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 access regulations to the S-70 trail of the Roque Nublo Natural Monument via the 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 allowed to 60 people per hour.
• Access hours: from Monday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:00 h.
• The entrance will be controlled by QR code obtained with the reservation.
2. Exceptions
• Schools and active tourism companies will have a special regulation.
• People arriving on foot via adjacent trails do not need a reservation.
3. Parking restriction
• Park Area around Roque Nublo will be limited.
• Deterrent parking has been enabled in:
• The village center of Tejeda
• Cross of the Plains
4. Transport by bus
• A Global shuttle service will be implemented, with departures every 30 minutes in a circular route from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Global line 18 will connect the south of the island with the natural monument of Roque Nublo three times a day (round trip).
These measures aim to control crowding, protect the natural environment and improve accessibility to the Roque Nublo by public transport. If you plan to visit, be sure to book in advance and consider available transport options.
