Parque Joya La Barreta

Parque Joya La Barreta is a natural reserve on mountainous terrain northwest of Querétaro featuring mixed oak forests, cacti, and seasonal deciduous woodlands across varying elevations. The grounds contain marked trails, family picnic areas, children's zones, overnight camping spots, and raised platforms for viewing the surrounding landscape.

The land transitioned from agricultural use to public natural space through government action and was formally opened on September 18, 2003. This conversion marked an important shift toward protecting the mountain forests in this region.

This space functions as a meeting point where visitors encounter how mountain forests influence the region's water and climate patterns through direct observation. Walking through the trails shows how local communities value the protection of these natural systems.

The park sits northwest of Querétaro city and welcomes visitors for hiking, picnicking, and viewing from the raised platforms throughout the grounds. Arrive early, wear sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water since the trails traverse uneven terrain at variable heights.

The reserve shelters more than 100 plant species and uncommon birds including red-headed vultures and falcons that visitors may spot while exploring. This diversity makes the space a refuge for species disappearing elsewhere.