El Roque Nublo Natural Monument It is better known as the Roque Nublo and is located in the center of the island of Gran Canaria. It is one of the most emblematic places on the island and a place where many tourists go in search of a unique natural space and hiking routes to enjoy this island in a different way. Let's see how you can get to this place and what it is exactly.
When we talk about this natural monument we must also mention the Parque Rural del Nublo in which this peculiar rock is framed. It is in the municipality of Tejeda in the center of the island, so it can be a good visit if we decide to see different points of its geography.
Get to know the Roque Nublo
The Roque Nublo is a rock formation belonging to the second eruption phase which led to the creation of the island. Apparently the island was erected in three eruption phases and this rock is part of that second, thousands of years ago. It is a rock that rises about 80 meters above its base at about 1800 meters above sea level. Apparently this place was a place of worship for the aborigines of the island, which already highlights its importance for being at such a high and significant point. It is located within the Nublo Rural Park in which you can find natural habitats typical of the island in good condition. There are even endemic and threatened species, making it a place of great natural value.
The Roque Nublo is the third altitude of the island, although from the area in which it is located we can see, for example, Teide in Tenerife in the distance. It is behind the Morro de la Agujereada and the Pico de las Nieves. This is the highest place on the island, with almost two thousand meters of altitude above sea level. In 1994 this place was declared a Rural Park.
Recommendations
The climb to Roque Nublo has a well marked out and back trail from the parking lot. It is not very long and it does not require being especially fit or great efforts. In fact, it is a route that many people take, even families. If we go to Gran Canaria in high season, it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds or run out of parking space. Also, it is very important to wear warm clothing. Although we can think that the weather is good on the island all year round, these high altitudes can offer degrees below zero in winter or a few degrees the rest of the year, as well as plenty of air. That is why you should always bring warm clothing to wear when you arrive. The footwear must also be comfortable, although it does not have to be hiking shoes, it should be comfortable because you have to walk a long time on a mountain path, something that obviously cannot be done with the typical flip-flops that are worn on the Island.
Enjoy the Roque Nublo
If we have rented a car on the island and avoid guided excursions, we can put the Roque Nublo car park in the GPS to get there easily. The route is round trip, with three kilometers in total. It can be done quietly and there are no dangerous areas or those that have special difficulty. You have to enjoy nature, that mountain with its typical pine forest. Of course we will stop to take pictures. It's a good advice to look before the weather, since on clear days when there is no fog, clouds or haze, we will be able to see the island and also Mount Teide in the background. The photographs will be spectacular if the weather is with us.
On the other hand, following the route we will find some interesting rock formations, like the so-called friar. It is a tall, thin rock, which has a certain aspect of a walking man. It is one of the most peculiar, although the Roque Nublo is its main attraction. From where the friar is seen, it is also possible to see the Pico de las Nieves in the background that we already mentioned, which is the highest point on the island.
From the highest point, where the Roque Nublo is located, we can enjoy great views and from different points to take spectacular photographs that remain as souvenirs. Next to the Nublo there are also some rocks that form a peculiar natural window from which to take original photographs. Finally we can start the return trip enjoying the views again. In the parking area there is also usually a stand with drinks and food to regain strength if we need it after the walk to Roque Nublo.