experience • outdoors

Barranca de Oblatos

Who knew that a national park was hidden right under the nose of México's second-largest city, Guadalajara? At the north end of town, you'll find a sprawling complex of canyons, replete with unique flora and fauna, picturesque cliffs, and gorgeous bridges over whitewater rapids? Take the long cobblestone path down from the observation point at the top of the canyon, and once you reach the river, turn left for the bridge or right to return back up some abandoned, exceedingly steep railroad tracks. This is also an amazing place to catch a thunderstorm or a sunset, or just to get in a thigh-burning hike just outside of town. The only two downsides to this hike? It's crowded, and there's quite a bit of litter in places. Oh, and the park's only waterfall, though beautiful, smells rather polluted.