Climbing in Potrero Chico: A Travel Guide for Climbers
- El Salto Team
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
El Potrero Chico
Potrero Chico is a park of massive limestone walls located in the municipality of Hidalgo, Nuevo León, just 3 km from the town of Hidalgo and only 45 minutes from Monterrey. This limestone canyon has become one of the world’s premier multi-pitch climbing destinations, with walls reaching up to 700 meters and hundreds of sport routes.
The climbing here is mostly sport, with grades ranging from 5.7 to 5.13+, offering everything from delicate technical slabs to steep overhangs. Climbers from all over Mexico and around the world visit Potrero Chico for its unique desert–oasis atmosphere of cactus and palm trees, and for the huge variety of routes available — including some of the longest multipitch climbs in North America.
Getting to Potrero Chico from Monterrey
By Plane to Monterrey
The most common way to get to Potrero Chico is by flying into Monterrey International Airport (MTY). From the airport, Potrero Chico is about 50 km away. The easiest option is to take a private taxi directly to Hidalgo, a 45–50 minute ride. It’s best to arrange a trusted driver beforehand, as official airport taxis tend to be pricey (around $1,000 MXN per trip).
Some climbers hire local drivers who pick up outside the airport’s federal zone, with rates closer to $350–$400 MXN. Alternatively, you can take an airport shuttle or bus to Monterrey’s main bus station and continue by public transport.
By Bus from Monterrey
If you're already in Monterrey, getting to Potrero Chico is simple and affordable. At the Monterrey Bus Terminal, look for the bus heading to Hidalgo, N.L. (route “Mina”). These buses depart roughly every hour. Tickets are inexpensive, and the ride takes about one hour if it’s a direct route.
Once you arrive at the Hidalgo terminal (located in the central plaza), you’ll still be about 3 km from Potrero Chico. From here, you can either walk 40–50 minutes uphill to the park entrance or take a local taxi (~$70 MXN).
By Car
You can also rent a car in Monterrey or drive your own. The trip from downtown Monterrey takes about 45 minutes heading north on Federal Highway 53 toward Mina/Hidalgo. The road is paved and in good condition. Once you reach Potrero Chico, you’ll find parking at the campgrounds or in nearby lots, usually for a small fee.
Best time to visit Potrero Chico
The best time to visit Potrero Chico is during the fall and winter months, roughly from October/November to February/March. During this period, the weather is dry and cool—perfect for climbing—with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C and crisp evenings. December and January are particularly popular, as many international climbers visit during their holiday breaks.
In spring, the weather becomes more unpredictable, and summer brings temperatures above 35°C along with heavy rain. For comfort and safety, summer is considered the least recommended season for climbing.
Where to stay in Potrero Chico
The area offers only climber-focused campgrounds and lodging; there are no chain hotels or large resorts. About 15–20 minutes walking from the main walls, you'll find several campgrounds that offer everything from tent sites to private rooms. Many of them—such as Rancho El Sendero and La Posada—provide full shared kitchens, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and comfortable common areas.
Average prices for camping with your own tent range from $250 to $300 MXN per night. If you prefer more comfort, most places offer shared rooms starting at $1100 MXN and private rooms starting at around $1,300 MXN per night.
EL Potrero Chico Climbing Guidebook
To plan your climbs in Potrero Chico, it’s highly recommended to get the local climbing guidebook. There is a printed guide called the Potrero Chico Climbing Guidebook, which is updated regularly. It includes detailed topos of more than 600 sport and multi-pitch routes, along with grades, lengths, locations, and historical notes.
You’ll also find small local shops that sell basic consumables such as chalk, tape, ropes, slings, and a limited selection of gear.
Best Multi-pitches in El Potrero Chico
• Estrellita – 12 pitches, grade 5.10b. Classic easy line. Route setters: Ed Wright, Craig McCrudden e Ismael Garza.
• Space Boyz – 11 Pitches, grade 5.10d. Una de las rutas más populares, ideal para escaladores intermedios. Route setters: Curtis Mai y Todd McCray (1994).
• Yankee Clipper – 15 pitches, grade 5.12a Route setters: Ismael Garza y Ed Wright (1999).
• Time Wave Zero – 23 pitches, grade 5.12a. Iconic, easy, but long route ~700 m. Second longest route in Mexico, after "Logical Progression" at El Gigante in Chihuahua. Route setters: Paul Irby y Dane Bass (2002).
• El Sendero Luminoso – 15 pitches, grade 5.12d. sustained hard climbing, famous for Alex Honnold free solo climbingb in 2014. : Jeff Jackson, Kevin Gallagher, Kurt Smith y Pete Peacock.
Saftey
Potrero Chico is a quiet and generally safe area. The local community is used to climbing tourism, and campgrounds provide basic security. Even so, it’s best to take standard precautions, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight and avoiding isolated areas late at night.
Most long routes require rappelling, so it’s essential to wear a helmet, check the anchors, and be comfortable with descent techniques. With proper planning, Potrero Chico offers a world-class climbing experience without leaving Mexico.
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