Pico de las Nieves (Tejeda)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Tejeda	1938m	865m	15.5 km	5.6%	787	****

Climb Description

The climb from Tejeda to Pico de las Nieves is one of our favourite in Gran Canaria. It combines stunning scenery, charming villages and some challenging gradients to make for a great ride.

The climb starts in Tejeda, which proudly boasts that it is 'one of the most beautiful villages in Spain'. It's hard to disagree as you admire the cluster of whitewashed houses that is nestled under the volcanic peaks that dominate inland Gran Canaria. It's well worth stopping here for a coffee to admire the views.

After a short warm up leaving Tejeda you turn onto the GC-15 road and the most challenging part of the climb begins. With gradients averaging over 13% for 2km, it is hard work as you seem to be making your way up a sheer cliff face! But, before you know it, the road flattens and you arrive at Cruz de Tejeda, a fantastic viewpoint, and home to the iconic Parador Hotel.

There is still one more steep kilometre to go on the GC-150 road, but it's mostly gentle until the top, with beautiful views throughout, including of the iconic Roque Nublo. Upon reaching Pico de las Nievs there are views in all directions, as you would expect from the highest point on island! On a clear day you can see as far as the island of Tenerife, as well as enjoy panoramic views over the desert-like south of the island.

Despite the name, which literally means 'snowy peak', Pico de las Nieves is usually open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

There can be some tourist traffic around Tejeda and Pico de las Nieves itself. But the road isn't busy and it's not at all bothersome for riding.

Alternative Routes

Pico de las Nieves can be climbed from many different sides. You can arrive there from almost any point on the island using a different combination of roads. We consider the main cycling ascents to be starting from the following:

Arucas

Ayacata

Carrizal

Telde

The routes from Ayacata and Tejeda in particular, can also be combined with many of the other 'nearby climbs' listed below.

Nearby Climbs

Pinos de Gáldar

Aserrador

Cruz de Tejeda

Roque Bentayga

San Bartolomé

Temisas

Cenobio de Valeron

Cycling Holidays

Pico de las Nieves can be climbed from this side as a route option on our cycling holiday to Gran Canaria. The tour spends for two nights at the Parador Hotel at Cruz de Tejeda.

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