Cycling Valley of Tears, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Ride 12.6 kilometers gaining 1,070 meters at 8.4% average grade (9.1% climb only).
Roque Nublo (third highest point on the island) as seen just past Presa del Parralillo
Photographs on this page are contributed by PJAMM ambassadors Luke Hise, Lisa Irizarry, and Matthew Jiang.
Along with Pico de las Nieves, this is one of the most popular bike climbs on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, and one of the hardest, too.
Summary from PJAMM Ambassador Matthew Jiang of New York, New York:
Valley of the Tears is a must do climb if you are here, but as all the blogs say, the pavement is not great. You can make it up in a road bike if you are careful and avoid the cracks in the road and loose gravel. I had 28mm tires and slipped a few times but was mostly fine.
This is a desolate climb with little traffic and stark and stunning scenery.
The approach to the dam at Presa del Parralillo 300 meters from the start of the climb.
These are a set of four hairpins beginning at 300 meters from climb start.
The dam is visible to your left as you climb.
Stunning rock formation along this minimally-traveled road.
Roque Nublo top-center of bottom photo.
The 67 meter volcanic rock pinnacle is visible to the east at a few spots along the climb.