El Chico National Park is a protected area in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. It is one of the oldest protected areas in Mexico. The park was created in 1898 by President General Porfirio Díaz through a law that established it as "Monte Vedado del Mineral del Chico." Since then, the old conifer forests in the park have been protected from the tree cutting that happened in other parts of the country. Another law was passed in 1915, and a presidential agreement on September 13, 1922, made Monte Vedado a forest reservation.

The park has a large and diverse ecosystem that is common in the area. It includes big forests of conifer trees and many different kinds of animals.

Decree

El Chico National Park was established by a government order on July 6, 1982. It covers an area of 2,739 hectares (6,770 acres) and is located in the Pachuca Mountains, Hidalgo.

Orography

The highland zone is located in the Pachuca Mountain range. It was formed by volcanic activity, and its boundaries are found north of the Valley of Mexico. This mountain range extends to the southwest as part of the Sierra Madre Oriental, where it connects to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Heights in this area range from 2,300 to 3,090 meters (7,550 to 10,140 feet) above sea level. Most of these heights have rocky formations made from volcanic material that have been worn away by weather. The most well-known of these formations include Las Ventanas at 3,090 meters (10,140 feet), as well as Las Monjas, La Peña del Cuervo, La Peña del Sumate, La Muela, Los Enamorados, and La Fortaleza.

Hydrography

In this mountainous area, there are several springs that create rivers and smaller streams, flowing through most of the park. There are waterfalls connected to Río el Milagro. The water drainage area is part of the Pánuco River's system. Sportive fishing takes place in El Cedral.

Flora and fauna

This forest is one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the area where the North and Valley of Mexico meet. The plant life here is very varied, including some species found only in this region and others that are rare or not common in the country, such as Cupressus, which is uncommon in Mexican forests.

The following tree species grow in the park: Pinus teocote and Pinus rudis; Abies (fir), especially Abies religiosa; Quercus (oak), including Quercus laurina, Quercus affinis, Quercus rugosa, and Quercus mexicana. Cupressus species such as Cupressus lusitanica and Cupressus benthamii are also present. Juniperus monticola grows in dense groups.

Seventeen species have been designated as protected under the agreement NOM-59-SEMARNAT-2001.

Recreation

The visitor center and park office provide tourist information, a cafeteria, an area for watching videos and films, and a space for exhibitions. There is also a tower used for watching forests and detecting fires. Places to stay include the Alpine Hostel “Miguel Hidalgo”, a trailer park, and the Oriel “Crag of the Raven”. Two campsites designed to have a small effect on the environment are also available in the area.