About the Hike: There is a spectacularly lovely high mountain valley north of Tlacolula about 40 miles (64 kms) from Oaxaca city which is home to El Carrizal. Historically, El Carrizal is a relatively new community. The story goes that about fifty years ago some landless peasants arrived in the Oaxaca valley and were attracted to the beauty of a certain unsettled area in the Sierra Norte mountains. The land in question was part of the communal property belonging to San Miguel del Valle. There are miles of forest paths and dirt roads in the area just begging to be explored, either on foot or by mountain bike. We will hike out and back along one of these well-maintained dirt roads. There is an admission fee of 50 pesos per person, payable at the office in San Miguel del Valle. A local guide will have to be hired. Participants should pack a sack lunch to eat when we reach the turn-around point at the Lake La Neveria.

Driving Time: 90 minutes

Type/Difficulty: Mountain/Moderate

Hike Type: Out & Back

Starting elevation: 8787 feet/ 2678 meters

Distance: 5.8 miles / 9.3 KM

Elevation Change: +1270 ft / -1010 ft / +387 meters/ -307 meters

Additional Fee: Yes, TBC

Meal: sack lunch to eat lakeside

Time frame: 8:00 depart Oaxaca / 9:00 pay admission fees & rest stop in San Miguel / 10:30 arrive El Carrizal / 10:45 begin hike / 12:45 lunch break & turnaround / 1:10 resume hike / 3:15 end hike / 4:15 San Miguel / 5:30 return to Oaxaca