Pico Norte Trail - 67173 Guadalupe

Pico Norte por calle Homero, camino definido, con "áreas de espejo" (piedras grandes y filosas) es ascenso continuo medio, pero la bajada es difícil. Si tienes buena condición puedes subir en 4horas. Inicia temprano para que no te toque el sol tan fuerte de la tarde en la bajada.

Terreno técnico, subida retadora. Excelente lugar para entrenar trail running o hacer hiking. Recomiendo llevar guantes, esto debido a que hay muchas rocas tipo laja.

Lovely

Beautiful view!

Exelent

?Important ?Important ?Important info!! Very difficult to find the starting point of the trail, sadly there were no signs or anything to indicate to get there either. But we found it. And many people get lost trying to find the starting point of the trail, FYI it is right next to the gate by the fence on your left side facing the forest. Get on the concrete wall by the fence and start walking towards the gate, the trail start right next to the gate of somebody's private property. Don't forget to take at least 3 liters of water each person. People have died because of dehydration. It took us about 9 hours up and down. Smile at people, you never know if the person ends up saving your life.

First of all, I recommend having someone drop you off or the security guard will make you walk an extra km through the neighborhood to the trailhead (which is the last thing you need on this difficult hike!!). The beginning of the trail is a bit difficult to see. Hug the fence to the left to find the trail. With an elevation gain of about 4000', it is very steep, rocky, and difficult but very rewarding. Going down was more difficult than going up. This trail punishes you right from the start and never lets up. Fortunately there are abundant small trees and rocks to grab on to as you climb the mountain. Bring at least 2 liters of water for this hike. You need good shoes, good knees, determination, and a strong heart to hike this to the summit. I had a spectacular view of the antennas and all the mountains that surround Monterrey. I didn't see anyone else in this trail which is a plus for me. Start early in the morning when this side of the mountain is cool. It will get hot in the afternoon as the sun changes angle. This trail is for tough experienced hikers with good trail finding skills. There are several markers (ribbons) along the way. It took me 6 hours to do the entire hike to the summit and back (plus a break at the top).

The start of the trail can be tricky to find, see the pictures. This route is called the "Ruta directa", it goes pretty much straight up to the Pico Norte. Three hours to go up should be enough for anyone with a decent physique. Prepare to use your hands in many parts of the way up and down. Sun will be shining almost all the way on the path, so definitely bring sunblock. I would avoid this path if the trail is wet or if there's even a slight chance of rain. This is definitely not the easiest way to the top. As with any trail, bring lots of water (3L should be fine) and plenty of snacks for energy. For those wanting an easier route: go first to Teleférico and from there to pico Norte, it's a longer route but much easier physically and technically.