{"id":14465,"date":"2024-01-31T09:28:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T08:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=14465"},"modified":"2025-12-21T10:15:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T09:15:37","slug":"off-road-cycling-in-gran-canaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/off-road-fietsen-op-gran-canaria","title":{"rendered":"Off-road cycling in Gran Canaria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gran Canaria can be called a true cycling paradise, especially in the winter months when the temperature is actually perfect for riding in short-short outfits. Many cyclists therefore know the island from training stages or cycling holidays, but mostly it is then explored on road bikes. Also beautiful, but we have already described that in detail in this article: Winter Destination: Gran Canaria - Cycling Destination Ella van der Veer visited Gran Canaria for the second time in January, and as an avid mountain biker, it was time to try off-road cycling on Gran Canaria<\/a> good to explore. Get ready for dusty & rocky trails, which every gravel and MTB enthusiast is going to love!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text and photos: Ella van der Veer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Off-road cycling paradise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We spend a total of eight days in Gran Canaria and three of those we spend 'off-road' Now we have quite a bit of Ardennes & Alps experience and are not afraid of a technical descent. If you like it, there are beautiful, stony singletrack descents to be found but the island is also a real treat for gravel lovers. Since we did not want to take two bikes with us, we rented a mountain bike (fully) from FreeMotion. They also offer guided tours on (e-)MTB, one of which we joined. There are no gravel bikes for rent, but there are very capable hardtail MTBs, should you not go on the very technical singletracks. Of course, bringing your own gravel bike is always an option too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read also: Bring your own bike or hire one?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basecamp Maspalomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our basecamp is in Masapalomas so this is also where the routes we ride start. These are built in Komoot. Especially on the gravel tracks, there are photos with them and you can make a good estimation of what you will be presented with. On the singletracks, this is not always the case. Also, some trails have been closed since last year. Due to clashes between hikers and off-roaders, the local government has decided to ban cyclists from some trails. I spoke to a local cyclist about this, and they urge everyone to respect this. This is because they are in talks with the government and don't want to undermine it! Building your own route? Then check with the local guides at FreeMotion<\/a>Even if you don't hire a bike there. That way, you avoid surprises along the way, which is a shame when you have cycled all the way up and are looking forward to the descent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These are beautiful trails, both for MTB and gravel lovers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Off-road recommendations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you head northwest out of Maspalomas, you will find the GC-604 there. The first stretch of this road is paved. At times it is quite steep with peaks of 17%. The GC-604, also called the Alto de los Corrales, was never completed and after 19km the asphalt stops. This is where the gravel section begins! It is off limits to road cyclists and cars, so you have the realm to yourself. The off-road section winds much more gradually in terms of gradients through the most beautiful valleys and treats you to the most beautiful views towards the sea. At one point you turn right onto the S60 and it's time for the descent, which is another special landscape. There has been a wildfire here, making it quite bare. The reward: spectacular views over Tenerife and Maspalomas! Some sections are a bit washed out and therefore more technical than the average gravel section but well worth it! This route is about 50km with 1600hm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

also read this story about Gran Canaria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cycling in Gran Canaria off-road: part 2<\/a><\/blockquote>