Visit Presa el Cedral, a reservoir tucked away in El Chico National Park in Hidalgo – a stunning natural wonder that offers a blend of outdoor activities and serene surroundings.
During my trip to Hidalgo, Mexico, I was thrilled to visit Presa El Cedral, part of El Chico National Park. El Chico is a short drive from Pachuca and a few hours away from Mexico City, where I got engaged on a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan!
El Chico National Park blew me away with its thrilling hiking trails, beautiful wildlife, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. My group and I easily entertained ourselves for hours at Presa El Cedral in El Chico National Park. It’s a perfect day trip destination for travelers seeking mild, moderate, or high physical activity levels.
Mexico National Parks – El Chico National Park
The Culture Trip Contributor, Lauren Cocking, provides a list of national parks in Mexico you should visit at least once, but she fails to mention El Chico National Park in Hidalgo. El Chico is worth a mention and a visit when traveling to this area of Mexico.
El Chico National Park was created in 1898, making it one of the first national parks in Mexico. Presa El Cedral is a section of this park that’s become a popular destination for ecotourism, camping, hiking, and other recreational activities.
My family that lives in Hidalgo took me to visit El Cedral. We drove to the park in two separate vehicles, one behind the other, and went through curvy, winding roads up the mountainous landscape of Hidalgo.
I had no idea where my family was taking me when I got ready that morning, but I was in for the adventure. However, the outfit I chose that morning was more fashion-forward than nature-ready. Even so, I still had fun at El Cedral.
CHISPA TIP #1:
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities, and remember your camera to capture the stunning scenery.’
Que hacer en Presa El Cedral – things to do in El Chico National Park
Pedal Boats
One of the ways to experience Presa El Cedral is by taking a pedal boat around the lake, which provides an excellent opportunity to see the surrounding mountains and lush forests. El Cedral is also a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing. Several vendors offer half-hour and hour-long boat rentals, so setting off into the water with your loved one is easy.
Hiking Trails
Rocky, dirt terrain, and high altitudes make hiking a wild adventure, specifically speaking for the trails at Presa el Cedral. Several hiking trails around the reservoir offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. These trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so there is something for everyone.
My group hiked to Mirador de la Cruz, one of the most famous lookout points at Presa El Celdral. Mirador de la Cruz offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the water and the surrounding mountains. A large white cross adorns the hilltop at this viewpoint, located on the south side of the reservoir. You can see a neighboring town a few kilometers away from this mountain peak.
In case you’re wondering, Mirador de la Cruz is also accessible by car and parking is available.
CHISPA TIP #2:
I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with good grip and ankle support when hiking at El Chico National Park or a shoe that’s comfortable and easy to clean. It can take 20-45 minutes to hike to the top-most viewpoint of Mirador de la Cruz, so bring water to stay hydrated. And remember to take breaks as you may find it difficult to catch your breath at these high altitudes. If the hike looks too steep, you’re right, and there’s no shame in sitting this one out.
Visit All Trails for a list of Best Lake Trails in El Chico National Park in Hidalgo.
Sit Back & Relax
Leave a Reply