Desierto de los Leones National Park: planning guide
An ex-convent and conifer forest in the mountains west of Mexico City. One of the capital’s oldest protected woodland areas.
Desierto de los Leones National Park is in Ciudad de México, Mexico. The nearest town is Toluca — roughly 36.5 km (22.7 mi) out, about 51 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Desierto de los Leones National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Toluca | 36.5 km (22.7 mi) | 51 min |
| Nicolás Romero | 36.6 km (22.7 mi) | 51 min |
| Cuautitlán Izcalli | 38 km (23.6 mi) | 53 min |
| Malinalco | 45.1 km (28 mi) | 1 hr |
| San Bartolo Oxtotitlán | 46.9 km (29.1 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Tenancingo de Degollado | 49.1 km (30.5 mi) | 1 hr 5 min |
| Villa Guerrero | 52.5 km (32.6 mi) | 1 hr 8 min |
| Ixtlahuaca de Rayón | 56.1 km (34.8 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
Where Desierto de los Leones National Park sits
Official Desierto de los Leones National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Desierto de los Leones National Park
Desierto de los Leones National Park sits close enough to Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park, Lomas de Padierna National Park, Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, and Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park | 5.6 km (3.5 mi) | 9 min |
| Lomas de Padierna National Park | 9.1 km (5.6 mi) | 15 min |
| Cumbres del Ajusco National Park | 12 km (7.5 mi) | 20 min |
| Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park | 13.5 km (8.4 mi) | 23 min |
Parks close by
- Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park
Woodland and meadows in La Marquesa, west of Mexico City on the Toluca highway. Busy weekend hiking and picnic country.
- Lomas de Padierna National Park
Oak woodland on the southern edge of Mexico City. Urban-adjacent trails above the Tlalpan and Pedregal neighborhoods.
- Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Pine–oak highlands on the south edge of Mexico City. Popular weekend hiking and cold nights above the capital.
- Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park
Springs and oak woodland in southern Mexico City’s Tlalpan district. Urban nature reserve with seasonal flowing water.
Common questions
Where is Desierto de los Leones National Park?
Desierto de los Leones National Park sits in Ciudad de México, Mexico. Toluca, about 36.5 km (22.7 mi) away — roughly 51 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Desierto de los Leones National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.