The Mil Rios Trail runs 9 miles (14.5 kms) from high in the Sierra Norte near the village of La Neveria down to Tlalixtac in the Tlacolula valley, dropping 3768 feet (1148 meters) along the way. Today’s hike will cover just 3.0 miles of that distance (6.0 miles round trip) along the lowest part of the trail, which we will access just a short distance from Tlalixtac. This will be a moderate hike, using first the service road going to five small dams strung along the creek, then a hiking and biking trail going further up the valley. The trail will gain just 716 feet (218 meters) in elevation going to our turnaround point. The most challenging feature will be the fourteen creek crossings we will encounter going each direction – though these will be easy enough if the creek has little water in it. We will stop for lunch after the hike at one of the pleasant restaurants clustered around the two presas in Huayapam.
Time frame: 9 am to 3 pm / Distance: 9.6 Kms (6.0 Mi) / Elevation gain: 218 M (716 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road and forest footpath / Exposure: 50/50 mix of sun and shade / Rating: moderate / Suggestion: hiking pole(s) may help with creek crossings
PANDEMIC PROTOCOL: For everyone's safety, hike participants must show proof of vaccination when boarding the van the morning of the hike, and must wear face masks when traveling in the van. Masks may be removed when out on the trail. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!