Pico de las Nieves (Arucas)
Start Town | Altitude | Elevation Gain | Length | Gradient | Difficulty | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arucas | 1938m | 1702m | 35.5 km | 4.8% | 1105 | **** |
Climb Description
Pico de las Nieves is the highest point on the island of Gran Canaria and, fortunately for cyclists there is a road running all the way to the top. In fact, there are several different roads. The climb from Arucas is among the longest routes to the top, but it is also one of the most gentle, with mostly comfortable gradients.From the charming Arucas you take the GC-43 road, passing the historic town of Teror, which is well worth a detour to visit the lively main square. You then turn onto the GC-21 and take the GC-230 to the beautiful viewpoint at Cruz de Tejeda. From there it is just a short distance on the GC-150 and GC-130 roads to reach the top of the climb. It might seem like a lot of turns, but it is pretty easy to follow when you are riding!
This is one of our favourite sides of the climb as it combines interesting towns, with impressive green scenery. During the last few kilometres of the climb you are also treated to fantastic views of the neighbouring island of Tenerife, home to its own impressive volcano.
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 is some traffic on the first part of the climb, but it is not very heavy nor bothersome for cycling. After passing through Lanzarote it is very quiet.
Ayacata
Aguimes
Tejeda
Telde
The routes from Ayacata and Tejeda in particular, can also be combined with many of the other 'nearby climbs' listed below.
Pinos de Gáldar
Aserrador
Cruz de Tejeda
Roque Bentayga
San Bartolomé
Temisas
Cenobio de Valeron
In the links below you can find out more about this tour and other similar holidays that we are currently running in Spain.
There is some traffic on the first part of the climb, but it is not very heavy nor bothersome for cycling. After passing through Lanzarote it is very quiet.
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:Ayacata
Aguimes
Tejeda
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 is climbed from Aguimes and descended from this side 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.