Nature reserve 29 km southwest of Linares
A scenic mountain drive on Highway 58 from Linares to Iturbide, along a stream, with the Jaures 'water volcano' spring.
West of Linares, Highway 58 leaves the citrus plains and climbs into the Sierra Madre Oriental through the Cañón de Santa Rosa, which runs along the natural boundary between Linares and Iturbide. The road follows the Santa Rosa stream between high limestone walls, through oak and pine forest and submontane scrub, and it is one of the most scenic drives in southern Nuevo León.
The highlight for many visitors is the Cañón de Jaures, near kilometer 26, about 30 kilometers from Linares. There a karst spring known as the Volcán de Jaures bursts out of a cave after heavy rains, especially in September, and the water boils up like an eruption. In dry months it is calm, so the show depends entirely on the weather.
Along the canyon, informal pull-offs give views of the cliffs and the stream, and trails of roughly 4 to 12 kilometers lead into the side valleys, where you may see agaves, red-tailed hawks and trogons. It makes a good day trip from Linares, or a beautiful way in if you continue up to Iturbide and Galeana.
What to see and do
Drive the canyon slowly and stop at the pull-offs for views of the limestone walls and the Santa Rosa stream.
Visit the Volcán de Jaures spring near kilometer 26, best after heavy summer rains, especially in September.
Hike one of the trails into the side canyons, from about 4 to 12 kilometers.
Watch for hawks and trogons in the oak and pine forest.
Getting there
Take Highway 58 west from Linares toward Iturbide; the canyon begins roughly 28 kilometers out, about half an hour away. The road is free and paved but has tight mountain curves, there are no gas stations inside the canyon and cell signal is limited, so fill up in Linares and carry water and food. After heavy rain, watch for rockfalls on the road.
29 km southwest of Linares
Directions from Linares on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Cañón de Santa Rosa
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Cañón de Santa Rosa.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Cañón de Santa Rosa.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Weather warm
Cañón de Santa Rosa shares the climate of Linares, 29 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Linares your base
Cañón de Santa Rosa is an easy trip from Linares, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Linares
-
Hualahuises
· Town · 11 km away
A tiny town ringed by Linares, known for its suspension bridges over a clear river, wooden toys and baseball gloves. -
Presa Cerro Prieto
· Lake · 15 km away
A big reservoir east of Linares with a renovated state park: palapas, a food corridor, and black bass fishing.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.