Cruz Grande to the Nieves Ridge

This is one of Walkopedia's favourite walks on Gran Canaria. The first section zig-zags, on a superbly engineered old mule track, from the Cruz Grande pass (at 1,250m) on the GC-60 road to the south, up an impossible-looking gully through vast, impassable-looking cliffs to highlands of rock and pine (very reminiscent of Zion and other areas of Utah in the USA) to reach the Dellogada de los Hornos pass in attractive pine and shrublands. 

From the dellogada, you can turn west to climb the El Montanon ridge, for astounding all-round views, including onto Nublo and the Pico de las Nieves, then drop steeply to the La Galeta pass. From here, up the slope to the marvellous Nublo tower (no phallus jokes please!) on its rocky platform, you will be accompanied by throngs of the sandal brigade. Nublo is a real thriller, and commands gorgeous views. 

One way, this is an approximately 7km, 3+ hr walk. The return walk is some 7hrs. Not to be missed. 

You can also turn east to climb Pico de las Nieves (circa 5hrs return), or walk on across the high pine and rock lands to roadheads to the north such as Cruz de Tejeda (10km).

These walks are in, or are combinations of walks mentioned in, the Cicerone book.

This is demanding walking in serious and waterless mountains: prepare. The heights are dangerous and this walk is not for those with significant issues with exposure.

See our Gran Canaria page for more walks, photos and detailed general information.