Roques de García Trail

Teide rises straight behind the rock towers, and on this loop it is never out of the picture for long. Walked anticlockwise, the first stretch runs level along the ridge. Then the path drops to the old lava flow at the foot of the formations, where the ground turns to dark, broken stone and the pillars stand overhead. The last section climbs steeply back to the car park, with the better view of Teide in front of you.

Late in the day the low sun turns the rock warm red and ochre. Stay past sunset and the sky over the caldera fills with stars, far from any town lights. Side paths branch off the main loop, and a longer round on them leaves most of the crowd behind.

• Direction matters. Anticlockwise starts flat and saves a short, steep climb for the end; clockwise takes the steepest part downhill straight away.
• No drinking water nearby. The air is dry and high, so carry plenty of water, even on a cool morning. The nearest toilets are paid.
• Rocky ground. Wear hiking shoes or sturdy trainers; the path is stony.
• Winter nights are fierce. With windchill the temperature can fall below −10 °C in January; bring a hat, gloves and warm layers.

The approach is by road, up the TF-21 through the national park; the drive across the caldera is a sight in itself. The loop starts and ends at the car park at Mirador de la Ruleta. There are two car parks, about 260 m and 400 m away in a straight line, and the first is asphalt.

Arrive early. From late morning into the afternoon parking is full and cars queue on the mountain road waiting for a space.

By bus, the nearest stop is Parador del Teide, about 415 m away in a straight line.

Best: early morning for an easy parking space, or late afternoon into sunset for the colour of the rock and the stars after dark. Avoid: late morning to mid-afternoon, when parking is full and cars queue on the road. The ground is bare rock with no shade, so midday is also the hottest time to be on the trail; in winter, after sunset, windchill can push the temperature below −10 °C.

The trail lies inside Teide National Park, and park rules apply. Stay on the marked paths: the rock formations and the lava ground around them are protected, and walking off the trail is not allowed. Leave stones and plants where they are. Flying a drone needs authorisation from the park administration. Dogs are allowed.