Upper Rock Nature Reserve: The Complete Hiking Guide
Why Hike the Upper Rock
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve covers over 40% of Gibraltar's total land area and is home to the most iconic sights on the Rock. From the Mediterranean Steps to St Michael's Cave, the Moorish Castle to the Skywalk, and of course the famous Barbary macaques, this is the single must-do activity for anyone visiting Gibraltar.
You can take the cable car up and walk around the top, but hiking the trails gives you a completely different experience. The views across the Strait to Africa, down to the harbour, and over to Spain are spectacular, and you earn them with every step.
Entry Fees and Tickets
Access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires a ticket. As of 2026, the Nature Reserve pass costs £13 for adults and £9 for children aged 5-11. Children under 5 go free. This pass gives you entry to the reserve and all the main attractions inside it, including St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, the Moorish Castle, and the Skywalk.
You can buy tickets at the entrance gates or online in advance. If you are planning to hike the Mediterranean Steps, you enter through Jews' Gate at the southern end. The main vehicle entrance is at the top of Engineer Road.
The Mediterranean Steps
This is the signature hike and the one most serious walkers want to do. The Mediterranean Steps is a trail that climbs the sheer eastern face of the Rock from Jews' Gate at the south end up to O'Hara's Battery at the summit, the highest point in Gibraltar at 426 metres.
The trail is roughly 1.5 kilometres but gains significant elevation. Expect it to take 60-90 minutes going up depending on your fitness level. The path is a mix of concrete steps, rocky scrambles, and narrow ledges carved into the cliff face. Some sections have handrails, others do not. It is not dangerous if you are reasonably fit and careful, but it is not a casual stroll either.
The views from the Mediterranean Steps are the best on the Rock. You look straight down the eastern cliffs to the sea, across to the Rif mountains of Morocco, and along the entire coastline. On a clear day the visibility is extraordinary.
The Main Trails
Jews' Gate to O'Hara's Battery via Mediterranean Steps
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Time: 60-90 minutes up. The classic route. Start at Jews' Gate, follow the signed path for the Mediterranean Steps, and climb to the top. From O'Hara's Battery you can descend via the road or continue to the other attractions.
Royal Anglian Way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Time: 30-45 minutes. A paved road that winds through the reserve past the Apes' Den, St Michael's Cave, and various viewpoints. This is the route most tour vehicles use. It is an easy walk and suitable for all fitness levels, though it is uphill throughout.
Douglas Path and Bruce's Farm
Difficulty: Moderate. Time: 45-60 minutes. A quieter trail through the wooded areas of the upper reserve. You are more likely to see wildlife here away from the main tourist paths. The vegetation is dense Mediterranean scrub and pine forest.
Charles V Wall Trail
Difficulty: Easy. Time: 20-30 minutes. A shorter walk along the historic defensive wall built in the 16th century. Good views of the town below and a decent option if you do not have time for the full Mediterranean Steps.
What to See Inside the Reserve
St Michael's Cave
A stunning natural limestone cave used as a concert venue and tourist attraction. The main chamber is enormous, filled with stalactites and stalagmites lit with coloured lighting. Entry is included in your Nature Reserve pass.
The Great Siege Tunnels
A network of tunnels carved into the Rock during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. The tunnels contain original cannon positions with views over the isthmus toward Spain. A fascinating piece of military history.
The Moorish Castle
The Tower of Homage dates back to the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved Islamic-era fortifications in the Iberian Peninsula. You can see it from most of Gibraltar but walking up to it gives you the full scale of the structure.
The Skywalk
A glass viewing platform jutting out from the cliff face at over 340 metres above sea level. Opened in 2018, it offers vertigo-inducing views straight down. Not for those with a fear of heights but an incredible experience if you can handle it.
Barbary Macaques
The famous apes of Gibraltar. Around 300 Barbary macaques live in the Upper Rock in several troops. The Apes' Den near the cable car station is the most reliable spot to see them, but you will encounter them throughout the reserve.
Macaque Safety
The macaques are wild animals and can be aggressive if they think you have food. Do not eat or show food near them. Keep bags zipped and closed. Do not touch them, no matter how tame they look. If one approaches you, stay calm and move slowly away. Feeding the macaques is illegal in Gibraltar and carries a fine.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning is ideal, especially in summer when temperatures can hit 35°C by midday. The reserve opens at 9am and the first hour is the quietest. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for hiking as temperatures are comfortable and the light is beautiful.
Avoid midday in summer as the Mediterranean Steps have almost no shade. Winter hiking is fine on clear days but check weather forecasts as the upper sections can be windy and visibility drops quickly in low cloud.
What to Bring
Sturdy footwear is essential for the Mediterranean Steps. Trainers with good grip are the minimum; hiking shoes are better. Bring at least a litre of water per person, more in summer. Sun protection is critical as there is very little shade on the upper trails. A light windproof layer is useful at the top as it is always windier up there than in town.
Written by Ethan Roworth