Cerro de la Silla

Cerro de la Silla rises 1820 m (5970 ft) above sea level and shows four peaks: Pico Norte, Pico Antena, Pico Sur and Pico la Virgen. The rock formation is made of limestone and extends over several kilometers on the eastern edge of Monterrey.

The Mexican government declared the summit a natural monument in 1991 to protect rock formations and vegetation. Before that the area had been left without oversight for decades and suffered from logging.

The name comes from the saddle shape visible when looking up from the city toward the summit. Residents of Monterrey use the outline as a natural compass and see it as a marker of home.

The main trail to the summit runs 5.3 km (3.3 mi) and takes about three hours with proper gear and water. Start early in the morning to avoid midday heat and bring sun protection.

An abandoned cable car station still stands on the north side, where a system operated for only one day in 1961. The structure was never reopened after that and slowly weathers in the mountain climate.