Desierto de los Leones National Park Mexico City
A tranquil woodland preserve near Mexico City, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic convent ruins.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Desierto de los Leones National Park Mexico City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil woodland preserve near Mexico City, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic convent ruins.
"A perfect day trip from Mexico City, offering a refreshing and serene escape into nature."
Plan Your Return Ride
Cell service is unreliable. Arrange a taxi or rideshare for pickup, or be prepared to walk to an area with reception. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ex-Convento Ruins
Central area
Explore the atmospheric 17th-century convent ruins, a historical gem amidst the forest.

Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Wander through lush woodlands on well-maintained trails, perfect for nature lovers.

La Hermita de San Miguel
Summit trail
Challenge yourself with a hike to this hermitage for rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment.

Waterfalls
Various locations
Discover serene waterfalls that add to the park's natural beauty and tranquility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Plan Your Return Ride
Cell service is unreliable. Arrange a taxi or rideshare for pickup, or be prepared to walk to an area with reception. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check Park Hours
While generally open, verify hours, especially for the convent, as they can vary. :clock1:
Bring Snacks & Water
Stay hydrated and energized on the trails. Limited food options inside the park. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Plan Your Return Ride
Cell service is unreliable. Arrange a taxi or rideshare for pickup, or be prepared to walk to an area with reception. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check Park Hours
While generally open, verify hours, especially for the convent, as they can vary. :clock1:
Bring Snacks & Water
Stay hydrated and energized on the trails. Limited food options inside the park. :water_wave:
Pet-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy nature. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Desierto de los Leones for its serene natural beauty, historical convent ruins, and refreshing escape from Mexico City. It's a popular spot for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, with many appreciating its pet-friendly atmosphere. However, some note that trails can be poorly marked, and transportation can be challenging due to limited cell service.
"Great hike up to La Hermita de San Miguel. 3,000' of elevation gain, 12,400' at the top. A few parts are not very well marked. Well worth a visit here as the other ruins are fascinating to see."
Erik Lackey
"If you're looking for a beautiful and quiet place to unwind and connect with nature, I highly recommend Desierto de los Leones. It’s a perfect day trip from Mexico City and offers a refreshing and serene escape."
Maria Duran
"Must see, nice walk down through thr park after visiting the convent. Uber/taxi up the hill. There is limited reception up top, walk around a little if you do want an uber home or reserve"
J Nadin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Didi to the park entrance. Be aware that cell service is very limited within the park, making it difficult to book a return ride. Some suggest walking to an area with reception or arranging a taxi in advance.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. While some buses might go nearby, most visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for convenience, despite the cell service issues.
Yes, you can enter the park by foot or bicycle. Locals often use these methods to access the park. Sometimes, an entrance fee or tip might be requested, but it's generally accessible.
The most reliable way to get back is to pre-arrange a taxi or rideshare for a specific time. Alternatively, walk towards the park entrance or main roads where you might regain cell signal to book a ride.
Limited parking may be available near the main attractions like the convent, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's advisable to check local conditions or consider alternative transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free for pedestrians and cyclists. However, there might be a small fee or a requested tip at certain entrances, particularly if arriving by vehicle. The Ex-Convento has a separate admission fee.
The park is typically open daily, but it's best to verify the exact hours, especially for the Ex-Convento and any specific facilities, as they can change.
Tickets are generally not required for park entry, but you will need to purchase admission if you wish to visit the Ex-Convento museum. It's usually possible to buy these on-site.
Reports vary, but the park is generally accessible on Mondays for walking and running. However, some facilities or specific areas might have reduced access or be closed. It's wise to confirm if you have specific plans.
While the park entry is often free, the Ex-Convento may have standard admission fees. Discounts for students or seniors are not widely advertised, so it's best to inquire on-site if applicable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the hike to La Hermita de San Miguel, offering elevation gain and views, and the scenic walk down from the convent. Many trails are well-marked, but some can be less clear.
Yes, the ruins of the 17th-century Ex-Convento are a major attraction. You can explore the historical site and learn about its past. There is usually a separate admission fee for the museum portion.
Yes, there are restaurants located within the park, offering a place to eat after your explorations. It's also a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.
Absolutely! The park offers gentle trails, open spaces, and the allure of historical ruins, making it a great destination for families to enjoy nature and a bit of adventure.
You might spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small forest creatures. The park's natural environment supports a diverse range of local fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
The atmospheric convent ruins, lush forest paths, and scenic viewpoints offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the interplay of light and shadow in the woodlands.
Yes, with good lighting and composition, your phone can capture beautiful shots. Consider using a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a macro lens for nature details.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage in national parks is often restricted to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's advisable to check park regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal. Consider a wide-angle for landscapes, a telephoto for wildlife, and a macro lens for close-ups of flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the park can be limited. Consider a picnic to make the most of the natural surroundings. Remember to dress children in comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for exploring. The fresh air and open spaces provide a healthy and engaging environment for a family day out.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Consider joining a guided tour if you prefer company or are concerned about navigation. However, many solo travelers find the park safe and enjoyable for independent exploration, especially during daylight hours. The historical sites also offer a solitary journey through time.
🐶 Pet Owners
Ensure your pet is on a leash at all times to respect other visitors and wildlife. Bring extra water for your pet, especially on warmer days or longer hikes. Cleaning up after your pet is essential to keep the park pristine for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historical Ex-Convento
While the convent itself is a draw, the surrounding area also holds historical significance. Nearby, you might find smaller hermitages or ruins that add to the park's layered past. The ruins are particularly atmospheric, especially when shrouded in the park's natural mist.
Remember that there is typically a separate admission fee to enter the museum portion of the Ex-Convento. It's a worthwhile experience for history buffs and those interested in the spiritual heritage of the region.
Navigating Transportation and Connectivity
To mitigate this, consider pre-booking a taxi for your return journey or arranging a pick-up time with your ride-share driver before you lose signal. Some travelers suggest walking towards the park's main entrance or the roads leading out of the park to find areas with better reception. Alternatively, public telephones that accept coins are available, though their functionality may be unreliable.
For those who prefer to be on their own schedule, hiring a private taxi for the day or using a local service that understands the park's connectivity issues can be a good option. For active visitors, entering by foot or bicycle is also a viable and common method, bypassing some of the transportation complexities.
Embracing Nature: Hiking and Wildlife
One of the most rewarding hikes is to La Hermita de San Miguel, a hermitage located at a higher elevation. This trail offers a good workout with significant elevation gain and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Other trails lead to serene waterfalls and through picturesque woodland paths, making it an ideal destination for a day trip focused on outdoor activity.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, though sightings often depend on luck and time of day. Keep an eye out for squirrels, various bird species, and other small forest creatures. The natural environment is well-preserved, allowing visitors to connect with Mexico's native flora and fauna.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit