Peña de Bernal, Monolithic summit in San Sebastian Bernal, Mexico.
Peña de Bernal is a summit of volcanic rock in San Sebastián Bernal in the state of Querétaro that reaches 1,421 meters (4,662 feet) above sea level. The pink rock rises above the village and shows steep flanks with visible cracks and crevices.
The rock formed during the Jurassic about 150 million years ago through volcanic activity and consists of solidified ash and lava. The surrounding softer material eroded over millions of years and left the hard core exposed.
Local groups from the region come here during the equinox and perform ceremonies that include dances and offerings. Many visitors feel the special calm at the base of the rock and stay longer than planned.
Hiking paths start in the village and lead up to about halfway, with the first sections manageable for most visitors. The route becomes steeper and later requires climbing gear for further ascent.
The surface forms its own microclimate and hosts plant species that grow only here and do not appear elsewhere in the surrounding area. Clouds often gather at the summit early in the morning and only dissolve later in the day.
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