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Like the Cumbres de Ajusco park in
southern Mexico City,
here the mountains are the recharge zone for the underground aquifers
that serve Monterrey. The pine and oak forests here capture the
moisture in the soil. Hiking trails wind through the mountains,
making this a pleasant get-away from the urban metropolis. Unlike
parks in the United States, many of the "national parks" maintain
local ownership. Consequently, there are two private parks within
this national park that are geared to eco travelers.
The easiest portion of the 255,000 hectares (630,000 acres) park
to visit is Chipinque on the southwestern edge of town. At the visitor's
center, you can ask for a map of ten hiking paths in the park.
Because it's so close to the city, the areas surrounding the visitors
center often have noisy school children. But the human density lessens
as you hike away, or into the mountains. Peaks range from 650 to
2,260 meters (2,130 to 2,260 feet). For rock climbers and mountaineers,
there are five summits in the park (listed in degree of difficulty):
the Pinar, 1,515 meters (4,970 feet), the Window, 1,955 meters (6,415
feet), the Antennas 2,015 meters (6,610 feet), the "M East" 2,020
meters (6,630 feet), and the Crest of the Eagle 2260 meters (7,410
feet).
DIVERSITY
The dominant species within the park are Chinese pine (Pinus teocote)
and white pine (Pinus pseudostrobus]. There are more than 20 species
of mammals which inhabit this terrain including bears, puma, squirrels
and white-tailed deer. There are also 120 species of birds, including
blue birds and hawks.
MANAGEMENT
Chipinque is managed by Patronato del Parque Ecologico Chipinque,
a group of Monterrey businesses. Asociacion Ecologica Sierra Madre
works to protect the nearby mountain. The park also has a small
restaurant.
HORSETAIL FALLS
Also within the gigantic Cumbres de Monterrey park, and an hour
south of Monterrey, is the 25-meter Horsetail Falls (Cascadas Cola
de Caballo). The park is fairly small and, again, privately owned.
It features one of the few multi-purpose recreation centers in the
country. You'll find a small restaurant, picnic tables and bathrooms.
For a city park, it's magnificent and if you're in Monterrey for
an extended period, by all means visit. There are several marked
dirt and gravel paths, including a walk to the summit. The forest
is comprised of poplars, oaks and native pine species.
This waterfall is formed by small rivers rushing down the Sierra
Madre Oriental. As the water hits a series of rocks, the curving
spray falls in the shape of a horse's tail.
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