Canon del Infiernillo
verified
ACA 3C
High flood risk
Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro (Sierra Gorda)
A deep limestone slot in the Sierra Gorda with emerald pools, long sculpted travertine flowstone, and cathedral-scale dark passages.
The Sierra Gorda biosphere is a CONANP federally protected area; expect possible registration or eco fee at the trailhead or campground even though no descent permit is currently required. The midpoint campground provides shuttle assistance, meals, and lodging, and is the standard staging for the lower commercial section. Cold water is the principal hazard most of the season; full wetsuit advisable.
Logistics
| Manager | Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda de Queretaro (CONANP). Mixed ejido and federal jurisdiction. |
|---|---|
| Permit | No formal permit required for the descent. Mid canyon campground / community runs paid lodging, meals, and shuttle support. |
| Distance | 3.5 mi total (2.2 mi descent) |
| Elevation | ~2,100 ft loss |
| Time | 6-8 hr |
| Technical | Ropewiki rates 3C III (v3a3 IV). 13 rappels, longest about 89 ft. Travertine passages, cathedral-scale grottoes, slides, jumps, and significant swims. Multiple variations depending on water level. Recent (Nov 2024) trip report logs a broken leg on a ramp feature; the rock is slick where travertine is wet. |
| Season | Nov to Jun (dry season). Coldest in Jan and Feb. Skip Jul to Oct monsoon. |
| Flood risk | High. Swift water hazard during and after rain in the upper basin. The travertine narrows do not give bail out terrain. |
| Vehicle access | High clearance vehicle. 12 mi shuttle to the exit road. |
| Crowd | Local canyoneers run it regularly. Commercially guided from the midpoint down by the campground community. |
| Coordinates | 21.2221, -99.6354 |
Sources
- conanp biosphere: https://www.conanp.gob.mx/que_hacemos/reservas_biosfera.php
- regional hub: https://ropewiki.com/Queretaro
- ropewiki: https://ropewiki.com/Ca%C3%B1on_del_Infiernillo