El Infiernillo Trail

Dogs Unknown

No offense to grannies.

This trail has a few distinct sections. It starts with a steep, entrenched, and rugged descent. It follows a gravel road for a bit before dropping into the epic 'Mars' zone. The run is worth doing to hit this zone alone.

After Mars, there is a fast descent on some two track before hitting a section of relatively flat singletrack literally cut into the canyon wall. The vegetation limits exposure but it is still exhilarating. Don't look off edge!

The final segments follow more singletrack, which is also used as a foot and donkey path by the farmers. There are lots of tight switchbacks that twist the trail down through the cloud forest.

As you near the bottom of the canyon, you encounter the Escalares de las Muertes (Stairs of the Dead) zone. There are a few routes through this zone since it is encountering lots of landslides and erosion, making the trail difficult to pass. Make sure to hire a guide or inquire with locals familiar with this route to make sure you stay safe.