Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Mirador de la Ruleta, opposite the Parador, the path runs north along the foot of the Roques, past the Roque Cinchado, the leaning tower of rock that stands in front of Teide in so many pictures. Beyond the last of the towers it turns and drops on loose gravel to the edge of the Llano de Ucanca, passing La Cascada, a frozen fall of lava, and comes back south under the far side of the rocks to La Catedral, a great plug of rock. A steep zigzag climb leads back up to the viewpoint.
It is 3.8 km round with 168 m of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: short, on good paths, with one steep climb at the end.
No permit or booking is needed. The car park by the viewpoint is small and fills early, so come before mid-morning or late in the afternoon.
The whole walk is above 2,000 m, in strong sun, with no shade and no water: take a hat and something to drink even for so short a round. The gravel on the descent is loose underfoot. In winter there can be ice.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Round the line of rock towers below Teide, starting beside the Roque Cinchado
- Down to the plain of Ucanca past La Cascada, a frozen fall of lava, and La Catedral
- No permit; the car park by the Parador is small and fills early
- Above 2,000 m with no shade or water, and a steep climb to finish
Summits on the way
- Roque Cinchado 2,171 m · passed close by
- Félix Méndez 2,192 m · passed close by
- La Catedral 2,111 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Mirador de la Ruleta · Free parking. 28.22342, -16.62978
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Tenerife: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.