El Salto Rock
Climbing

The town 

Get ready to disconnect from the world and enjoy the mountains, the beautiful views and breathe fresh air. “El Salto” is located in “Ciénega de González”, a very small and warm town with very friendly people. After a few days in town you will feel part of the community, like family. So much so, that during our stay in one of the cabins, the owners invited us to have breakfast with them with delicious tortillas and “Machaca de Huevo”, an iconic dish of the north. 

When we talk about disconnecting, we mean it, in “El Salto” there is no phone signal and the internet is not as fast as in the city, so it will be the perfect moment to take a break from social networks and give yourself to climbing. 

Being far from the city and the road being so inaccessible, we recommend you to bring very specific food items, since in town you will only find the basics. Especially if you have a special diet, bring your vegetables and fruits. 

Hanuman Café

Founded by a Mexican climber, this is the only café you will find in “El Salto” and the ideal place to share with other climbers, as it is the meeting point for all those who visit this wonderful place. 

Weather

The average annual temperature is 18°C, the hottest month is June with an average temperature of 24°C, and the coldest month is January with 12°C. The average annual precipitation is 911 millimeters, the wettest month is September with an average of 266 mm of precipitation, and the driest month is January with 25 mm of precipitation.

The town of La Ciénega is a place that has become, after the pandemic, a refuge for the people of Monterrey, so you will find different cabins and camping areas where you can stay. The ideal thing to do when you arrive at La Ciénega is to negotiate with a cabin depending on the length of your stay, because it can be cheaper. Since it is a place that is far from the city and is not so accessible, the ideal is to stay more than a week. 

There are lodges in El Salto that belong to climbers and have all the amenities. Communal kitchen, camping area, internet, hot water and even a climbing wall. 

Here is the list of places: 

Rock Camp 

El Salto Crag Ground 

The climbing in this crag is one of the few in Mexico where you can find tuff-filled limestone on steep walls that extend from the huge canyons of the Sierra Madre Oriental and some climbers consider it the best in North America, with more than 300 routes and incredible development potential. That's why this place attracts world-class athletes. 

In “El Salto” you will find technical climbing, overhanging and on large ceilings formed in caves. Some of the most visited sectors are "Las Animas", "La Boca", "La Cueva del Tecolote", "La Palma" and then smaller sectors like "La Cueva de la Cumbia", "La Sabrosa" or "El Cañón de San Isidro". Each sector offers a different experience with routes ranging from intermediate to advanced. In “El Salto” it is difficult to find routes for beginners so train hard before you go!

Since 2016 climbing has been prohibited on some routes in the sector "Las Ánimas" according to the National Institute of Anthropology and History, in order to preserve cave paintings on its walls. 

For information about the routes you can visit Mountain Project, The Crag or Rakkup. 

Dangers

Rock climbing is a high-risk sport that can lead to serious injuries and even death. In order to access the climbing routes the following is necessary: Specialized equipment in good condition for rock climbing.

Knowledge of belaying, anchors, knots and rappels of some of the people visiting the area.

Helmet and belay equipment.

Equipment and recommendations

Most of the routes in “El Salto” are sport routes but there are some very good multi pitch routes where you need equipment for rappel. A 70-meter rope is necessary and 15 quickdraws. Bring repellent. Take care of the area and take your garbage with you. 

If you still have any doubts about this incredible place, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to provide you with more information.