04. Degollada de Becerra - Lagunetas
GENERAL CHARACTERIZATION.
The area through which this route runs comprises a section of a ravine that rises in the peaks of Gran Canaria and descends to the upper mid-mountains of the municipality of Vega de San Mateo. This ravine is the Guiniguada, which, in its upper reaches, is called La Mina, due to the water gallery at its headwaters, which connects the basin where this stream flows with the Caldera de Tejeda.
The trail is exposed to the influence of the trade winds and its characteristic sea of clouds (the windward side of the island, heading northeast). Near Las Lagunetas, the phenomenon of horizontal rainfall results in high rainfall, exceeding 800 mm, with a fairly high annual and diurnal temperature fluctuation compared to other locations in the lower midlands and on the coast of Gran Canaria. These conditions allow for the potential development of laurel and pine vegetation. The use of the slopes for agricultural activities creates a terraced landscape of dryland crops—potatoes, cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees—with a particular presence of almond, chestnut, and walnut trees, intended for family consumption and to supply the domestic market.
In the upper part of the ravine, the climate changes, becoming that of a mid-mountain area between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level. Characterized by a decrease in rainfall—around 400 mm on average annually—there is greater temperature fluctuations, both annual and daily. It is worth noting the occasional snowfall (December and January), although this snow does not remain for long periods. In this area, there are communities of laburnum and broom (Adenocarpus foliolosus and Teline microphylla), accompanied by broom (Chamaecytisus proliferus) and small plants such as sage and thyme.
A large number of reforested pines, especially Canary Island pines (Pinus canariensis), coexist with introduced conifer species (Pinus halepensis, pinaster, radiata, etc.). Forestry has always been closely linked to the rural population (charcoal burning, sawing wood, tar production, pine needle harvesting, etc.). These forests are now regulated, as they are part of protected areas—this area falls within the geographical scope of the Nublo Rural Park. Since pre-Hispanic times, the area has traditionally been used for grazing—primarily sheep and goats. The milk obtained is used to make cheeses in small, artisanal mini-cheese factories. The pastures are what determine the characteristic flavor of these dairy products.
Becerra - Lagunetas
The starting point is located next to the Degollada Becerra Interpretation Center, which offers extensive documentation on the formation of the Tejeda Caldera.
The aforementioned interpretation center is reached via the main road through the city center (GC-2) or via the Llanos de la Pez crossing. The route begins in front of the Degollada Becerra parking lot, where a stand is usually set up selling souvenirs and typical Canary Island food (cheese, honey rum, bienmesabe, etc.).
The trail heads southeast at approximately 140°, leaving the Caldera de Tejeda behind us. This is a gently sloping dirt path that leads us to the head of the La Mina Ravine. On both sides of the path, you can see laburnums, brooms, and coriander trees, as well as some chestnut and willow trees. At the end of the path, at the head of the La Mina Ravine, you find a ruined red house with three caves in front of it, once used as sheds, and, opposite, below our path, a gallery called Boca de la Presa.
From the entrance to this gallery, heading 20º N, we take a dirt track that descends along the right side of the ravine. We can see a building as we leave La Mina Ravine on the left. The dirt path narrows—in winter, we must be careful not to slip. We reach a goat and sheep corral, whose watering trough consists of three metal tubs. We cross in front of it and continue toward the shepherd's house, passing a large fig tree and next to a dry-stone wall.
We can see two water mills on the opposite slope, next to the mouth of the La Mina gallery—one of them abandoned while the other is still active. Leaving the shepherd's house on our right, as the path passes underneath, we continue straight ahead, reaching some rocks from where we can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Las Lagunetas neighborhood and even the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on a clear day and without a sea of clouds. From the rocks, we see a large chestnut tree that we should head towards, as the path passes right underneath.
Once at the chestnut tree, we have the option of detouring to a nearby spot where we can admire magnificent views of the northeast of the island, including the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. There are two alternatives: the first is to descend along the path that runs along a pipeline until we reach some pitons; the second is to climb the slope and approach the dikes from the top, where we find an old hut, possibly used as a sheepfold and as a shepherd's shelter.
After enjoying the scenery, we return to the chestnut tree and descend through the valley in front of it. An old masonry pipeline accompanies us to the descent of the path that takes us to Las Lagunetas. We continue walking northeast, with Las Lagunetas to the left of our route, at the bottom of the ravine. Before reaching the Las Lagunetas neighborhood, we pass the Barranco de La Mina waterfall. Further on, we find a cave-shed and, in front of it, a galvanized steel pipe from which water flows, which is collected for animals in a nearby drinking trough, dug into the rock. We continue forward and reach another shed, this one very recent and made of masonry (1). To the left of this construction, the path continues, a dirt track that leads us to an impressive scree where the vegetation of verodes (Aeoniums) is notable.
On the opposite slope, we see a cinder cone from which a path leads and where there is a water gallery. As we continue, we reach a dike area and encounter a truly impressive sight. This is the Roque Nublo agglomerate structure, overlaid by a columnar disjunction of trachybasalt flow, later covered at the top by another eruption of Roque Nublo agglomerate.
Within the path, we once again encounter the plastic pipe covered in masonry. We reach a dirt track that forks to the right and another to the left. We should not choose either of these, but rather the narrow path that lies in front of us, heading northeast. We descend between slabs of rock and parallel to a dry-stone wall on our right.
We pass a house with a large chestnut tree on the right and turn toward Las Lagunetas along a steep path. We then descend along a concrete track that leads us first to the main road (GC-21) and then to the church.
The route ends at the church of Las Lagunetas, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and the Heart of Mary, famous among other things for its mills and bakeries. From this church, descending through the church square toward the ravine, you can reach La Yedra and Utiaca (Route 5. Las Lagunetas-Utiaca).
(1) This is a new pipeline that runs parallel to the path.
