El Potrero Chico Climbing

Potrero Chico climbing is truly a unique experience. It is a large natural basin which is a bowl-like depression in the strata (layers of rock). The strata all dip toward the center point and the youngest rock is at the center.

Basically it’s concentric circles of limestone cliffs 2000ft. high with soft dirt and rock between them that slowly eroded over time. The name Potrero Chico means “little corral”. In the past it was used as a natural corral for horses and other livestock by the local people of Hidalgo.

But now it’s a world class sport climbing destination that offers multi pitch routes in the 5.7 to 5.14 range as high as 27 pitches. The rock is sharp limestone with many pockets and features. Very short easy approaches and it’s almost all sport here.

You don’t need your trad gear but we do suggest a few alpine draws and a PAS like the Metolius PAS or a daisy chain. Maybe a harness with some padding as well, like the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness. The main climbing season is between October and March.

Weather in Potrero Chico can change fast so you should have gear and clothes for temps as low as 32°F and highs around 90°F but the average high is around 62°F.