Circular Trail of the Roques
Circular Trail of the Roques
4.5
(244)
904
hikers
Circular Trail of the Roques
03:45
8.69km
630m
Hiking
Hike the challenging 5.4-mile La Laja circular route in Garajonay National Park, featuring volcanic views and lush forests.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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976 m
View of Roque Ojila, Roque Agando and Mount Teide
Highlight • Viewpoint
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1.52 km
Pine forest in Garajonay National Park
Highlight • Forest
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2.03 km
Roque de Agando
Highlight • Natural Monument
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3.08 km
Route 17 - Camino de los Roques, Garajonay National Park
Highlight • Trail
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3.70 km
Casa del Manco Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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5.23 km
La Laja Village
Highlight • Settlement
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6.17 km
La Laja Reservoir and Roque de Ojila
Highlight • Lake
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7.99 km
View of the Roques from El Bailadero viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
The last few kilometers were life-threatening, and we turned back.
Taking a taxi from La Laja to our starting point...that wasn't the plan...TOO BAD!
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8.69 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.95 km
806 m
799 m
689 m
378 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.72 km
1.76 km
635 m
508 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,170 m)
Lowest point (520 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 7 May
21°C
13°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to complete this hike?
The La Laja from the Mirador de El Bailadero — circular from the Roque de Ojila trail is approximately 8.7 kilometers long and usually takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
Is this trail suitable for beginners or children?
This trail is generally considered moderate and is best suited for experienced hikers with good fitness and sure-footedness. Some sections, particularly from La Laja up to the Mirador de El Bailadero, are described as 'difficult to find the way' and more akin to an 'alpine route' or 'climbing tour,' requiring a 'head for heights.' It is not recommended for beginners or children.
What is the terrain like on this route?
The terrain is varied, featuring natural and unpaved paths, as well as some paved and asphalt sections. You'll traverse mountain and alpine hiking paths, passing through a young Fayal-Brezal forest, a Canarian pine forest, and the Barranco de Las Lajas ravine. Be prepared for some rugged and technical sections.
What are the main points of interest or views along the way?
This route offers spectacular panoramic views and diverse scenery. Highlights include the View of Roque Ojila, Roque Agando and Mount Teide, the Pine forest in Garajonay National Park, and the prominent Roque de Agando. You'll also pass the Casa del Manco Ruins, the idyllic La Laja Village, and the La Laja Reservoir and Roque de Ojila. Don't miss the View of the Roques from El Bailadero viewpoint.
Where can I park to access the trailhead?
The trail is a circular route starting from the Mirador de El Bailadero, which is near Roque de Ojila. It is advisable to look for parking facilities near the Mirador de El Bailadero or Roque de Ojila, as these are common starting points for hikes in the area.
Is public transport available to reach the trailhead?
Information on direct public transport to the Mirador de El Bailadero or Roque de Ojila for this specific trailhead is not readily available. It is recommended to check local bus schedules for La Gomera or consider a taxi service if you do not have private transportation.
What is the best time of year to hike this route?
The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on weather preferences. La Gomera generally has a mild climate. Given the 'misty laurel forests' and 'year-round water' in the ravine, it's often pleasant. However, always check the local weather forecast before heading out, especially for rain or fog, which can make technical sections more challenging.
Is this trail dog-friendly?
This trail is located within the Garajonay National Park. National Parks often have specific regulations regarding pets, usually requiring dogs to be on a leash and sometimes restricting access to certain areas to protect wildlife. It's best to check the official Garajonay National Park website for the most current pet policies before bringing your dog.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail?
The trail is located within the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the park itself. However, for specific activities or if you plan to visit certain visitor centers, it's always a good idea to check the official Garajonay National Park website for any updated regulations or permit requirements.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route intersects with several other trails. Notably, it covers sections of Route 17 - Camino de los Roques, Garajonay National Park, and also overlaps with parts of Ruta 29, Ruta 18: Pajarito - El Cedro - Tajaqué - Pajarito, and Ruta 13: Agando - La Laja - Agando.
What should I pack for this hike?
Given the moderate difficulty and varied terrain, you should pack sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and layers of clothing as weather can change. A map or GPS device is highly recommended due to sections described as 'difficult to find the way.' Trekking poles can also be helpful for stability on technical parts.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Not a moderate hike, after La Laja it becomes really dangerous, sometimes on all fours. Difficult hike! Otherwise beautiful, changing nature and rock formations.
A truly beautiful hike. We started at the island's landmark, Roque Agando. 😍 Then we descended through the pine forest to La Laja, a small village in the mountains. Next came the climb, some sections very steep, so a head for heights is definitely recommended ☺️ The views of nature were absolutely stunning 🤩 Once at the top, the trail meandered through the national park with its moss-covered trees... simply breathtaking. A very secluded hike...we only encountered a few other hikers 🤗
Beautiful hike. Do it when the weather is nice and the visibility is good. Do it counterclockwise. After the village of La Laja it is steeply uphill and not clearly marked. Fear of heights? Then don't do it!
https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2706639/-la-gomera-und-tenerife Starting point of our fourth tour: in the Parque Nacional de Garajonay there is a small parking area at the junction of the CV14 and GM2 roads. At the beginning of the tour you are immediately immersed in the cloud forest of laurel, bog oak and tree heather. Their trunks and branches covered with beard lichen and moss radiate a mystical atmosphere. We first walk past the very impressive volcanic rock Agando and keep seeing the other Roques like the Olija. The descent down to La Laja with around 660 meters of altitude is easy to do and leads through a beautiful pine forest in the lower third. The air smells spicy, the ground is soft and springy with pine needles. Very nice and pleasant to walk. Having barely arrived in the beautiful town of La Laja, surrounded by pine trees, we now go steeply uphill along the road for a short time. We pass a small high mountain reservoir, the Embalse de La Laja, which catches the water of the Las Lajas stream as it flows down through the gorge. From here the very steep ascent begins, or rather our climbing section. No paved path, very steep and rocky. Can only be climbed uphill. The approximately 3 km steep ascent is only marked by sporadic cairns. Conclusion of the tour. It is absolutely recommended. But! In the ascent from La Laja there are passages that require surefootedness and mountain experience. I really enjoyed the climb 🙂
Today we went on an extreme hike. Although it was only 8.6 km, it was quite strenuous. First, it was a steep 3.5 km descent over pine needle-covered ground and rocks. You had to be very careful. The view was magnificent. In the valley, we came to the small village of La Laja, which looked like an oasis of palm trees and cacti. This was the collection point for the mountain water, which was collected in a small dam. Now the return journey began, which turned out to be an extreme mountain hike. Narrow paths with mountain gorges and extreme climbs of over 4 km. Sturdy footwear, a head for heights, and surefootedness were required. When we reached the top, we were exhausted but happy. There were beautiful views all along the way. The hike was worth it for us. Best hiking greetings from Patricia and Thomas 🥵😊🙋🏻♀️🙋♂️
Very nice hike, the climb from La Laya is tough
So the climb is a bit different than described. The small scramble stretches over a few metres in altitude and therefore a few kilometres. The path is not really marked/excellent... so many thanks to all those who built the cairns. Without them we would have been a bit helpless... Gracias