Roque de los Muchachos round trip from/to Refugio de Tinizara

At the Refugio de Tinizara, follow the signpost „Roque de los Muchachos“ along a dirt road initially through pine forest uphill and soon after reach extensive vineyards. Here, cross a concrete track and follow a stone path opposite (marked yellow) uphill. Further up, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky. Ascend through the light pine forest and at a fork in the path, follow the yellow markings to the right. The forest gradually thins and the terrain flattens. You will reach a signpost where you turn left („Roque de los Muchachos“). In a light young forest, continue along a wavy mountain slope and across several water channels. At the next fork, follow the signpost „Roque de los Muchachos“ flat uphill to the right. Where the yellow markings branch off to the left, stay on the concrete track and continue straight uphill to a large water reservoir. Here begins a distinct, though unmarked, footpath that is heavily eroded and leads uphill through coarse scree. The path reaches a ridge and follows it uphill through open, grass-covered terrain up to the edge of the caldera.

At the edge of the caldera, turn left and hike further along a wide, red-marked path, with exciting views into the crater opening up repeatedly. Soon the distinctive buildings of an observatory come into view, and the path continues uphill along the caldera edge until you reach a road. Follow this road for a short distance, passing the Galileo telescope, then turn right onto a wide paved path leading up to the highest point of the Roque de los Muchachos, though it is recommended to first walk a short distance to a first viewpoint on the right.

At Roque de los Muchachos, it is definitely worth walking downhill at least to the first of two viewing terraces, even if you have to go with the flow of car tourists.

For the return journey to Refugio de Tinizara, follow the ascent route unless you also want to climb Roque Palmero.