A country road that possibly constitutes the single most beautiful drive in the greater Guadalajara area connects Highways 23 and 54 and overlooks the spectacular Huaxtla Canyon. It also takes you to no end of hiking, biking, picnicking and canyoneering sites.
The first half of the 25-kilometer drive is well-known to Tapatios who love nature and hiking. A short drive from the northwestern Periférico gets you onto Highway 23 heading for San Cristóbal and Jerez. Only 17 kilometers from Tesistán, you turn onto the narrow but well-paved road leading to the pueblito of Huaxtla. Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by green hills dotted with curiously shaped rocks, some of which very much resemble the famous Piedras Bolas of Ahualulco.
A couple more kilometers downhill open up breathtaking views of lush, the green Huaxtla canyon below you, and stark red cliffs towering above you. Stop at any of several parking turnouts and gaze upon a magnificent 120-meter-high waterfall (be sure to catch it in the rainy season). Here you’ll find trails heading down to a place where people take dramatic dives off high rock walls into deep, cool pools. Just Google “Huaxtla” and “jump” to see some hilarious belly flops performed here. Other trails lead to high lookout points or to gorgeous green meadows and meandering streams.
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