Los Azulejos Circular Trail

This route is renowned for its extraordinary geological formations, particularly the vibrant, multi-colored rock faces of Los Azulejos. These 'tiles' display striking hues from various mineral deposits, creating a truly unique and visually stunning backdrop for your run. You'll also encounter natural pools and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

This is a difficult trail, consistently rated as a 'hard run' due to its demanding nature. It requires a high level of fitness, sure-footedness, and appropriate footwear. Expect steep ascents and descents, with technical and potentially hazardous sections. Continuous jogging might be difficult to maintain throughout, with many parts requiring a brisk hike.

The terrain is varied and often demanding. You'll navigate alpine tracks, unpaved paths, and some asphalt sections. Specific parts, like the ascent over the distinctive El Roque rock, are particularly strenuous. Sturdy shoes and even some alpine experience are recommended for the varied surfaces and significant elevation changes.

The primary highlight is the geological wonder of Los Azulejos, with its vibrant, multi-colored rock formations. You'll also pass by the Fuente de los Azulejos and a Pool with view of the Azulejos. The route offers spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and distant landmarks like Teide and Roque Nublo/Bentayga.

While the trail itself doesn't explicitly prohibit dogs, given its challenging and technical terrain, it might not be suitable for all dogs, especially those not accustomed to strenuous hikes. If you do bring your dog, ensure they are fit for difficult trails, always kept on a leash, and that you carry enough water for both of you, as well as bags to clean up after them.

There is no general entrance fee for this trail. However, parts of the route may pass through or near the Inagua Integral Nature Reserve. While direct access to the reserve might sometimes require prior authorization, the main trail running route typically does not require a specific permit for passage. It's always a good idea to check local regulations before your visit, especially if you plan to deviate from the marked path.

The best time to run this trail is generally during the cooler months, from autumn through spring (October to May), to avoid the intense summer heat of Gran Canaria. During these periods, the temperatures are more favorable for strenuous activity. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas.

The trail is a circular route by Los Quemados. You can typically find parking in or near the village of Los Quemados, which serves as a common starting point for this circular trail. Specific parking areas might be limited, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Yes, this route covers approximately 44% of the official trail known as Ruta 2 Mogan. This means you'll share sections with hikers and runners following that established path, offering a sense of connection to the wider trail network in the region.

Given the trail's difficulty and varied terrain, you should bring sturdy trail running shoes with good grip, plenty of water (there are no reliable water sources on the trail), snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and appropriate layers of clothing. A map or GPS device with the route downloaded is also highly recommended due to the technical nature of some sections.

Los Quemados is a small locality, so amenities might be limited directly at the trailhead. For cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would likely need to look in slightly larger nearby towns or villages in Gran Canaria. It's advisable to plan your refreshments and overnight stays in advance, as options might not be immediately available upon finishing your run.