Continue with onX Maps
Continue with Facebook
El Potrero Chico Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 2,369 ft |
| GPS: |
25.949, -100.477 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 1,617,724 total · 7,709/month |
| Shared By: | Orphaned User on Jan 20, 2007 · Updates |
| Admins: | Rudy Peckham, MAKB, Greg Hughes, Mauricio Herrera Cuadra, Ricardo Orozco |
Description
Development of the area began in the late 80's by the likes of Jeff Jackson, Alex Catlin, Kevin Gallagher, Hank Caylor, Tony Faucett, Rick Watson, Craig McCudden, Curtis Mai, Todd McCray, Ed Wright, Dane Bass, and a host of Austin climbers. But it was Kurt "The General" Smith and Elaina Arenz that really put the place on the map by the late '90s.
The climbing is about a ten-minute walk up the road from the accommodations. Pretty much everything is bolted, but some may opt for a light supplemental trad rack. Fifteen or so quickdraws and one (sometimes two) 70-meter ropes is adequate for most everything. Bring extra draws if linking pitches.
So all you need to bring climbing is some sunscreen, hat and a little water. It was eighty degrees last February. I would also bring some warm weather clothes as well. It can get chilly if a storm or clouds roll in. Many of the climbs are right off the road or a short five-minute approach. Many of the climbs are ten pitches or more in length which makes for a really fun day. There are enough classic climbs in the Potrero area to keep you busy for a good week to ten-day vacation, unless you are Michael Reardon. The bolts are generally good and runouts are scarce. Most belays are well bolted. There are also two spires that you can do a Tyrolean traverse between for some spicy action. The rock is limestone, but much more solid than in Thailand and the biggest fear is falling into a cactus.
On your day(s) off there are some really fun things to do. The town of Hidalgo is a mile walk or five minutes by car down the hill from the climbing ranches and has a central market twice a week where you can do your food shopping as well as pick up all sorts of stuff from T-shirts to CDs. It is like being at the fair. Hidalgo also has a grocery store and cafe right beside each other. Ask someone at the climbing ranch to help you find them.
Getting There
If driving from the U.S., cross the border at Laredo, Texas. It's about a 3-hour drive from here on reasonably good toll roads. It is best to fuel up in the US (cheaper gas) and get down to EPC without stopping.
Accommodations
An awesome new camping area with two houses for rent and the area's first and only hostel. A few blocks further from the climbing but a much more quiet and peaceful environment. Incredible views of the mountain as well as the town. Owned by the friendliest people in Hidalgo. Don't miss the Friday night dinner and bonfire which includes the best food in town.
Homero's Ranch is the original climber's hangout in Potrero since 1989 and a great option for camping and rooms. It has a nice, big shared kitchen, with a new restaurant and a bit of a lounge around, making it a good place to hang out on chilly nights. Camping is 60-80 peso/day depending on length of stay and they also now have wi-fi.
Homero has a 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath house that he rents out for $110/night (in Feb. 2007). Fully equipped kitchen. Great for a group. Homero Jr. is now the man in charge and he's a solid guy.
La Pagoda is a large establishment but remains quiet during the climbing season (but it's 3 pools look nice for the summer). Camping for $5, and basic rooms for $20 (bring your own towels and TP). There's a restaurant, but closed for most of the winter. La Pagoda is the closest place to the climbing. A kitchen, fridge, and cooking utensils are available for common use, but aren't quite as nice as those at Posada's.
La Posada is the deluxe camping. It's by far the most expensive, but a great place to meet people. Camping is $8 per night and rooms (about $25) are nice and the above website covers costs per night and much more although many of the things described are no longer available (massage, horses, yoga, etc.). Offers a full kitchen with utensils, gas burners and refrigeration which can sometimes get crowded. I would recommend taking a large tub with lid to keep your food in. There is also a restaurant on site that serves food and smooth tequila as well as other alcoholic libations. Top shelve tequila was $1.00 for a gigantic shot. Posada also has two (mens & womens) bathrooms.
A two room house and a small campground area with wifi located at the trailhead to Plutonia. Smaller than the other campgrounds offering a little more privacy.
