Timeline
16:42
Start your hike up Cerro del Topo Chico. The trails are well-marked, and the climb is moderate. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This is the main event of the afternoon, giving you time to reach a good vantage point before the light changes.
18:02
Find a comfortable spot on the ridge or a clear viewing area. The sun sets toward the WSW, so position yourself to face that direction. The golden light starting around 17:38 will bathe the city in a warm glow before the final dip.
18:12
Watch the sunset. At 18:12, the sun disappears below the horizon. Stay for a few minutes to see the sky shift colors and the first stars appear. The city of Monterrey begins to twinkle below you.
18:42
Begin your descent. It is safer to hike down in daylight or with a good flashlight once it is fully dark. Take your time on the return trip.
Local tip
The hike up and down generally takes 5-6 hours if you explore fully, but for just the sunset, a focused 2-3 hour window is sufficient if you start early enough. Check the route if you are unfamiliar with the trails.
Check before you go
- The mountain is a protected reserve. Stay on marked trails.
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the descent after sunset.
- Weather can change quickly; check the forecast before heading up.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Monterrey (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).