Cerro de la Silla Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cerro de la Silla
Cerro de la Silla
Highest point
Elevation	1,820 m (5,970 ft)
Prominence	1.200 meters
Naming
English translation	Saddle Hill
Language of name	Spanish
Pronunciation	Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsero ˌðelaˈsiʝa]
Geography
Location	Juárez, Guadalupe and Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Climbing
Easiest route	Hiking

The Cerro de la Silla is a famous mountain in Nuevo León, Mexico. Its name means "Saddle Hill" in Spanish because it looks like a horse's saddle. This mountain is a special natural monument and a big symbol for the city of Monterrey.

It is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. The mountain spreads across parts of three cities: Guadalupe, Monterrey, and Juárez. Cerro de la Silla covers a large area of about 60.5 square kilometers (23 square miles).

The mountain has four main peaks. These are Pico Antena, Pico Norte, Pico Sur, and Pico la Virgen. Pico Norte is the highest point, reaching 1,820 meters (5,970 feet) above sea level. Pico la Virgen is the lowest of the four peaks, at 1,750 meters (5,740 feet).

Discovering Cerro de la Silla
- What Makes Cerro de la Silla Special?
- Exploring the Peaks
Hiking and Adventure
- Climbing to the Top
- Views from the Summit
A Look Back: The Tramway Story
- An Idea for Easy Access
- A Sad Day in History
Other Mountains Nearby
Images for kids
See also

Discovering Cerro de la Silla

What Makes Cerro de la Silla Special?

Cerro de la Silla is more than just a mountain. It is a natural landmark that people in Monterrey cherish. Its unique shape makes it easy to spot from many places in the city.

The mountain has been a natural monument since 1991. This means the Mexican government protects it. This protection helps keep the mountain's natural beauty safe for everyone.

Exploring the Peaks

The four peaks of Cerro de la Silla each offer different views and experiences. Hikers often aim for Pico Norte, the tallest peak. From there, you can see amazing panoramic views of Monterrey.

The mountain is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy hiking its trails. It is a great place to connect with nature and get some exercise.

Hiking and Adventure

Climbing to the Top

Hiking up Cerro de la Silla is a popular adventure. There is a trail that is about 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) long. This path leads hikers to the top of the mountain.

The climb is considered quite challenging. It usually takes about three hours to reach the summit. Hikers need to be prepared for a good workout.

Views from the Summit

Once you reach the top, the effort is worth it. You get to see a breathtaking view of the entire city of Monterrey. It is a fantastic reward for the challenging hike.

Many people enjoy taking photos from the peaks. The views are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. It is a memorable experience for anyone who makes the climb.

A Look Back: The Tramway Story

An Idea for Easy Access

In the 1960s, there was a plan to make Cerro de la Silla easier to visit. An aerial tramway, like a cable car, was built on the mountain's north side. It was meant to carry people up quickly.

The tramway was a big project for its time. It was designed to give more people a chance to enjoy the mountain's beauty. Everyone was excited about its opening.

A Sad Day in History

The tramway opened on June 2, 1961. Sadly, it also closed on the very same day. A tragic accident happened, and five people lost their lives. One of them was Jesús Fernández, the engineer who designed it.

Today, only the upper station of the tramway remains. There have been talks about building a new tramway, but nothing has happened yet. The story reminds us of the importance of safety in big projects.

Other Mountains Nearby

Monterrey is surrounded by many other interesting mountains and hills. These natural features add to the beauty of the region. They also offer more places for outdoor activities.

Some of these include Cerro de las Mitras and Cerro del Topo Chico. The Sierra Madre Oriental also has Cerro de Chipinque, which looks like a big "M" from the city. Other notable hills are Cerro del Obispado and Cerro de la Loma Larga. The area known as La Huasteca is also nearby.