El Chico National Park

One Of The Oldest Protected Areas In Mexico (1898), A Pine Forest Of Rock Outcrops, Dams And Lookouts Above The Old Silver Mining Pueblo Magico Of Mineral Del Chico, Popular For Rock Climbing, Rappelling And Weekend Cabin Trips From Mexico City And Pachuca. Cold And Foggy, With Trout And Cabins In The Valley · Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo

El Chico National Park, created in 1898, is one of the oldest protected areas in Mexico, a pine and oak forest of rock outcrops, dams and cliffs above the old silver-mining Pueblo Magico of Mineral del Chico, about 15 km north of Pachuca. It is a weekend favourite for people from Mexico City, about two hours away, who come for rock climbing and rappelling on the Pena del Cuervo cliffs, viewpoints such as Las Ventanas, short forest walks, trout and cabins in the valley. It suits climbers, families and couples who like cool mountain air and small-town food. It is worth the detour for a night in a cabin and a clear morning on the cliffs; it is not worth it in thick fog, when the views vanish, or on a crowded holiday weekend. Nights are cold, and fog can arrive within minutes, so bring layers, keep to marked paths and book the cabin and the climbing operator a few days ahead, especially for Saturday nights.

El Chico National Park and the Pueblo Magico of Mineral del Chico, about 15 km north of Pachuca; coordinates approximate, Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo, Mexico

The park is generally open in daylight, roughly 8 am to 5 or 6 pm, and the entry post may be staffed only some days. Viewpoints, climbing areas and trails follow the same daylight hours, and nobody should be on the cliffs after dusk. Cabins and restaurants in Mineral del Chico open mainly from Friday to Sunday and on holidays, with many CLOSED early in the week. Walking the trails and visiting the roadside viewpoints is FREE apart from any gate charge, while guided climbs, parking and cabins are paid. Rain or fog can close routes at short notice. Confirm opening before travelling.

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