Today we would like to tell you about the benefits of Gran Canaria for climbers and specifically about the great school of La Sorrueda in the Barranco de Tirajana. We will talk about the attractions of this area for climbers, its geological characteristics, how to get there and some recommendations for safe climbing.
Gran Canaria, a paradise for climbers
In addition to its favourable climate that allows climbing all year round, Gran Canaria offers unique enclaves with exotic landscapes and attractive flora.
The oldest lava flows solidified to form hard rock with a good grip. Erosion shaped the relief, creating cliffs, crags, ravines and rocks. The different routes offer a variety of roofs, dihedrals, chimneys and overhangs that add to the excitement of each climb.
Tirajana Ravine
The Tirajana Ravine is a natural treasure of great geological, fluvial and vegetal value, located in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria. Its basin flows into the sea in the southeast of the island, specifically in the plains of Juan Grande. There you will find the famous La Sorrueda dam and a fascinating viewpoint of the same name, from where you can contemplate the beauty of the landscape.
Very close to Barranco de Tirajana is the town of Santa Lucía Casco, where you can enjoy a variety of cultural activities. You will find good places to stay, quality gastronomy and lots of hospitality.
La Sorrueda School
Now let’s talk about one of the best climbing areas in Gran Canaria and the first in the southern region. La Sorrueda is a magnificent school in the Barranco de Tirajana ravine, with reddish walls and a beautiful landscape. Together with Fatagonia, it receives the largest number of climbers on the island. In La Sorrueda you will find different routes and grades with all levels of difficulty.
As it is an arid area, it is very hot, so you should wear suitable clothing and sunscreen. Some areas receive direct sun all day long.
The river that runs through the ravine offers a way to cool off after the day’s climbing. You can also climb up boulders in the gorge to get another perspective of the site. The rock at La Sorrueda School is basaltic, with good grip and very compact. Only in some areas are there roofs and overhangs. Some boulders can be climbed even in light rain. Climbing areas are equipped with parabolts and zinc-plated plates.
The La Sorrueda school is perfect for beginners, with low-difficulty routes for novices to get started in the adventure. On the other hand, experienced climbers will find areas with overhangs and slabs where they will have to put their skills to the test. More advanced climbers will find specific routes with greater difficulty over steep terrain and greater obstacles. In these cases good technique is required for a successful experience.
How to get to La Sorrueda
Leaving Playa del Inglés, take the GC-1 road towards Las Palmas. After 31 kilometres, turn off towards Vecindario and then take the GC-65 road towards Santa Lucía and then turn left onto the GC-651 road. After one kilometre, you will come to a second turning on the right that will take you to the La Sorrueda parking area. From there, descend to the river bed and then follow it upstream until you reach the climbing area, where you will find a wide variety of routes available.
Recommendations for climbing
Athletes should be in good physical condition with no recent injuries and speak English or Spanish. Of course, they should have a good attitude to test their abilities and not suffer from fear of heights.
Although there are no prohibitions for sports practice in La Sorrueda, it is important to remember to take care of the natural areas and to respect the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. The Canarian Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing is the organisation in charge of regulating this sport, as well as providing information about the areas available, the necessary equipment and so on. If you are a beginner, we recommend you be accompanied by expert guides.
