El Aserrador (La Aldea)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
La Aldea de San Nicolas	1424m	1293m	23.4 km	5.5%	1318	****

Climb Description

This climb to the Aserrador pass is one of the most spectacular in all of the Canary Islands. The narrow, winding road is great fun to ride, offering fantastic views throughout, combined with challenging gradients.

The first ten kilometres are more rolling than real climbing, allowing you to get into a nice rhythm before the tough section begins at around 10km. From here, it is hard work most of the way to the top, with just a few flat sections offering some respite from pretty consistently demanding gradients.

Fortunately, the stunning scenery will help to take your mind off the suffering! The road has open views throughout and snakes its way out of a spectacular deep gorge, passing by several reservoirs on route to the top.

The climb finishes at the Aserrador pass, from where you have the option descend northwards towards Tejeda. Or descend south-east towards Ayacata, from where it is just a short (but quite steep) climb up to the iconic Roque Nublo.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is not the greatest, and is the only thing that stops this from being a 5-star rated climb. It is quite rough in places, particularly on the first part of the climb. When ascending this isn't too much of an issue as you can easily pick a line, but when descending it can be quite jarring.

There is very little traffic throughout the climb. However, you will probably come across the occasional tourist car and, in some places the road is so narrow that you may have to move off the road to allow it to pass.

Alternative Routes

El Aserrador is in the heart of Gran Canaria and can be reached via various different routes. The climb from Puerto de Mogán is more gentle and nearly as spectacular in the upper section. While the climb to Pinos de Gáldar from La Aldea de San Nicolas is another great alternative.

Nearby Climbs

Pinos de Gáldar

Pico de las Nieves

Mogán

Risco Grande

Roque Bentayga

San Bartolomé

Cruz de Tejeda

Cycling Holidays

Aserrador is climbed on our cycling holiday to Gran Canaria from the equally spectacular northern route (via Pinos de Gáldar and Artenara).

In the links below you can find out more about this tour and other similar holidays that we are currently running in Spain.