Best hiking trails in Mexico for beginners

by admin · January 30, 2025

Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and discover breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re trekking through lush forests, climbing scenic mountain ranges, or strolling coastal paths, there’s a trail for every skill level.

For beginners, choosing well-marked and relatively easy trails is key to building confidence and endurance. Start with short hikes. Later, as you gain experience, you can gradually progress to more challenging hiking routes.

Aside from the physical benefits, hiking provides a chance to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re walking alone, with friends, or in a group, each trail brings a new adventure.

If you’re a beginner hiker looking to explore the great outdoors, Mexico offers beautiful, beginner-friendly hiking trails. With a variety of landscapes, from coastal trails to forested mountains, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the best hiking trails in Mexico for beginners:

Pico de Orizaba National Park (Veracruz/Puebla)

Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, may sound daunting, but it offers some gentler trails suitable for beginners. The lower trails in the national park are well-marked and take you through lush forests and along rivers.

Enjoy a relatively easy hike while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Distance: Varies, starting from short hikes
• Best time to go: November to April

La Malinche National Park (Tlaxcala/Puebla)

La Malinche is a beautiful national park with various trails for beginners.

The La Malinche summit trail is a bit challenging but can be enjoyed by those with basic hiking experience. For a more relaxed experience, other routes lead through pine forests, offering beautiful views without being too demanding.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3 to 8 km (depending on the route)
• Best time to go: March to October

Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur)

Cabo San Lucas is known for its beautiful beaches, but it also offers some easy coastal hikes that are perfect for beginners. The hiking trails around the arch of Cabo San Lucas are short, well-maintained, and offer fantastic views of the ocean.

These easy hikes are great for beginners who want to experience the stunning desert landscape of Baja California.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.5 to 3 km
• Best time to go: October to May

Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) – Chihuahua

The Copper Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. For beginners, there are shorter hikes that lead to viewpoints overlooking the canyon.

The Copper Canyon can be explored via the famous Copper Canyon train route, allowing you to take in the spectacular views without tackling difficult terrain.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Distance: Varies, with options for short hikes
• Best time to go: March to May

Desierto de los Leones (Mexico City)

Located just outside Mexico City, the Desierto de los Leones National Park offers a variety of easy hiking trails surrounded by forests and wildlife. With peaceful surroundings and scenic views, this is a perfect escape for beginners who want to enjoy nature without straying too far from the city.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 to 5 km
• Best time to go: March to November

Huasca de Ocampo (Hidalgo)

This small town in Hidalgo is home to the Basaltic Prisms, an impressive natural formation of columnar basalt. The trails around the prisms are easy and beginner-friendly, offering beautiful views of the waterfalls and unique rock formations.

It’s an ideal spot for beginner hikers looking for a gentle yet scenic experience.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 to 4 km
• Best time to go: April to October

By choosing the right trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mexico while taking it easy on your hiking adventure.

Happy hiking!