EXTREME SPORTS

Near the city there are many wooded areas that provide the opportunity to go mountain biking. The trails will prove challenging for beginners and experts alike. Following the lead of a tour guide, you?ll put your skills to the test as you overcome various obstacles along the paths.

Valle de Monte Alegre. Located southwest of Mexico City, in the Parque Ecologico San Nicolas Totolapan, at Km 11.5 off the Picacho-Ajusco Highway, Magdalena Contreras District. This area is considered a mountain biker?s paradise, as it offers downhill runs for those seeking a high-fueled adrenaline rush. The 150-km (93-mi) circuit offers trails for beginners, intermediates and experts. Cyclists can test their skills in areas such as the Criadero de Trucha (trout hatchery), el Camino de la Virgen or la Barranca de la Leona, all of which were designed for varying skill levels.

Parque Cultural y Recreativo Desierto de los Leones. Located in west Mexico City at Antiguo Camino al Desierto de los Leones, Col. Parque Nacional Valle de las Monjas, off the Mexico-Toluca Highway 15. This is one of the city?s most important nature reserves. At this park, you?ll find Encino oaks, pines and oyamel firs on hills and in ravines. The park also has springs and streams. This park has 25 kilometers (15 mi) of sloped paths, which you can cover on bicycle from the Antiguo Convento Carmelita (Old Convent of Carmelita) to the town of San Miguel, which you?ll reach after passing the Cerro del Triangulo (Triangle Hill).

Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco. Located southwest of Mexico City on Avenida Pereferico Sur, at Km 22 off the Ajusco Highway, Tlalpan District. One of the city?s most visited natural areas, this park has various mountain biking routes. Among the most popular trails is a 28-km (17-mi) path that begins in the town of Capulin and passes through the foothills of the Xitle volcano. At that point, it divides into two separate trails that run alongside an impressive canyon until reaching a dried out lagoon called Quila. Here you can also do downhill runs in the town of Huitzilac, which borders the state of Morelos.