Enjoyment for the active traveller – Climb the Volcanic Mount Roja

Spectacular views of Parque Natural Corralejo and the north of the island makes the steep climb to the top of Montana Roja well worth it.

It took two attempts before I managed to get to the top of mount Roja for no other reason than the first attempt was a fail because I could not find the start of the track or a sign for the base of the mountain.

I still have not found the ‘start’ of the mountain. But here are directions to get to the base of mount Roja. From the FV-1a look for the north-eastern side/this is the end that faces the dunes.

Look for a few very faint white marker posts, they’re about 1.5metres tall and about half way up the hill, park on the side of the road there.

If you are unable to see things from the road park lined up with the exposed water pipe and walk toward the water pipe and you will find the small trail leading you to the top northern point of the impressive Mount Roja.

The first few minutes we found ourselves navigating our way over the sharp volcanic rocks and within about seven minutes we have meet up with an unsealed road/track with the water pipe on one side of the road. To the right hand side you can see the small path to follow. Once you are on the path it is a lot easier on the ankles Hiking boots or trainers with a trail sole would be best. We took snacks, water and a camera with us but it did only take forty minutes to the top so you choose what you wish to take.

Once on the path you can follow this all the way to the top if you are unsure that you are following the correct path there are some white posts and in-between there are small piles of rocks to lend you. After a short walk you can turn around and get a great view of the Parque Natural Corralejo Dunes and Kite surfers. We even saw a film crew in the dunes, Star Wars has been filming here recently so we were wondering if it was them but think the crew looked a little small.

About half way up you find a wind shelter build out of the volcanic rocks  and near to this someone has written with stones the classic Nike slogan ‘Just do it’ and you can because by the time you are there you are more than half way. Although looking up at Mount Roja it would make you think otherwise.

Just pasted the wind shelter to the left you start to notice the interesting caves in the mountain. You also need to watch you step for goat droppings as by the looks of it the local goats have made some of the caves their homes.

After passing the caves you can take the path left and start the steep climb to the top. Under foot the stones are smaller and it is very dry making it easy to slip. I took a few slips but nothing that made me fall. It also becomes very exposed to the elements here, hold on to your hats.

Make sure you stop and take in all the views we had one of the few cloudy days here on Fuerteventura so a great day to not get so hot climbing but not such amazing views. I am pretty sure on a clear day you could definitely see all the way to Lanzarote. Either way the views of the dunes and the surrounding mountains are breath taking.

When I reached the top I did get a small amount of vertigo. It comes to quite a small point and I am not so great with heights after I came loose on a vertical bungee jump while travelling. If vertigo is not a problem definitely stop for a drink and snack also take a few photos. It feels like you have made it to the top of Fuerteventura.

Mount Roja is one of my favorite mountain climbs of Fuerteventura it gets the heart rate up so you can stay active on your holiday or day off  and with amazing views to top it off. It takes just over an hour (90 minutes) in total for a semi fit person to make it up and down. This gives you time to stop for a drink and a few photos. It took 40 minutes from the car to the very top for us. Comment down below if you climbed a mountain while you were in Fuerteventura.