Roque Nublo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roque Nublo
Roque nublo
Roque Nublo Location in Gran Canaria Show map of Gran Canaria Roque Nublo Location in Canary Islands Show map of Canary Islands
Location	Province of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Elevation	1,813 m (5,948 ft)

The Roque Nublo seen from the north-east, with the smaller spire (a volcanic plug) known as El Fraile ("the Friar") visible in the far left of the picture.

Roque Nublo is a famous volcanic rock found on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain. Its name means "Clouded Rock" or "Rock in the Clouds." This huge rock stands about 67 meters (220 feet) tall. Its highest point is 1,813 meters (5,948 feet) above sea level. Roque Nublo is the third highest point on Gran Canaria. Only the Morro de la Agujereada (1,956 meters) and the Pico de las Nieves (1,949 meters) are taller.

This impressive rock was formed by a volcanic eruption around 4.5 million years ago. Over millions of years, wind and rain wore away the softer rock around it. This left behind the harder, more resistant volcanic plug we see today.

What is Roque Nublo?

Roque Nublo is a type of rock formation called a volcanic plug. Imagine a volcano that erupts and then becomes inactive. Over a very long time, the magma (molten rock) inside the volcano's vent cools down and hardens. This hardened rock is much tougher than the softer rock around the volcano. As erosion happens, the softer outer layers wear away, leaving the hard core standing tall. That's how Roque Nublo was created. It is like the ancient heart of a volcano.

Where is Roque Nublo Located?

Roque Nublo is in the middle of Gran Canaria island. It is part of the Nublo Rural Park (Parque rural del Nublo). This park is very large, covering about 263 square kilometers (101 square miles). The rock is found in the municipality of Tejeda. This area is known for its beautiful and rugged landscapes.

Other Rock Formations Nearby

Near Roque Nublo, you can see other interesting rock shapes. One is called Roque del Fraile, which means "Friar's Rock." It looks like a monk wearing a hood. Another formation is named La Rana, meaning "The Frog," because of its unique shape. These rocks add to the amazing scenery of the park.

Importance and Protection

Roque Nublo is not just a rock; it is a symbol of Gran Canaria. It is a natural monument and a protected area. This means its unique geology and the surrounding environment are kept safe. The Nublo Rural Park helps protect many different plants and animals. It also preserves the natural beauty of the island. Many people visit Roque Nublo each year. They come to hike and enjoy the stunning views. From the top, you can often see other Canary Islands like Tenerife and Mount Teide.