A forested canyon walk through the Sierra de Cardos above Jerez, one of the greener corners of Zacatecas state, combining pine and oak woodland with rocky canyon stretches used locally for rappelling and zip-lining.
The Sierra de Cardos rises above Jerez de García Salinas, one of Zacatecas state's Pueblos Mágicos and long associated with charro and mariachi tradition, in the west of the state. Unlike the arid high plains around the capital, this range holds genuine pine-oak forest and narrow canyons cut by seasonal streams, making it the closest thing to a mountain forest hike in this part of Zacatecas. The described route runs about 8 km round trip through a mix of forest track and canyon-edge path, climbing and descending moderately as it follows the terrain rather than making one sustained ascent.
Access is by private vehicle from Jerez, roughly 30 to 40 minutes on local roads that turn unpaved toward the range itself; there is no scheduled public transport to the trailhead. The forest canopy of pine and oak gives real shade for much of the route, a rarity in Zacatecas hiking, and the air is noticeably cooler than on the open highland trails closer to the capital. Streams run through the canyon sections after the summer rains and dry to a trickle or nothing by the following spring, so the character of the walk shifts considerably by season.
The range is also used locally for rappelling and zip-lining on its steeper rock faces, and hikers share some approach tracks with these adventure operators, particularly on weekends. The trail itself involves no technical scrambling, staying on established forest and canyon-edge paths, though tree roots and loose stone on the steeper pitches call for sturdy boots. There are no facilities, shelters or reliable water sources along the route, so supplies should be bought in Jerez before setting out, and mobile signal is unreliable once inside the forest.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sierra de Cardos, near Jerez de García Salinas
- Best season
- October to May, the dry season, for firmer footing on the forest tracks
- Trail type
- Out and back
- Terrain
- Pine-oak forest track and canyon-edge path with loose stone and root sections
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- 2 to 3 litres of water
- Layered clothing (temperatures drop at altitude)
- Map or downloaded GPS track
Location
Sierra de Cardos, near Jerez de García Salinas, 99300 Jerez, Zac., Mexico
22.5480, -103.0480 View on map
Highlights
- Genuine pine-oak forest shade, unusual among Zacatecas hikes and a relief from the open highland sun
- Narrow canyon stretches with seasonal streams, most active in the months after the summer rains
- Proximity to Jerez de García Salinas, one of the state's Pueblos Mágicos and a centre of charro tradition
- Shared terrain with local rappelling and zip-lining operations on the range's steeper rock faces
- Noticeably cooler air than the open highland trails closer to Zacatecas city
Tips for visiting
- Buy food and water in Jerez before the drive up; there are no shops or stalls near the trailhead.
- Wear boots rather than trainers for the loose stone and root sections on the steeper canyon pitches.
- Download an offline map or GPS track, since forest tracks branch frequently and signage is limited.
- Expect to share access tracks with rappelling and zip-line groups, particularly on weekends.
- Bring layered clothing; the forest sits high enough that temperatures drop noticeably once the sun is low.
- Visit October to May for the firmest footing, since the summer rains leave canyon sections muddy and streams swollen.
When to visit
October to May offers the most reliable dry footing and clearer forest tracks. The shaded canopy keeps this route comfortable later into the morning than most trails in the state.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. It follows forest tracks and canyon-edge paths with loose stone, tree roots and moderate undulating grades, reached only by a partly unpaved access road with no facilities at the trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
How does this hike differ from other Zacatecas trails?
The Sierra de Cardos holds genuine pine-oak forest and shaded canyon terrain, unlike the mostly open high-desert and rock-formation hikes found elsewhere in the state.
Is a permit needed?
No permit or entrance fee applies to hiking the range, though access tracks are also used by local rappelling and zip-line operators, so hikers should expect to share the terrain.
How is the trailhead reached?
By private vehicle from Jerez de García Salinas, about 30 to 40 minutes on local roads that turn unpaved closer to the range. There is no public bus service to the trailhead.
Is drinking water available on the trail?
No. Seasonal streams run through the canyon sections after summer rains but should not be relied upon or drunk untreated, so all water should be carried from Jerez.