There is a charming waterfall in the hills to the west of Santo Tomas Mazaltepec which was the destination for this Sunday group ride in mid-June 2025. Thirteen riders took part in the outing, which was accomplished under overcast skies with occasional light drizzle. The final eight-tenths of a kilometer (.5 mile) of the footpath to the cascada presents a challenge for hikers and is not suitable for bikes; cyclists are advised to stash their mounts along the trail when the going gets rough and continue on foot.
Riders pedaling merrily through the countryside.Rest stop.Stocking up on water and fruit snacks in Mazaltepec.There are multiple shallow stream crossings along the route.This creek could not be ridden across. Bushwhacking along the footpath to the cascada.Party time at the waterfall.Cooling off.The narrow trail to and from the cascada.On the way back to Mazaltepec.Heading for home.
This is a delightful, moderately difficult 16.4 kilometer (10.2 mile) ride on the trails in the ecotourism park of La Cumbre Ixtepeji. The route begins and ends using the Cabeza de Vaca trail, but then takes advantage of inter-connecting logging roads in the area to form a double loop through the mountains at an elevation ranging from 2807 to 3046 meters (9210 to 9993 feet) above sea level. This ride was accomplished in 2.5 hours on ebikes, but can just as easily be done on any pedal-powered mountain bike. Skies were overcast and the temperature hovered around 18°C (65°F) with just a slight breeze. Altogether a wonderful experience!
Darryle cruises the Cabeza de Vaca trail with his drone following faithfully behind.
The mountain parks of Lachixolana (Derivadora) and Zautla abut each other, so it is an easy matter to ride trails in both areas on the same day. The map attached shows the final half of a ride on the first Friday of April in 2025 which began in Zautla’s park and then ran for several miles in Derivadora. Total distance covered amounted to a bit over 15 miles (24 kilometers), with total elevation gain and loss in the neighborhood of 1800 feet (549 meters). Note that the trails in the area are a combination of little-used jeep roads and single tracks, many of which are quite overgrown with grass and shrubs. Riders can expect to collect a good number of stickers, burrs and other things which adhere to their shoes and socks. Except for some electric transmission towers, there are no other signs of civilization to mar the serene vistas of rolling hill country. This is an excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and lose oneself in nature.
Transmission towers parading through the hills are the only signs of settlement in sight.Wind-whipped grass cascades over a hillside.A small lake nestled in the valley.Cacti and other prickly vegetation abounds.Tall grass obscures the narrow trail.
This four mile section of the Camino de Juárez links El Punto with La Cumbre. It is a very steep and demanding ascent, climbing 1387 feet (423 meters), with descents of 391 feet (119 meters). There are several long sections of steps which present a big challenge to bike riders. In winter months the trail is heavily littered with leaves and pine needles, making the path slick under foot or tire. Given the option, hiking or biking this segment going in the other direction is the better choice. If you want to do this ride as an out & back adventure, consider returning to El Punto via the El Cereso trail, which has some challenging but fun sections. The CdJ runs roughly parallel to the El Cerezo trail near El Punto. The map below terminates at the new ecotourism cabins constructed at La Cumbre.
The Camino de Juarez, a paved trail running over 46 kilometers from Guelatao to Oaxaca, opened in March 2024. This report focuses on the segment that goes from Oaxaca to El Estudiante, basically supplanting the older single track Los Molinos trail. The CdJ itself is accessed from Hwy 175 where it passes by the two small lakes in Huayapam. The map below shows the route from Oaxaca to El Estudiante, passing through Tlalixtac and then using the CdJ going uphill, with the return to Oaxaca using the highway. The round trip distance amounts to 43.1 kms (26.8 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of about 549 meters (1800 feet). While the trail has a smooth surface and no technical obstacles, the CdJ is steep in places – up to 18% grade – with several sections of stairs. Bikers with strong legs and a good sense of balance can ride the whole way, using the narrow border strips which run alongside the steps. More timid riders will have to dismount and push their bikes up the ramps. Either way, this is a great outing. Today’s ride took five hours to complete, counting an hour’s stop for lunch at a restaurant on the shore of one of the two presas in Huayapam.
Riders on the Camino de Juarez.Several new bridges span the stream which flows down the valley.It is a real challenge to ride the ramps bordering the stepped sections of trail.Most cyclists have to hike-a-bike up the steepest grades.The pedestrian overpass at El Estudiante.
