Coahuila de Zaragoza is Mexico's third-largest state, a vast stretch of northern desert and mountain along the Rio Grande border with Texas. It blends colonial wine country in Parras de la Fuente, the turquoise pools and unique desert ecosystem of Cuatro Ciénegas, the cool pine forests of Arteaga, and the industrial and cultural cities of Saltillo and Torreón.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Los Lirios Ridge Trail (La Viga)
A pine-forest ridge climb that starts at the Los Lirios village plaza and follows a switchback path known locally as La Viga up to a hilltop cross, with return options via the direct route past the village church.
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2
San Antonio de las Alazanas Pine Forest Trail
A forested valley walk through the pine stands surrounding San Antonio de las Alazanas, a highland village at 2,180m known for its apple orchards and the nearby Serrania de Zapaliname range.
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3
Santo Madero Hill Trail
A stepped path up the Sobreretillo hill to the Santo Madero chapel overlooking Parras and its vineyards, one of the town's most recognizable landmarks.
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4
Casa Madero Vineyard Walk
A flat walking route through the vine blocks of Casa Madero, the oldest operating winery in the Americas, founded in 1597, passing the historic cellar and old wine press building.
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5
Cerro de las Noas Trail to Cristo de las Noas
A short, moderately steep climb up Cerro de las Noas to the base of the Cristo de las Noas statue, a 21.8m reinforced-concrete sculpture completed in 2000, with panoramic views over the Comarca Lagunera.
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6
Poza Azul Boardwalk Trail
A raised boardwalk and level path circling Poza Azul, a 5.3m-deep spring-fed pool inside the Cuatro Cienegas Natural Protected Area, home to endemic fish and turtle species found nowhere else on Earth.
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7
Poza La Becerra Trail
A short desert-scrub path around Poza La Becerra, one of the reserve's designated swimming pools, ringed by gypsum sand and low creosote brush.
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8
Las Playitas Shoreline Trail
A level shoreline walk along Las Playitas, the reserve's largest turquoise lagoon, bordered by white gypsum sand that contrasts against the desert scrub beyond.
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9
Dunas de Yeso Gypsum Dunes Walk
A walk across 800 hectares of pure white gypsum crystal dunes, among the rarest dune formations in the world, with no marked path since the crusted sand supports foot traffic almost everywhere.
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10
Sierra de San Marcos y Pinos Foothill Trail
A foothill route into the Sierra de San Marcos y Pinos, one of the mountain ranges enclosing the Cuatro Cienegas valley, with views over the pools and gypsum flats below.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.