Desierto de los Leones
At the western edge of the valley, where the city fades into pine forest, sits Mexico's first national park: a Carmelite monastery more than 400 years old, over 1,500 hectares of pine and fir, and trails built for real riding. Clean, thin mountain air, about 35 minutes from Condesa.
There are long climbs, rooty singletrack, flowing sections and technical bits. That is why it works for every level: the route can be built for beginners, intermediate or advanced riders.
What if I've never mountain biked?
An electric mountain bike changes the day. It helps on the climbs, so the group can ride together even if not everyone has the same experience, and you save your energy for the descents, which is where the fun is.
What to wear
- Comfortable trousers or shorts; they don't have to be sportswear, they just need to let you move.
- Long socks, ideally.
- Closed shoes. A skate shoe (Vans) is perfect; otherwise any closed shoe works.
- Layers: a long-sleeve top over a short-sleeve one, and a sweatshirt or light jacket.
- You don't need a backpack.
What if it rains?
In Mexico City the rainy-season rain usually falls in the afternoon, and a riding day starts in the morning. Bring a rain jacket if you have one. E-bikes can take anything, and a little water won't ruin the day.
Going with a guide
Electric Guajolota is our electric mountain bike day in Desierto de los Leones: we pick you up at your hotel, ride the forest for about four hours, eat among the pines and have you back in the afternoon. Bike, gear, snacks, water and guide included. You just book, get on the bike and let it surprise you.