Cañón de la Esmeralda, Santa Catarina
Parque Ecológico la Huasteca, Sierra de Urbano
Zone: La Huasteca guide
- Distance
- 5.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1499 ft
- Time
- 2 h 26 m
- Altitude
- 3323 ft
Cañón de la Esmeralda — classic canyoneering route in the Sierra de Urbano. 8.4 km with multiple rappels into emerald pools.
Warnings
Level
i
Packing List
How to get there
Trailhead Access
Drive to the El Jonuco area in Santa Catarina, NL. Take the Carretera Nacional toward Saltillo and exit toward El Jonuco; the trailhead is at the entrance to the canyon.
Parking Information
Park at the designated lot at the canyon entrance. A small daily fee may apply.
Fees & Park Hours
Small access fee may apply at the ejido entrance (under $100 MXN).
Trail Overview
The route follows the canyon descent from El Jonuco. Multiple rappel anchors mark the technical sections; do not attempt without the proper equipment and training.
Recommended Gear
Full canyoneering gear: harness, rope (40+ m), descender, helmet, gloves, dry-bag for valuables, headlamp, first-aid kit. It is extremely important not to throw away or dump any kind of trash; consider bringing a bag to carry out your containers and any you find along the way.
What to Expect on the Trail
i
Elevation Gain
457 m
Total Distance (Out & back)
8.4 km
Total Time
2 h 26 m
Max Elevation
1013 m a.s.l.
Level 3. About 8.4 km with 457 m of elevation gain. The route is moderate but adds technical sections that add to the total effort.
