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🌲 The trail to the Presa de las Niñas
Right across from the house, a path winds into the pine forest and climbs towards the Presa de las Niñas. No car needed to start this hike — you can reach it on foot, straight from El Juncal.
The trail, marked by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, crosses the Pinar de Pajonales, one of the island's largest and least-visited pine forests. You'll pass the Cruz de las Huesitas, a forest crossroads typical of this part of the island, before descending towards the reservoir.
The Presa de las Niñas is one of Gran Canaria's largest water reservoirs, surrounded by pines right down to the water's edge. A designated picnic area with tables and barbecues offers a good spot to rest before heading back, or continuing on to other trails in the massif.
With a bit of luck and some quiet, you might spot the Pico Picapinos (Canarian great spotted woodpecker) among the branches — and, more rarely, the pinzón azul (blue chaffinch), an endangered endemic finch that lives in these pine forests.
Good to know: the marked trail to the Presa de las Niñas is a public path, freely accessible. If you wish to venture further into the Inagua Integral Natural Reserve (towards the Roque del Mulato or Montaña de Sándara, for example), a permit from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria is required — feel free to ask locally for advice.
Roque Nublo
Just 20 minutes by car from Casa Rural Los Pinares stands Roque Nublo, one of the tallest natural monoliths in the world and the ultimate symbol of Gran Canaria. This 80-metre basalt giant rises from the landscape like a thousand-year-old sentinel, visible from much of the island.
⚠️ Please note, February 2025! The Degollada de La Goleta car park (right at the foot of the trail) is now permanently closed to cars. Here is all the up-to-date information if you'd like to come by car 🚗
Where to park?
The car park directly at the trailhead no longer exists as of February 2025; the former Degollada de la Goleta car park, the closest one to the starting point, has been closed to the public. You now need to park in one of these two places:
- Cruz de Los Llanos (the closest and simplest option): 5 km from the trail, at the junction of the GC-600 and GC-150 roads above Ayacata. From there, two options: walk to the trailhead (3.7 km, about 1 hour, a gentle climb through a pine forest) or take the Line 18 shuttle, a 10-minute ride.
- Tejeda centre: a bit further, but convenient if you also want to visit the village.
The shuttle (Line 18 bus)
Line 18 runs a loop with hybrid buses, stopping at Tejeda, Cruz de Tejeda, Degollada de Becerra, Cruz de Los Llanos, Degollada de Goleta (the trailhead), Ayacata, then back to Tejeda.
Booking (free, required during the day)
Since 3 February 2025, the Roque Nublo trail has required a booking during main opening hours, on the site reservasroquenublo.com. Key points:
- The booking is free, and each hiker can request up to five permits (for accompanying people).
- Booking is required from 9am to 5pm.
- Outside these hours (before 9am or after 5pm), access is free, ideal for anyone wanting to see the sunrise or sunset.
- After booking, a QR code arrives by email, scanned at the entrance at Degollada de La Goleta. Maximum 60 people per hour.
The trail
The shortest trail is 1.5 km from the La Goleta car park, with about 150 m of elevation gain, roughly one hour there and back. The hike is fairly steep but easy, and the trail is well marked and defined.
Good to know
- In front of the Degollada de La Goleta car park there is usually a stand selling fresh orange juice, coffee, ice cream and local sandwiches — but it's best to bring water and snacks just in case.
- Suitable clothing (long trousers) is recommended, as some sections are lined with tall vegetation (ticks) — especially on alternative routes.
🌸 Almond blossom in Tejeda
Every year, from late January, a unique phenomenon transforms the mountains at the heart of Gran Canaria: the almond trees of Tejeda burst into bloom, well ahead of the rest of the island, painting the slopes white and pink in the middle of winter. El Juncal de Tejeda itself takes on beautiful shades of pink. The village of Tejeda is today THE almond village of the island — home to two specialised shops entirely dedicated to almond pastries, a tradition passed down through generations.
This blossom gives rise to the Fiesta del Almendro en Flor, born in 1969. It remains one of the island's most popular festivals, cherished by locals and visitors alike. It is usually held around the first week of February and lasts about a week, with food stalls, traditional music, craft stands and displays of typical Canarian sports such as lucha canaria.
And if you're wondering why some almond trees bloom white and others pink: the colour mainly depends on the variety of the tree (Tejeda is home to several local almond varieties) — and, interestingly, younger trees tend to produce lighter, almost white blossoms, while older trees give deeper pink tones. The result: a single orchard can display a whole palette of shades, from pure white to pale pink, a fleeting natural spectacle that lasts only a few weeks each year.
Don't wait too long to book our house for this special time of year!
6 hikes from Los Pinares
Los Pinares sits right in the heart of El Juncal de Tejeda, a direct starting point for some of the finest hikes on Gran Canaria — no car needed. Here is a selection of 6 routes, from the most accessible to the most demanding.
Barranco del Juncal walk
An ideal first taste of the area: the trail descends alongside the ravine's streambed, between towering rock walls and small terraced fields. Return the same way. Perfect for families or photography lovers.
EasyEl Juncal → Presa de las Niñas reservoir
The area's "classic" hike. The trail winds down through the pine forest to the beautiful Las Niñas reservoir, on the edge of the Inagua Integral Nature Reserve — ideal for a lakeside picnic before the climb back up. The short Árbol de Casandra loop can be added on-site.
ModerateCasa Forestal de Pajonales
Descend into the ravine, then climb up to the Pajonales forestry house, deep in the pine forest of the Inagua Reserve — home to the extremely rare, protected Gran Canaria blue chaffinch. A full immersion in the Canarian pine forest.
ModerateRoque del Mulato – Pajonales loop
A full loop passing the Roque del Mulato and the Pajonales forestry house, with beautiful views down over the Barranco de Siberio. The rocky final descent calls for good boots and sure footing.
Moderate / HardCruz de la Huesita – Montaña de Sándara
Climb up to the Cruz de la Huesita and onto the flank of the Sándara massif, with stunning panoramas over the Roque Nublo, the Aserrador, and the Roque Bentayga in the distance. A great option for fit hikers who want big views without committing to a full day.
Moderate / HardSándara – Degollada del Agujero grand loop
A full loop across the Sándara massif to the Degollada del Agujero, with a view taking in the entire Inagua Reserve. No technical difficulty, but a significant amount of effort — an early start is recommended to make the most of the morning light.
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