El Potrero Chico, Mexico

El Potrero Chico, which means "the little coral", is a ring of mountains 15km across at the widest. It is also an excellent place for climbing.

There are about 300 sport routes with new routes being set almost every week. This is a climber's climbing area. All of the routes are moderate to impossible (5.8 to 5.13). There are no beginners routes. Many of the routes are very long, including a few that have more than 10 pitches.

The limestone here has a very sharp texture that makes for very positive foot placement, but does tend to wear off your finger prints.

Hidalgo, the closest town, was definitely not a tourist town, but it is a nice place to visit. The locals are friendly, even if there are very few that speak English. The food, beer and accommodations are very cheap.

Here are a few pictures of the Potrero and the Rancho Cerro Gordo where we stayed. Click on the image for a larger version.

For more information about the Potrero, check out http://www.elpotrerochico.com.mx/.