, Google Maps
• Maspalomas to Cruz de Tejeda | 1:15 hours, 75.5 km, Google Maps

There are two large parking lots in Cruz de Tejeda along the GC-150 road. Parking is free.

---

Bus

Cruz de Tejeda is accessible by bus. Use the Global Bus website or Google Maps to plan your journey. 

If you’re visiting from Las Palmas, Maspalomas, or other coastal destinations, a bus journey to Cruz de Tejeda will involve several transfers.

Read Next: Best Hikes in Gran Canaria

---

Cruz de Tejeda to La Culata Trail Description

---

Cruz de Tejeda to Mirador de Degollada Becerra (30 minutes)

The trail leading to Mirador Becerra starts between the Asador Grill de Yolanda Bar-Restaurante and the Bar Cafetería Ca’Faustino.

Good to Know: After the hike, we ate an overpriced butternut squash dish at the Asador Grill de Yolanda. This restaurant is notorious for inflating their prices for tourists (just read the reviews). We also noticed an obvious discrepancy between the menu prices and our receipt. If you’re hungry after the hike, eat in the town center of Tejeda instead. 

Follow trail S-50 in the direction of Llanos de la Pez, which is an outdoor recreation area with picnics and grills. 

The trail, at first cobbled, ascends between the two buildings to another intersection. Here, head left, once again in the direction of Llanos de la Pez. 

The yellow-broom-lined path ascends and views open up to Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga, and even Pico del Teide. 

The high trail skirts Morro de la Armonia and soon flattens out. 

After passing a building, the trail descends along a wide dirt road for about 2 minutes. 

To the north, you’ll see the terraced fields surrounding Las Lagunetas. 

The hiking trail branches off the wide track and descends to the GC-150 road. Follow the cobbled pathway leading up to another house, home to two contained barking dogs. 

This path runs parallel to the GC-150 and ushers you to the Degollada Becerra viewpoint.

---

Mirador de Degollada Becerra to Degollada de la Cumbre (10 minutes)

The loamy track ascends a few meters and then flattens out, weaving between solitary pine trees. Views of the deeply-cut Tejeda ravine and folded layers of the interior continue to impress. 

At the next signed trail junction, head to Degollada de la Cumbre. 

Note: Later today, you’ll return to this point along the S-85 from La Culata.

---

Degollada de la Cumbre to El Garañón (40 minutes)

Continue following the S-50 pathway in the direction of Llanos de la Pez.

The path ascends steadily, twisting along a few switchbacks. 

The trail flattens out, effortlessly crossing the slopes of Montaña del Andén del Toro. 

At the next intersection, follow S-21 in the direction of Llanos de la Pez and El Nublo. You’ll hike through a forest, past a camping area, and eventually along a dusty road. At every intersection, keep following signs to Llanos de la Pez. 

After passing a fenced-in court and a small car park, you’ll dead-end at the El Garañón intersection. 

---

El Garañón to Mirador Presa de los Hornos (20 minutes)

At the El Garañón trail junction, turn right (S-51 in the direction of Roque Nublo). 

The forest trail follows a wire fence. Views open up to El Fraile and Roque Nublo. 

The path descends all the way to the Presa de los Hornos dam. Hike across the dam and ascend to the Mirador Presa de los Hornos viewpoint. The viewpoint is just a short detour from the road/car park.

---

Mirador Presa de los Hornos to La Culata (1 hour)

Follow trail sign S-70 in the direction of La Culata. From the road/car park, the trail dips into the forest. 

It’s a 380 meter descent to the village of La Culata. The path twists and turns downhill. 

Always follow signs to La Culata. 

When you get into the village, follow the paved road to Bar Restaurante Los Pasitos and Bar Restaurante Roque Nublo.

---

La Culata to Degollada de la Cumbre (1 hour)

The path to Degollada de la Cumbre and Cruz de Tejeda (S-82) starts between the two restaurants. 

Follow the pedestrian path up through a cluster of homes. Signage is excellent. After about 15 minutes from the bar-restaurant, you’ll intersect with a paved road. Turn right here and hike up the road, which is rather steep.

The trail climbs into the forest, which is a huge relief on sunny days, and then eventually levels out for a while.

When the trail divides, take the upper track. Soon, you’ll arrive at a signed intersection. Continue 10 minutes up to Degollada de la Cumbre.  

---

Degollada de la Cumbre – Mirador de Degollada Becerra – Cruz de Tejeda (45 minutes)

Turn left and follow the familiar track back to Degollada Becerra and onwards to Cruz de Tejeda. 

---

Where to Stay in Central Gran Canaria

---

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 Culata Circuit, 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. Nearby hikes: Cruz Grande to Pico de las Nieves, Ventana del Nublo, and Roque Nublo.

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. 

---

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.

---

---

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:

• Pico de las Nieves Hike
• Cruz de Tejeda to Cuevas del Caballero 
• Ventana del Nublo Viewpoint Hike
• Roque Nublo 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 best parts of the island, 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.

---