Los Mármoles National Park

Los Mármoles Overview

Los Mármoles National Park, or Parque Nacional Los Mármoles, is a protected natural area in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Spanning approximately 89 square miles (230 square kilometers), the park is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep canyons, and striking rock formations.

The name “Los Mármoles” refers to the marble-like limestone formations found throughout the region. The park sits in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, where steep cliffs and rolling hills provide breathtaking views. One of the most prominent features is the dramatic Barranca de Alcholoya, a deep canyon that cuts through the landscape.

Rivers and streams wind through the park, including the Amajac River, which contributes to the area’s biodiversity. The vegetation is diverse, with a mix of pine-oak forests, semi-arid scrublands, and patches of lush greenery in the valleys.

Wildlife thrives in Los Mármoles, offering visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of species in their natural habitat. The park is home to mammals such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, and ring-tailed cats. Larger predators like pumas are also known to roam the remote areas of the park.

The birdlife is particularly impressive, with raptors like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon soaring over the cliffs. Other notable birds include the military macaw and various species of woodpeckers and hummingbirds. Reptiles, amphibians, and insects also contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity, making it an excellent location for wildlife enthusiasts.

One of the most popular attractions in Los Mármoles is the abandoned mining town of San Vicente, where remnants of 19th-century mining structures remain as a testament to the region’s industrial past. The ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history while blending with the rugged landscape.

The park is also known for its stunning viewpoints, including natural rock formations that resemble marble sculptures. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the park, with trails leading through forests, canyons, and ridgelines that offer spectacular views. Some trails take visitors to ancient petroglyphs, revealing evidence of pre-Hispanic cultures that once inhabited the area.

Visitors can engage with Los Mármoles National Park through various outdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing, and birdwatching. The park’s elevation and diverse ecosystems make it an attractive destination for nature photographers and eco-tourists.

Many travelers explore the park on foot, although some areas are accessible by vehicle, making it easier to reach scenic overlooks and remote trails. Given the park’s remote nature, it remains a peaceful and less crowded destination compared to other national parks in Mexico.

Conservation efforts in Los Mármoles focus on protecting its unique ecosystems from deforestation, illegal hunting, and the effects of past mining activities. While the park faces challenges such as land degradation and climate change, local conservation programs aim to preserve its biodiversity.

Efforts include habitat restoration, reforestation projects, and environmental education programs that engage local communities in sustainable practices. The park’s designation as a protected area has helped safeguard its landscapes and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate its natural beauty.

Park Map

Los Mármoles National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s towering cliffs, dry forests, and open meadows create an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and ground-dwelling birds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over cliffs and open landscapes, hunting small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare nocturnal predator, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s dense pine forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A highly social woodpecker, the acorn woodpecker is known for storing acorns in tree trunks and is commonly found in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and loud calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but striking bird, the western bluebird features bright blue plumage and a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open meadows and forest edges.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park, the turkey vulture soars high on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion.

Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus)
Known for its distinctive melodic song, the canyon wren is well adapted to the park’s rocky cliffs, where it hunts insects and small invertebrates.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk is seen soaring above the park during seasonal migrations, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Los Mármoles National Park, located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, is a rugged and mountainous protected area featuring dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and semi-arid forests. The park’s diverse terrain supports a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its dry, rocky environment.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
As the top predator in the park, the elusive cougar hunts deer and other small mammals, playing a key role in maintaining ecological balance.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
A highly adaptable carnivore, the coyote thrives in the park’s rugged landscapes, hunting rodents, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, serving as an important prey species for large carnivores.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These pig-like mammals travel in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal and highly agile climber, the ring-tailed cat hunts for insects, rodents, and fruit in the park’s rocky and forested areas.

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
Often seen in rocky outcrops and desert-like areas, this large ground squirrel helps with seed dispersal and serves as prey for many predators.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A non-venomous constrictor, the Mexican pine snake helps control rodent populations and is often found in the park’s dry, rocky landscapes.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous but reclusive species, the black-tailed rattlesnake blends into the rocky terrain and preys on small mammals and reptiles.

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.

Pine Toad (Incilius occidentalis)
A hardy amphibian found in moist areas of the park, the pine toad helps control insect populations.