Pico de las Nieves/El Campanario round trail

Overview

Pico de las Nieves 1951 m is the highest summit of the volcanic isle of Gran Canaria. It was "crowned" by military radar installations and unluckily there's a road that reaches the top. However, this suggested itinerary, following a very interesting ring, allows you to reach the summit with a walk across the beautiful Canarian pine forests and a very scenic ridge. Moreover it allows to climb the most interesting and wild summit of El Campanario, the second highest summit of the island, located less than 1 km to the West of Pico de las Nieves.

There is no bell on this beautiful summit, but a concrete signal and especially it gives you some spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the central calderas (Caldera de Tejeda and Caldera de Tirajana) of Gran Canaria, plus the peculiar surrounding mountains.

Getting There

Getting to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a top tourist destination and its airport is easily accessible with direct flights from several European airports or alternatively with a stopover in Madrid, from where you can fly to Gran Canaria by means of regular Iberia flights. Gran Canaria airport is located on the Eastern coast, close to the town of Ingenio. The starting point of the trail is Llanos de la Pez on the road GC600. Pico de las Nieves and El Campanario are situated in the middle of Gran Canaria and can be easily reached by a well developed road network from different places on the island.

Route Description

Pico de las Nieves/El Campanario round trail

Summit altitude: 2359 m
Difficulty: hike and a short scramble
Vertical gain: 1000 m

Beautiful hiking ring starting from the road GC600 in Llanos de la Pez.

Locate the well worn and large path starting from the road and climb through the beautiful Canarian pine forests to the small shelter Diaz Beltrana 1670 m.

At a wooden signpost follow the direction to Pico de las Nieves. The path exits the woods on a panoramic ridge with a new wooden signpost.

Turn leftwards and continue on a steeper trail along the ridge following the signposts to Pico de las Nieves. They are just a few rocky steps interspersed by some little Canarian pines with exceptional panoramic view towards the Roque Nublo, Roque Bentaiga and farthermost the volcan Teide on the isle of Tenerife. In the view also Pico de las Nieves radar installations.

Briefly you reach the car park at the end of the road leading nearby the summit, from which a short path leads to the rocky summit of the mountain. Wide and magnificent panorama.

Reverse the route and reached the wooden signpost along the ridge head straight to El Campanario (in sight) entering a forest of sparse pines. At a certain point (cairn) leave the main path that goes for the Degollada de Los Hornos and take to the left an unmarked trail rising to the left (cairns) towards the rocky summit of El Campanario.

It's visible the concrete stone situated on the summit. Circumnavigate the rock wall to the left, reaching the point where the wall is short and easier. With an easy scramble up to the summit ridge and to the last short rocky slab leading to the peak summit signal.

Downclimb along the same route and circle the rocky peak finding an alternative track on the opposite side, descending to the main trail you have left to climb up to the summit. Turn left and continue along the path reaching a broad esplanade between the pine woods, then a wooden signpost at the Degollada de los Hornos.

Head definitely rightwards and start to descend down a path which leads onto the forest and skirting the GC600 road reaches the starting point of the trail.

Essential Gear

Usual hiking gear and mountain boots. The summit of El Campanario involves an easy scramble, but rope is not needed. Bring water, as the temperature may be hot in summer. On the contrary warm clothes are needed in case of cloudy or foggy weather.

Red Tape

There is no particular restriction in climbing and no fee is due. Hiking is limited along the marked trails. Camping is allowed only on the designated sites.

Where to stay

Gran Canaria is a primary touristic destination and has many options for accommodation. Of course there is no problem to find suitable accommodation, from hotels, to agriturismo, bed and breakfast, renting rooms and apartments. Agood solution may be to rent a holiday home. The closest campground is al Llanos de la Pez between the trailheads at Pico de las Nieves and La Goleta. There are some campsites maintained by OIAC near the start of the trail. Pay attention because a permit is needed, anyhow you can daily reach the site starting from everywhere on the island.

When to climb

All year round

Meteo forecast

Meteo Forecast Comunidad Autonoma de Canarias