Pinos de Gáldar (San Nicolas)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
La Aldea de San Nicolas 1542m 1458m 34.4 km 4.4% 1119 ****






Pinos de Gáldar from San Nicolas Profile

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Climb Description

Pinos de Gáldar is a scenic pass situated in the high mountains in the heart of Gran Canaria. It is one of several gateways from the north to the south of the island, and can be climbed by a wide variety of routes.

The climb from La Aldea de San Nicolas is one of the most enjoyable and spectacular cycling routes on the island. If it was not for a slightly rough road surface in places, this would certainly be a 5-star rated climb. The route follows the GC-210 road through a series of beautiful volcanic gorges, passing alongside reservoirs as the road ascends via a series of tight hairpin bends and rolling corners.
Pinos de Gáldar Rocky Scenery

There are stunning rock formations visible throughout the climb




The toughest section begins shortly after the turn off to Aserrador, and the scenery keeps on getting more dramatic as you climb. Gradually the rocky, desert like backdrops of the coast give way to the vibrant green forests and rolling slopes of the interior.

The climb passes through the charming village of Artenara, from where you have the option to descend towards Tejeda and some of the other climbs in the heart of the island. Or you can continue to the very picturesque pass at Pinos de Gáldar. If you are strong enough, we highly recommend doing both!

Pinos de Gáldar is usually open throughout the year.


Pinos de Gáldar from San Nicolas

A flat section heading through Artenara






Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in mixed condition. The first half of the climb is quite rough in places. It's fine to ride on a road bike, but it is best to take it easy, particularly when descending. The second half of the climb (from around 19km) is in excellent condition.

There is little traffic throughout the climb.




Alternative Routes

Pinos de Gáldar 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:

El Pagador

Gáldar

Guía

Risco Caído







Nearby Climbs


Pico de las Nieves

Aserrador

Cenobio de Valeron

Cruz de Gáldar

Roque Bentayga

San Bartolomé

Tamadaba





Cycling Holidays

Pinos de Gáldar is climbed and descended from various sides on our cycling holiday to Gran Canaria.

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




View over Gran Canaria
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR
Mount Teide
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,390 EUR
Tramuntana Mountains - Mallorca
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,420 EUR