The Hike That Changed My Mind About Tenerife (And Myself)
I used to think Tenerife was all about beaches and seafood. But then I found myself hiking across volcanic rock under a sky full of stars, gasping for breath and awe at the same time. I wasn’t here for a challenge—but I got one. And it stayed with me longer than any sunset.
The Trail: Roques de García
It starts from Mirador de la Ruleta, a viewpoint facing the towering Las Cañadas crater. The loop is only 4.2 km, but don’t be fooled—altitude (2183 m) and dry air make it feel longer. You walk on lava fields, between sculptural rocks, with the silhouette of Mount Teide in the distance. It’s one of the few trails open even in winter.
Why I Hiked at Night
Locals told me the sunrise was worth the cold, so I started at 1:30 AM. It was pitch black, freezing, and silent except for the sound of my steps. I could see constellations, the Milky Way, even a few meteors. I was exhausted—but awake in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.
The Climb to Teide
From 2200 m to 3718 m, the full summit hike is no joke. I stopped at 3250 m to sleep in a refuge. The cold hit hard, and mild altitude sickness made me rethink continuing. But as the sky lightened and I looked out across the crater, it felt like enough. I turned back, not out of failure, but gratitude.
What I Packed (and What I Regret)
Layers, gloves, headlamp—check. What saved me, honestly, was having a waterproof hiking backpack. The terrain was dusty, the weather dry but unpredictable, and I was grateful everything stayed protected. My gear stayed dry even when I didn’t.
Closing Thoughts
This hike wasn’t just about reaching a summit. It was about learning my limits, and walking alongside them. Tenerife surprised me. Not with its views, but with how I felt walking through them.
If you're planning a trail that takes you from stars to sunrise, pack light, layer well, and protect what matters.