What: Mandatory reservation for the Roque Nublo trail (from Degollada de la Goleta)

Cost: Free

When: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (outside these hours, access is unrestricted)

Capacity: Max. 60 people per hour

Booking: reservasroquenublo.com

Parking: No longer available at La Goleta — shuttle bus from Tejeda or Cruz de los Llanos

The Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria's most iconic rock formation standing at 1,813 meters, was receiving up to 2,000 visitors per day on peak days. Cars were double-parked along mountain roads, the trail was overcrowded, and the ecologically sensitive natural monument was visibly suffering. That era is now over.

How the new system works

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria (Cabildo) has introduced a three-tier system that regulates access without banning it. The trail remains free — but anyone arriving between 9 AM and 5 PM via the main entrance at Degollada de la Goleta needs a reservation.

Booking is done at reservasroquenublo.com: select a day and time slot, enter your details, and confirm by email. You receive a QR code to show at the access point. There is no time limit on your stay — you just need to begin within your reserved hour.

Three categories exist: individual visitors (max. 60 per hour), active tourism operators (max. 30 every two hours, guide required), and school groups (1 group per day, max. 60 students).

No more parking at La Goleta

The former car park at Degollada de la Goleta — for years the starting point for thousands of hikers — is now closed to private vehicles. Instead, the Cabildo has set up two alternative parking areas and a shuttle bus service operated by Global:

From Tejeda village centre: Parking for about 30 cars, shuttle to the trailhead in 30 minutes. Connection to Maspalomas available.

From Cruz de los Llanos: Parking for about 10 cars, shuttle to the trailhead in 10 minutes.

Hikers arriving via alternative trails — such as from Los Llanos de la Pez (7.5 km round trip) — do not need a reservation. Neither do residents of Tejeda and Artenara, who can present proof of address.

Why now?

The Roque Nublo has been protected as a Natural Monument since 1987. But visitor numbers have exploded in recent years, driven by Instagram, cruise tourism, and Gran Canaria's growing reputation as a hiking destination. Cabildo president Antonio Morales spoke of the "need to find a balance between tourism and nature conservation." Since the system launched, 96 percent of visitors have used the reservation correctly.

The system is part of a broader strategy: similar measures have been announced for the Maspalomas dunes and the Bandama crater.

Tips for hikers:

Best time: Early morning (9 AM slot) or after 5 PM (no reservation needed)

Duration: About 30 minutes one way from Goleta (1.5 km, easy to moderate)

Bring: Water, sun protection, sturdy shoes. Dogs allowed (on leash)

Stargazing: Allowed at night, no reservation required, no overnight stays