The best MTB trails around Valle Gran Rey

A very popular stopping area within Garajonay National Park, next to one of the most used parking lots for accessing trails, forest tracks, and viewpoints in the upper part of La Gomera. Here the landscape changes constantly: fog, humidity, laurel forest, and clearings from which enormous views open up towards the island's ravines. It is a strategic point for cyclists and hikers because it connects several park routes and allows easy connection to summit roads. Garajonay's laurel forest is one of the oldest and rarest forests in Europe, a humid ecosystem that survived from prehistoric times thanks to the trade winds. That's why this area has such a distinct atmosphere from the rest of the Canary Islands. Very close by, there is usually total silence... until the wind moves the trees or the fog rolls in suddenly.

A very well-known stop on the GM-1 road, going up from Vallehermoso towards the upper area of Garajonay. It's one of those strategic points on La Gomera where there are usually cars, cyclists, and motorcyclists stopping to rest, have coffee, or eat something before continuing their route along the summit. The access is fully asphalted and very convenient from Vallehermoso. From here you can easily connect with mountain roads that lead towards the area of El Cercado, Arure, Monte de Ayamosna, and several viewpoints from which you can see Teide on clear days. The restaurant is known for traditional Gomera cuisine, especially grilled meats, stews, almogrote, cheeses, and homemade dishes. The area is also famous for the historic Chorros de Epina, well-known springs on the island associated with ancient legends and popular beliefs. It's one of those places where many people end up stopping even if they hadn't planned it.

“Route 4 is short but seems to enter directly into a Jurassic forest, with dense laurisilva and moss-covered trees everywhere. Route 6, from Laguna Grande, allows you to traverse a wider part of the heart of Garajonay between old gomero paths and areas where you can still see how the forest recovered after the 2012 fire. Two easy but very atmospheric routes.”

A small mountain hermitage located in one of the wettest and quietest areas of northern La Gomera. The surroundings are notable for the large trees and the frequent fog that enters from the peaks, creating an atmosphere very different from the island's coast. The Virgen de Las Nieves has a strong tradition in the Canary Islands and is usually associated with high, cool places linked to water and the trade winds. It is a simple, but very authentic stop, surrounded by nature and silence. 0 0

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the setting sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the rock is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of Gomera, it also held symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the low sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the roque is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of La Gomera, it also had symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.

El Alto de Alcalá is one of those places where it's worth stopping for a few minutes just to contemplate the landscape. Located on the high southern ridge of La Gomera, it stands at approximately 1,000 meters altitude and offers enormous views over the ocean and much of the island's volcanic relief. There is a small bench next to the viewpoint that invites you to stop, rest, and enjoy the silence and the constant wind that usually blows in this area. On clear days, the view towards Tenerife and Teide is spectacular, especially when it appears floating above the sea of clouds. The climate here changes rapidly and it is common to encounter strong wind, humidity, or fog even when it is sunny and hot below, so it is worth always carrying a windbreaker or a light raincoat. Several trails and sections of the GR start or cross from this point, although I personally do not recommend descending some of these paths by bicycle, especially with an e-bike, as they can be quite technical and tricky in certain conditions. The road and main tracks already offer a spectacular experience without needing to get too complicated.

In the heart of the Garajonay National Park, this recreational area is one of the most magical corners of La Gomera. Surrounded by laurel forest, mist, and moss-covered trees, it feels like a scene frozen in time. Ideal for taking a break on the route, having a snack, or simply listening to the silence of the forest as the light shifts through the mist. A classic for cyclists and hikers seeking the island's most humid, green, and mysterious side.