Today, climbing can be practised both in natural environments and urban climbing gyms for regular and proper training. However, climbing natural rock routes remains one of the greatest pleasures for enthusiasts of this terrestrial sport. It's one of the best ways to enjoy nature while engaging in a healthy and thrilling sport.
Regular climbers know there's nothing better than a mountain excursion to enjoy fresh air, rock faces, physical exertion, a symphony of birdsong, light meals, refreshing rivers and even potential camping.
Since we know that outdoor climbing means enjoying a complete wonderful setting, we've prepared a shortlist of some best locations for climbing near Mexico City:
- Los Dinamos: This Protected Natural Area lies on the outskirts of Mexico City towards Acoconetla. It encompasses over 2,429 hectares of forests containing the city's only living river, the Magdalena River, and the beautiful Cañada de Contreras with 250 established climbing routes offering all difficulty levels. A true luxury for urban climbers. Throughout Los Dinamos, the basaltic rock formations vary - we recommend bringing adequate equipment and always checking its condition before departure.
- Ajusco: This National Park within Tlalpan district lies inside Mexico City's boundaries. Ajusco mountain reaches 3,900 metres altitude with about 20 prepared routes ranging from 10c to 13b grades. Just 5 minutes' walk from the car park, you'll find basalt rock routes with overhangs and roofs. We recommend bringing 16 quickdraws and a 50-metre rope.
- Jilotepec: Just 100km from Mexico City, here you'll find Peñas de Dexcani offering excellent sport climbing opportunities. There are approximately 80 established routes from 8 to 14c grades featuring overhangs and some easier sections. The volcanic conglomerate rock allows year-round climbing, even during rainy season. We recommend a 60-metre rope and no more than 25 quickdraws (some routes only require 15).
- Calixtlahuaca: Near Toluca, you'll find this andesite rock formation with 9 climbing routes. Route difficulties range from 8 to 12c, and it's climbable year-round as the rock dries quickly after rain. It's about 20 minutes' walk from car park to routes. We recommend about 13 quickdraws and a 60-metre rope for these ascents.
- Peñón de Temaz: In Temazcaltepec, this climbing area features 16 prepared routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.12d difficulty. The volcanic terrain lies just 10 minutes from Valle de Bravo where you can stay overnight. The best climbing season is November to April to avoid heavy rains. Recommended gear includes a 60-metre rope and 12 quickdraws, plus your rack if exploring cracks.
- Monte de Coacalco: In Coacalco, you'll find 6 routes graded 9 to 11c ascending the hill in Coacalco Residential Park. It's important to avoid rainy season here due to slippery conditions. As an urban climbing possibility, this offers excellent city views from a beautiful hill.
- Los Venados: 65km from the city in Jilotzingo, enjoy 20 prepared routes with overhangs and easier sections. The landscape is stunning at 3,200 metres elevation. Routes range from 9 to 13b on volcanic rock. Bring various quickdraw sizes and two 60-metre ropes. You can camp or stay in nearby cabins with trout farms.
If you're a beginner, we recommend always climbing with experienced partners and possibly taking preparatory courses before excursions. With an instructor, natural routes become excellent schools for your first climb!
