18 · Hidalgo, Mexico

The Granite Forest

Run between pine forest and granite formations in Hidalgo's oldest national park.

Trail runningForest runningLoopPENDIENTE
MINERAL DEL CHICO
MEXICO

Parque Nacional El Chico

20° 13' N
98° 43' W
HarderSite gradeMineral del ChicoNearest base

Site grade

HarderSuggested · Book difficulty: PENDIENTE

Rock formations, wet forest and multiple trail choices make the exact loop important.

The experience

The route moves between soft forest trail and hard granite, creating technical texture without needing huge distance.

CONANP lists Las Ventanas, Las Monjas, La Muela and other named formations as defining features.

Where the sources disagreeThe official profile confirms the park and activities but not one canonical running loop.

Trail path

The line
you follow.

StartEl Chico visitor areaFinishEl Chico visitor areaDirectionEditorial loop through Ventanas and Monjas sectors
  1. 01Visitor area
  2. 02Las Ventanas
  3. 03forest corridor
  4. 04Las Monjas
  5. 05return sector

Route sections

01 · The Granite GateVisitor area to Las Ventanas
Warm into the forest as the first rock formations appear.02 · Pine and StoneLas Ventanas to forest corridor
Move between shaded trail and exposed granite.03 · The NeedlesForest corridor to Las Monjas
The landscape tightens around distinctive rock forms.04 · Back to Mineral del ChicoLas Monjas to visitor area
Return with wet rock and junctions in mind.

Weather profile

What the sky
is likely to do.

Cool mountain weather with mist, wet rock, winter cold and summer rain.

Season & timing

Managed seasonYear-round subject to park conditionsBest windowDry mornings outside heavy rain and winter freeze.SurfacePine-forest trail, dirt road, granite slabs and rocky pathsDirectionEditorial loop through Ventanas and Monjas sectors

Signature moments

What you will
remember afterwards.

01

Las Ventanas

02

Pine forest

03

Granite slabs

04

Las Monjas

05

Mineral del Chico

ROCK FORMS

LAS VENTANAS

A forest built around granite

CONANP highlights Las Ventanas, Las Monjas, La Muela and other named rock formations.

Access & logistics

AccessUse the Mineral del Chico visitor-center approach and confirm the sector map.PermitsThe ANP profile lists a conservation fee; verify the current amount.BookingsNo run booking identified; guides may help with route selection.WaterCarry water; treat streams before drinking.FoodCarry what you need.Mobile coverageVariable in forest and rock sectors.

Key hazards

  • ▲Wet granite
  • ▲Fog and route confusion
  • ▲Cold mornings
  • ▲Uneven trail
  • ▲Climbing terrain beside running paths

SafetyOrientation only. Do not confuse climbing lines with running trails.

Check official park information →Request this run →

Official sources

Last verified 2026-07-30 · Record CETC-RUN-018 · Orientation only. Always use current official maps, alerts and safety guidance.