Hiking in Mazatlán
While Mazatlán is primarily celebrated for its golden beaches and colonial streets, the surrounding coastal landscape offers scenic hikes with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
From climbing the steps of one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world to exploring rugged goat paths on neighboring islands, hikers can find several rewarding trails. Review our detailed guide below to plan your trek safely, keep hydrated, and explore the natural side of the port.
El Faro Lighthouse Hike
The El Faro Lighthouse, rising 157 meters above sea level on the summit of Cerro del Crestón, is the premier, absolute must-do hike in Mazatlán.
The hike to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes and is relatively steep. The first half of the ascent is a wide, smoothly graded crushed gravel path, while the final half consists of 336 concrete steps. Keep an eye on the step numbers painted on the stairs to track your progress to the top!
At the summit, you are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the city, the harbor, and the ocean. Thrill-seekers can walk out onto the spectacular Puente de Cristal (Glass Lookout Bridge)—a glass-bottomed observation platform suspended over the cliff face. Note that tickets for the glass bridge must be purchased at the park entrance at the bottom before beginning your climb.
The lighthouse park is equipped with restrooms and a small souvenir and water shop run by the park staff. However, we highly recommend bringing your own reusable water bottles.
Goat Hill (Advanced Trail)
For experienced hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Goat Hill (known locally as Cerro de los Chivos) on Stone Island is an exciting challenge.
This is an advanced, rugged hike. There are no paved paths or handrails—only narrow, steep, and occasionally loose dirt trails created by the island's herd of wild goats. At the flat, rocky summit, you are treated to a stunning, unique perspective looking directly across the shipping canal toward El Faro Lighthouse, the shipping harbor, and the long sandy stretch of Stone Island.
How to Get There: Take a quick water taxi across the harbor canal to Stone Island. Upon landing, instead of walking straight over the main ridge toward the tourist beach restaurants, turn immediate right onto the unpaved dirt access road. Follow this flat dirt road for roughly 1 kilometer until you arrive at the base of Goat Hill.
Permanently Closed: Estero del Yugo Eco-Preserve
Notice: This eco-preserve has been transferred to regional academic administration and is permanently closed to the general public.
The Estero del Yugo was historically a wonderful, little-known wetlands preserve located in the Cerritos area, tucked immediately behind the Riu Hotel. While it once offered a scenic boardwalk, fresh-water lagoons, and native bird-watching paths, the preserve has transitioned entirely to a private scientific research station operated by local universities. Public hiking and independent wildlife viewing are no longer permitted on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Water: Bring at least 1 liter of fresh water per person.
2. Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking sandals with good traction (do not attempt El Faro stairs or Goat Hill in standard beach flip-flops).
3. Sun Protection: Apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and carry polarized sunglasses.
4. Small Change: Bring Mexican Pesos for purchasing water, souvenirs, or your glass-bridge ticket at the base of El Faro.