El Chalet - One of the coolest places you can stay. Beautiful views. - martimar020660@hotmail.com
Estancia San Josehttp://potrerochicoestanciasanjose.business.site/
Estancia San Jose is a casitas-type of staying. These casitas are the perfect place to stay in at Protero Chico . Near to climb walls, but not too close. You can stay out of crowded. Their houses have two bedrooms and four beds, bathrooms, fire place with free wood, living room and full equipped kitchen. It's close to restaurants and to the town, if you want to go supermarket. They have free parking if you drive on your own. Prices start at $50/night for 1-2 people and $80/night for 3-4 people. They have two housese so price can vary depending on the house you book. The biggest house can house more people if needed. They can also shuttle you from/to the airport.
Leo is local known for his nightly homestyle buffets he serves to hungry climbers. He now has camping and housing available on his property about a 15 min walk down the main road from the EPC gate. His prices are reasonable and he will take you in like family. He has sites for tent/van camping, private rooms with Wi-Fi/private bathrooms, and also a small house with 6 beds, a kitchen, and a living area for larger groups. Contact him to arrange reservations by the methods below:
Facebook messenger: Leo’s Tacos Potrero Chico Grill
WhatsApp +52 811 1911673
Gmail: leobardo18sanmiguel@gmail.com
Finca El Caminante is an artsy hostel located 20 minutes from El Potrero Chico. They offer hostel, camping, cabins, rooms with private bathroom and shared bathroom, glampings, RV space, 2 communal kitchens, a yoga room, communal living room, lounge, swimming pool, fire pit, bike rental, and great vibes. Enjoy Wi-Fi, the Temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge), and explore our creative space with high ceilings and aerial silks.
Website: fincaelcaminante.com/
Whatsapp: +52 8123389324
Email: FincaelCaminante124@gmail.com
Hotel & Camping Potrero Chico
As close as El Potrero Chico as you can get!
Very comfortable hotel rigth on the entrance of Potrero Chico Park with free breakfast and seasonal outdoor pool, rooms with balcony and the million dollar view of El Potrero Chico Canyon, camping places, grills, comunitary restrooms with shower and comunitary kitchen.
We can give you discounts for stays longer than one week, month or large groups.
Whasapp: +52 8115993009
Google Maps: Hotel & Camping Potrero Chico
eMail: hotelandcamping@gmail.com
Restaurants
El Búho (The Owl) is an great little cafe in town and an awesome resource for anything you might need while in Potrero (like homemade maps of town). They're located right across the main street from the "Mexicana" grocery store. They have fantastic coffee, roasted and brewed fresh in house, as well as some snacks and drinks. Its a great place to hang out on a rest day or in the evenings. They also have an extensive library and wonderful staff!
Face Burger
Get a burger the size of your face from the kitchen of a little old lady in town. Costs about twice as much as your average meal in Hidalgo and is about twice the size. Come hungry!
Bagga Pizzapasta
Italian. Perhaps the nicest food in town. More expensive than the rest, but really good pizza and pasta. Can also be ordered by phone. +52 81 131 1165
Tamales Esperanza
Cheap tamales. Order a few, throw them in your follower's pack, and eat them on the top of your climb.
Potrero Chico Brewing
New brewery and tasting room is open for the 2022/2023 climbing season! A cozy bar, great music, art work on the walls and comfortable furniture to relax in while drinking one of our fabulous beers with friends. As you drive into the canyon leaving Hidalgo you'll see the mural painted one of the last buildings on your left.
Guide Services
El Potrero Chico Guides - Guided climbs and instruction from an AMGA Certified Rock Guide. Book A Trip Online
Climb Potrero Mountain Guides - Offering guided climbs, and private instruction by AMGA certified instructors
Potrero Chico Climbing Guides - 18 Years experience in Potrero Chico offering multi pitch guide services, self rescue course and gear beta.
The Climbing School - Retreats, Courses and Guided Climbs from AMGA Certified Rock Guides.
Classic Climbing Routes at El Potrero Chico
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within El Potrero Chico
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About El Potrero Chico
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (4)
57 Comments