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Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones Review

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Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

Category: Parks
Location: Outskirts of Mexico City

Fodor's Review:

The "Desert of Lions," 25 km (16 mi) west of Mexico City's center owes its name to a quarrel in colonial days over land ownership by brothers called "León." Several walking trails crisscross this 5,000-acre national park's pine forest at 7,511 feet above sea level. Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables. The park's focal point is the ruined 17th-century ex-monastery of the Carmelites, isolated amid an abundance of greenery; it's open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 to 5 and entrance costs a dollar. Although a few restaurants dot the park entrance, the restaurants near the ex-monastery are better bets. Stores selling candies, backpacks, and baseball caps are nearby. On weekends, which are more crowded with families, you can ride horses. The park played a significant role in the War of Independence: in late October 1810, at a spot called Las Cruces, Father Hidalgo's troops trounced the Spaniards but resolved not to go on to attack Mexico City, an error that cost the insurgents 10 more years of fighting.

For Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones, follow Paseo de la Reforma all the way west. It eventually merges with the Carretera Libre at Toluca, and after 20 km (12 mi) you'll see signs for the turnoff; it's another 10 km (six mi) to the park. You can also take a sitio taxi to the park; simply ask to be dropped off in the Desierto de los Leones.

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