Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria

The highest spot of Gran Canaria is Pico de las Nieves (or Pico del Pozo de las Nieves). The astonishing 1949 meters of height is beaten only by 2 peaks in the archipelago. Still, is a very notable place to visit and check out the view lasting for hundreds of kilometers!

Pico de las Nieves General Information

As you get close to the summit, you will witness an astonishing central massive in the hearth of the island, dominated with high peaks, scenic narrow roads, record breaking cliffs and of course the nature housing quite some number of endemic species. The basalt rocks and various volcanic material makes the scene supernatural or even like out of this world. As you approach, you will first notice continental climate trees and vegetation, but as you climb higher and higher the pine trees, oaks and high altitude shrubs start to take over.

The area is part of both the walls of Caldera de Tejeda to the west, and the Caldera de Tirajana to the east. It basically formed a boundary between two huge volcanic craters that were more-less nullified due to long exposure to erosion.

Pico de Las Nieves Gran Canaria General Information

The name of the summit comes from “Pozo de las Nieves” translated as “well of snow”. In the 17Th century the peak was used as an ice storage, as the temperatures were hitting below zero. Shafts were used for the purpose and ice was braked to large cubes and transported to Las Palmas where it was sold to the higher classes. The old name of it was “Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve” or Peak of the snow wells, now-days known shortly as Pico de las Nieves – Snow Peak.

View from Pico de Las Nieves Gran Canaria

The peak can be reached all the way up with a car or by hiking. On clear days (it’s usually so) you can see for 100-200Km around the island and see Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera from there. Sometimes, the summit is all shrouded in clouds, which is also a very interesting experience. The clouds seem to be moving in layers, so the peaks around look like cut off and emerging from the clouds layer.

OK, the actual peak can not be physically reached, because there is a telecommunication and radar facility which is property of the Spanish Military, but you probably won’t miss those 10 or so meters of additional height. The area is free to roam around, until the high fence, of course. Don’t get wise ideas, better enjoy the view. The only drawback is that the installation limits the view other than to the East.

As mentioned previously the peak is the third highest spot in the archipelago of the Canary islands. Tenerife’s Mount Teide (3,718 meters) and La Palma’s Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m) are the only spots higher than this one.

There is a camping area nearby with a pine tree forest surrounding the area, which is favored for it’s beautiful nature both by tourists and locals.

Panoramic view from the peak

The general area is also well known for Roque Nublo and it’s volcanic monolith of 80 meters of height – which is an icon of Gran Canaria. I recommend first visiting Roque Nublo before dropping by to this spot.

Yes, make sure to take up “backup” clothes if it gets windy and/or colder.