Lomas de Padierna National Park

Lomas de Padierna Overview

Lomas de Padierna National Park, locally known as “Parque Nacional Lomas de Padierna,” is located in the borough of La Magdalena Contreras, in the southwest of Mexico City.

Originally covering an area between 610 and 670 hectares (235–259 square miles) when it was declared a national park on April 22, 1938, urban expansion and environmental degradation have since reduced its size to just 34.35 hectares (13.26 square miles). Despite this, the park remains an important green space within the city and a valuable area for conservation.

The park is situated on Cerro del Judío, with elevations ranging from 2,380 to 2,700 meters (7,808 to 8,858 feet) above sea level. The terrain is characterized by steep slopes and deep ravines, such as La Malinche and El Rosal, which are part of an active hydrological system within the Mexico Basin.

The geology of the park includes volcanic rock formations from the Tertiary period, along with more recent lava flows from the Chichinautzin volcanic field.

Lomas de Padierna experiences a temperate to cool humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.6°C (61.9°F). During spring, temperatures can exceed 28°C (82°F), while winter months can bring temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F). The rainy season extends from May to November, peaking between June and August.

The park’s vegetation consists of a variety of tree species, including cedars, pines, and eucalyptus. Other notable plant species include legumes such as “cabello de ángel,” bulbous plants like “pata de gallo,” and flowering plants such as the “asiento de suegra.” These plants contribute to the biodiversity of the park and provide essential habitats for wildlife.

Lomas de Padierna is home to a variety of bird species, including migratory birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, the eastern phoebe, and the black vulture. Hummingbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, and swallows can also be seen throughout the park.

Reptiles such as the central Mexican garter snake and the rattlesnake inhabit the area, along with amphibians like salamanders, frogs, and axolotls. The park also supports a diverse insect population, including the white cabbage butterfly, as well as spiders such as the orb-weaving Neoscona.

One of the park’s most significant features is its historical importance. It was the site of the Battle of Padierna on August 20, 1847, during the Mexican-American War. A monument commemorating this event stands at the summit of Cerro del Judío, marking a key location in Mexico’s military history.

Visitors to Lomas de Padierna can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and nature observation. The park features multiple forest trails, with the Los Dínamos 1, 2, and 3 trails being among the most popular. These trails are well-rated by hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering scenic views and opportunities to explore the park’s biodiversity.

Over the years, Lomas de Padierna National Park has faced conservation challenges due to urban expansion and environmental degradation. However, reforestation efforts and biodiversity protection initiatives have been implemented to mitigate these threats. In 1986, a significant portion of Mexico City was designated as an Ecological Reserve, including this park, to safeguard its ecosystems and wildlife.

Lomas de Padierna National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with nature while learning about key events in Mexico’s past.

Park Map

Lomas de Padierna National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Lomas de Padierna National Park’s dry forests, rocky outcrops, and urban-adjacent location provide a refuge for various bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and ground-dwelling birds.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
A large and powerful raptor, the red-tailed hawk is often seen soaring above the park, hunting for rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The smallest falcon in North America, the American kestrel is a skilled hunter that preys on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
A medium-sized bird with a long, curved beak, the curve-billed thrasher forages in the park’s dry landscapes, searching for insects and seeds.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
A large dove species commonly seen in trees and open areas, the white-winged dove feeds on seeds and fruits.

Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
A desert-adapted bird, the cactus wren builds its nests in cacti and shrubs while foraging for insects and small fruits.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
A small, reddish songbird frequently found in open areas and along the park’s trails, the house finch feeds on seeds and berries.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
A powerful nocturnal predator, the great horned owl hunts rodents, rabbits, and small birds, using its sharp talons and excellent night vision.

Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
This small finch, with its bright yellow plumage, flits among trees and shrubs in search of seeds and small insects.

Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
A small, ground-dwelling dove with scaly-patterned feathers, the Inca dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds along pathways and open spaces.

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
A striking blue songbird, the blue grosbeak is often found near shrubs and woodland edges, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Lomas de Padierna National Park, located in the southern part of Mexico City, is a semi-arid protected area featuring rolling hills, dry forests, and rocky landscapes. Despite being surrounded by urban development, the park provides a crucial habitat for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have adapted to its unique environment.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
A highly adaptable predator, the coyote roams the park’s open spaces and wooded areas, hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
This small, omnivorous fox is a nocturnal hunter that feeds on insects, rodents, fruits, and small vertebrates, thriving in the park’s dry forests and rocky terrain.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A burrowing mammal with tough armor, the nine-banded armadillo is mostly nocturnal and digs in the soil for insects and larvae.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Although not as common as in larger forested parks, white-tailed deer can still be found grazing on vegetation in more secluded areas of Lomas de Padierna.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
A frequent sight in the park’s grassy areas, this rabbit is an essential prey species for predators like hawks and foxes.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal, raccoon-like mammal, the ring-tailed cat is an expert climber that hunts for insects, rodents, and small birds in the park’s rocky cliffs and forests.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)
Adapted to dry environments, this hare uses its large ears to regulate body temperature and relies on speed to escape predators.

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)
A medium-sized lizard that thrives in the park’s rocky terrain, the desert spiny lizard feeds on insects and small invertebrates while basking in the sun.

Mexican Plateau Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare)
Well-camouflaged and slow-moving, this horned lizard primarily feeds on ants and can squirt blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous snake that blends well into the rocky landscape, the black-tailed rattlesnake preys on small mammals and birds.