Potrero Chico

El Potrero Chico is a unique geological formation of limestone cliffs and spires, some as high as 2,000 feet (610 m).

Development continued in the 21st century, notably by first ascensionists Alex Catlin, Ed Wright, and Dane Bass.

[1] Many climbers have attempted to build bridges with the local community, but there remains much work to be done[citation needed].

Much of the area is a "protected zone" (not a Mexican national park), a legal classification of little actual consequence.

The history of the creation of Potrero Chico's massive limestone walls goes back over 200 million years.

At its core, Potrero Chico is the result of a salt dome that pushed the existing limestone layers into the slanted vertical orientation that is seen today.

The rate of erosion depended on the velocity of the exiting water, and began to form the Canyon we see today.

[2] 200 million years ago, before the modern canyon existed, the surrounding region of Potrero Chico was subjected to regular flooding of seawater.

The route El Volvo Scorcho (5.9 and requires 9 quickdraws) is named after the car accident that almost killed the first ascensionist, Dane Bass.

Mota Wall houses many of the classic climbs at El Potrero such as La Vaca and Double Cherry Pie.

El Sendero Luminoso: This area is found before entering the main canyon, on the west side.