El Chico National Park

El Chico National Park is a mountainous, heavily forested park in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. It is a great place for camping and hiking because the dense pine forests provide ample shade. It is popular for rock climbing and mountain biking.

Understand
The park lies within an area of the Sierra Madre known as the Pachuca Mountain range. The park encompasses an area of 2,739 hectares.

History
El Chico was established as a protected natural area in 1898 (pre-dating the Mexico National Parks system by almost 40 years). The park was created by President Porfirio Diaz as a national forest called "Monte Vedado del Mineral del Chico" and was intended to protect some of the old growth forests which were in danger of being destroyed by logging. In 1982, the park's status was changed to that of national park.

Landscape
Rolling mountain landscapes dominate the park with volcanic peaks that are popular with climbers and hikers. The highest peak in the park is Las Ventanas at 3,090 metres (10,140 ft). Other peaks include Las Monjas, La Peña del Cuervo, La Peña del Sumate, La Muela, Los Enamorados, and La Fortaleza. Springs feed several mountain streams which join the Rio Milagro where several rapids and small waterfalls are found.

Flora and fauna
Pine forests represent the dominant flora of the park with pine, fir, cypress, and stands of juniper. Bands of oak are found at some elevations. Reflecting its history as a national forest, most of the species tagged for special conservation efforts are trees.

Climate
Summer is the rainy season.

Get in
Access to the park is via the nearby town of Mineral del Chico. The park is 10 km northeast of Pachuca on highway 105 (towards Tampico). The entry to the park is at the 9 km post.

Buses to Pachuca depart from Mexico City's Autobuses del Norte terminal.

Get around
Walking (or more preciesely, hiking) is your best bet. Mountain bikes are a good option too.

See

 * Visitor Center is the main park facility. Exhibits and audiovisual displays describe the park and its ecosystems.
 * El Contadero is a chapel at the top of one of the park's peaks. Plan for 4 hours to hike there and back.
 * Tower is used for fire-spotting purposes, but it's an unmistakable landmark and popular hiking pitstop

Do

 * Hike the miles of well-marked hiking trails traversing the many mountains and valleys of the park

Eat
A cafe is available at the park visitor center. Numerous restaurants are available in nearby Pachuca, as well as Mineral del Chico and other towns near the park.

Drink
Bring bottled water.

Lodging
Inns, hotels, hostels and a host of other lodging options are in the quaint small town of Mineral del Chico, as well as in Pachuca.

Camping
Three designated camping areas are available. The Oriel has RV spaces with hookups. Two tent areas are also available. Leave No Trace practices are encouraged.

Backcountry
Backcountry camping is permitted. Inquire at the park office.

Go next

 * Mineral del Chico has charm and tradition, it is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Magicos.