Risco Blanco: striking geology and trails

Risco Blanco is defined by a striking phonolite intrusion. It is about 400 metres high and measures around 600 metres at its base. The rock is distinguished by very steep, almost vertical walls; its pronounced jointing converges towards the summit. This distinctive profile makes the intrusion a geological landmark of the destination. Risco Blanco is particularly interesting for planning your trip if you want to focus on a prominent rock formation and activities in its landscape.

The rock and its landscape setting

Risco Blanco lies within the Monumento Natural Riscos de Tirajana. The protected area is of geological and geomorphological interest and forms a particularly beautiful and unique landscape setting. It is also home to numerous endemic species, including threatened or protected species. The intrusion has been radiometrically dated to 3.7 million years old.

After the village of Risco Blanco, the GC-654 leads to the foot of the phonolite intrusion. If you use this road to get there, check the road conditions in advance; they can change.

Hiking routes with different highlights

The geological route to Risco Blanco starts about 1.5 kilometres from San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on the road to Ayacata. It is about 5 kilometres long and offers panoramic views of Risco Blanco and the Barranco de La Culata drainage basin. At kilometre 5, the path reaches the foot of the rock. This route therefore combines views of the intrusion and the drainage basin with a named endpoint.

Another hiking option is the “Fuente de los Cascajales–Santa Lucía” route. It is 11,460 metres long and rated moderate. Its scenic path runs along the steep slopes of the Caldera de Tirajana; from Paso del Indiano, there are views of Risco Blanco. Compared with the approximately 5-kilometre geological route, it is considerably longer and its moderate rating provides an additional point of reference.

Cycling and historical interpretations

A separate cycling section is also named: Taidía–Risco Blanco is 7 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 6.9 percent. The route length and gradient describe different features of this cycling section.

A route description published in 2012 leads uphill from La Culata to Pozo de Las Nieves and highlights Risco Blanco as a geological highlight. If you plan to take this option, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

A historical interpretation also links the site with Risco de Humiaga: Risco Blanco is described as a possible location of a temple of the ancient Canarians.

Discover more destinations: Teror, La Aldea De San Nicolás, Vega De San Mateo, Valleseco, Trasmontaña, Arguineguín, Casas Nuevas, Santa Brígida.

For the main travel overview: Gran Canaria.