National park · Mexico
Desert of the LionsDesierto de los Leones National Park
Enter Desert of the Lions for a short hike (2 km (1.2 mi)) under 2 h for MXN 30 (check) or a full‑day trek (12 km (7.5 mi)) with a guide for MXN 300 (check); go in cooler months Oct–Mar, avoid midday heat in summer.Enter Desert of the Lions for a short hike (1.2 mi (2 km)) under 2 h for MXN 30 (check) or a full‑day trek (7.5 mi (12 km)) with a guide for MXN 300 (check); go in cooler months Oct–Mar, avoid midday heat in summer.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
15 km² (6 sq mi)6 sq mi (15 km²)
approximate
Established
1917
Best months
Oct–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 15 km² (6 sq mi)6 sq mi (15 km²)
- Park covers about 1529 ha (15.29 km²); some sources give slightly different figures (check).
- Established
- 1917
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Mexico City
Desierto de los Leones is Mexico's oldest national park, a high‑altitude forest of pines, firs and oaks with waterfalls, historic Carmelite monastery ruins, and a network of trails for hiking, mountain‑biking and horseback riding.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteOldest park in Mexico's national park system.
Size and age
15 km² (6 sq mi)6 sq mi (15 km²) · national park since 1917
Park covers about 1529 ha (15.29 km²); some sources give slightly different figures (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Mexico City.
Why go
- Forest of pines, firs and oaks with waterfalls and historic Carmelite monastery.
- Extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanCold, dry; comfortable hikes.
- FebCold, dry; clear skies.
- MarCool, occasional rain.
- AprWarming, still dry.
- MayWarmer, occasional showers.
- JunHeat rises, thunderstorms.
- JulHot, frequent rain.
- AugHot, rain common.
- SepHeat, rain.
- OctCool, dry, best for long treks.
- NovCool, dry.
- DecCold, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican squirrel, white‑tailed deer, bobcatAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Red‑tailed hawk, Steller's jay, American kestrelMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Monastery area | Historic ruins, visitor centre, short loops to waterfalls. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Main trailhead | Start of marked hiking and mountain‑bike routes. | Open with entry ticket. |
| High‑altitude loop | Longer trek reaching 3,700 m, includes zip‑line sector. | Guide required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate centre of the park; exact gate location may vary.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (general access) | MXN 30 (≈ US$2) | person | Check official price at entrance. |
| Guided full‑day trek | MXN 300 (≈ US$17) | person | Guide required for routes beyond the main trailhead. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided trek permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$30≈ US$2
- MX$300≈ US$17
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs not allowed on trails.
- Camping
- Only in designated area near the monastery; permits required.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use designated grills.
Where to stay
Near the park
Nearby cabins
Simple wooden cabins with basic amenities, book via park office.
Near the park
Mexico City
Full range of hotels and hostels; 45 km (28 mi) drive to park.Full range of hotels and hostels; 28 mi (45 km) drive to park.
Safety
Altitude and weather change medium
Lost on long routes high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main trailhead reachable by car with short walks.
- Steep sections not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile forest.
- Use refillable water bottles; no single‑use plastics.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Desert of the Lions?
General entry is MXN 30 per person (check at the gate); guided full‑day treks cost about MXN 300 per person.
What are the best hikes in Desert of the Lions?
Short waterfall loop (1–2 h, easy) and the full‑day mountain‑bike circuit (4–5 h, moderate) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Desert of the Lions?
Cool, dry months Oct–Mar offer comfortable temperatures and clear trails.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is allowed only in the designated area near the monastery with a permit.
Is the park accessible by public transport from Mexico City?
Take the metro to Tacubaya, then a bus or taxi for the 45 km drive to the park entrance.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Desert of the Lions
Loading…
Was this useful?