Best Hiking Near Mexico City

Whether you are an experienced hiker or just want to enjoy a leisurely day outdoors with the family, there are plenty of places to take a rigorous hike or casual walk in or near Mexico City. There are options for hiking within the city limits, short walks from public transportation or there are options for day trips within an hour drive to some of Mexico's most enchanting national parks. A hike is the perfect vacation activity for any group of any skill level.

Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec
Avenida Paseo de la Reforma S/N
Mexico City, 11560
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5211 6093

Surprisingly, the huge Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec park is actually part of Mexico City. Since it is so conveniently located, this beautiful park attracts more than 15 million visitors each year. The park's size allows for many levels of hiking: it is the perfect spot for a half-hour nature walk or a full-day excursion. The park is so large that it is often called "Mexico City's lungs." A visit to Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec is great for people that are only visiting Mexico City for a short while and don't have time for a day trip outside of the city.

Vivero Coyoacán
Av. Progreso #1
Coyoacán, Del Carmen, 04010
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
www.viveroscoyoacan.gob.mx

Another great park to visit within the city limits is Vivero Coyoacán. Though this park is smaller than Lago del Bosque, it is a popular place to hike or jog because of the well-maintained trails and paths throughout the area. It is very popular with locals, and lesser known with tourists, which is great for people that want to immerse themselves in Mexico City life. During a trip to Vivero Coyocan, you're likely to see plenty of runners in the area going about their daily routines. This is also one of the better parks to hike in with kids as it is one of the safest parks in the city.

Related: Spend A Day At La Merced Market

Bosque de Tlalpan 
Esquina Zacatepetl
Camino a Santa Teresa
Parque Nacional Bosque del Pedregal, Tlalpan, 14010
Ciudad de México, D.F.. Mexico

Bosque de Tlalpan is the ideal hiking spot for novice hikers. The park features fully paved pathways and organized guided hikes and activities. Yoga lovers will enjoy that a "yoga hike" is led in the park every Tuesday. There are also some well-maintained picnic areas equipped with roofs in case your party needs a break from the hot Mexican sun. Bosque de Tlalpan is an easy 45-minute drive from downtown Mexico City, making it easy to plan day trip.

Desierto de los Leones
Carretera México-Toluca S/N
Cuajimalpa de Morelos, La Venta, 05020
Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5814 1172
desiertodelosleones.mx

A bit further than Bosque de Tlalpan, about a 70-minute drive from Mexico City's federal district, is another fantastic spot to go hiking – Desierto de los Leones. This national park spans more than 1,800 hectares southwest of Mexico City. There are some mountains in the area which make great day or weekend hikes for more experienced hikers. Make sure to dress appropriately when going on a day trip here because, due to the altitude, temperatures are much cooler and more damp than in the city. Enjoy a bit of history with your nature as well by visiting the old monastery on the property. It is beautiful and hosts an art gallery and some small boutiques and restaurants, which is a perfect way to end the day after a leisurely hike.

Related: Best Outdoor Adventures Less Than An Hour From Mexico City

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.