El Potrero Chico
November-April
El Potrero Chico, "The Little Corral", is a range of limestone mountains in northeast Mexico. Hundreds
of climbs ranging from one to fifteen pitches cover their walls. The best seasons to climb here are fall and winter with temperatures
ranging from the 60's to 80's.
Located just outside the corral is Homeros campground. Climbers from around the world camp here throughout the warm winter
months. The campground offers plenty of camp space, showers, and kitchen facilities. Better yet, a short walk from the camp will
take us to the start of most climbs.
Flights to Monterey, Mexico run daily. Our departure from the east coast in afternoon, with one stop in Chicago, will put us in
Monterey around ten. We can easily be climbing the following day.
We offer this trip on a custom basis during the months of October through December. To participate on this trip you should be an
intermediate rock climber with knowledge of belay and rappel techniques. Please contact us if you have any questions.
El Potrero Chico Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Monterey, Mexico in the evening, our guide will meet you at the airport. A taxi will take us to a
hotel or the Homeros Campground.
Day 2: Climb at Potrero Chico. We will spend the day at Las Selves which has a variety of multipitch sport
routes. This is a good spot to get used to climbing on limestone.
Day 3: The first five pitches of Space Boys offer great climbing. Today we'll check this route out!
Day 4: The Mini Super and El Escrutador Crags offer good single pitch sport routes. There are plenty of routes
here for the day.
Day 5: The Spires. Two spires are found inside the corral, there are three routes to choose. Either way, we will
reach a tiny summit high on the spire.
Day 6: A short walk takes us to the Zuss Wall . This sunny crag has three pitch routes, with other single pitch
routes to finish the day.
Day 7: Depart early by taxi direct to the airport, perhaps after a morning climb.
El Potrero Chico Trip Fees
Cost per person:
$1950 (1:1 client to guide ratio)
$1450 (2:1 client to guide ratio)
Program Cost Inclusions
-IFMGA certified guide Art Mooney
-Camping for the trip
-Ground transportation to and from El Potrero Chico
-Group climbing gear
-Food while camping
Program Cost Exclusions
-Airfare to and from Mexico
-Restaurant food
-Personal equipment
-Airport taxes
-Insurance
-Items of a personal nature
Why Go with us
- Past experience in the area. Art has visited El Potrero Chico on several occasions.
- IFMGA certified guide trained to an international standard, utilizing the safest and most current guiding techniques.
- Low ratios. We climb at ratios lower than most American guide services to minimize risk and increase chances of summit success
- You will know who your guide will be. We can tell you who you will be climbing with when you sign up for the expedition.
