Chris and I are lovers of nature and hiking. We joke often by asking each other if we can now quit everything, move to the forest, and live out our years without ever returning to “civilization”. I wish that wasn’t such a far-fetched idea, honestly! But, alas, we humans are social beings. Plants and non-human animals can’t exactly go out for a beer with us. Much less, keep us company over tantalizing conversation.

So, we do the second best thing. We seek out places that will fulfill our need to spend time in nature. A breathtaking place not too far from home is the Las Palomas Environmental Education and Visitor Center. It is located in the Sierra de Santa Rosa, within the Cuenca de la Esperaza Protected Natural Reserve Area. The visitor’s center lies within an oak forest that includes a 4-kilometer hiking loop trail, stunning views of parts of the Sierra de Guanajuato, mining shafts and installations (closed off), a spring-fed creek, two excellent camping areas with bathroom access nearby, a white-tail deer repopulation area/project and the grounding beauty of the forest with an endless variety of flora and fauna, including 11 species of oak.

This natural area is a must see for any visitor to the state of Guanajuato, yet it still remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Don’t forgo the moderate 4-kilometer loop hike!