Mexico trips usually split into beach weeks or colonial-city wanderings. But less than two hours northeast of Mexico City sits a completely different proposition: El Chico National Park, 6,600 acres of conifer forest, jagged rock formations and mountain trails in the Sierra de Pachuca, on the outskirts of Pachuca in Hidalgo state.
The park has been protected since 1898, which is a big part of its appeal — more than a century of protection means the forest feels genuinely untouched. Think streams, small lakes and waterfalls under a canopy of tall conifers, with wildlife that includes deer, bobcats, pumas, ringtails and birds of prey such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
The draw for most visitors is what you can do there. Miles of trails — everything from under a mile to around a dozen miles long, mostly moderate — wind through the park, many shaded by the forest canopy so hiking stays comfortable year round. The climb to Peña del Cuervo is the classic route for a high-altitude view over the park, while paths to spots like the Casa de las Brujas (House of the Witches) come with local folklore attached. Some routes, including the Mineral del Chico Marathon Trail and Cycling Circuit, run beyond the park boundary into surrounding villages and countryside.
Climbers have plenty to work with too. The Las Ventanas and El Cedral trails start from the Las Ventanas camping area and pass sheer rock faces, and the El Contadero area offers another cluster of formations. Mountain bikers share much of the trail network.
Turning it into an overnight trip is straightforward. There are two campgrounds inside the park, Dos Aquas and Los Conejos, with tent pitches and a few basic cabins, plus more camping around Las Ventanas. Along the park's northern edge, private cabin operations like Cabana Isabel and Campamento Rio De La Felicidad By GEstores offer roofed options.
Practically speaking, the easiest approach is driving Highway 85D from Mexico City to Pachuca, then a short hop to entrances on the park's southwest or southeast sides. The nearest commercial airport is Mexico City's Benito Juarez International (MEX), where rental cars are easy to arrange.
The striking thing is how quiet it stays. Despite sitting within reach of the largest city in North America, El Chico rarely makes lists of Mexico's best-known parks, so trails and campsites stay uncrowded. Do check current travel advisories for this part of Hidalgo before you go — safety conditions in the region can vary.
For anyone based in or visiting Mexico City who wants a proper mountain escape — climbing, hiking, camping — without a long transfer, this is one of the simplest weekend options going.
