About 10km west of Monterrey’s city center, this spectacular canyon is studded dramatically with 300m-tall rock formations and gorgeous desert landscapes. It’s astounding that such isolated, sublime natural space can be so near a major city. Close to the entrance, the picnic area and swimming pool get very busy at weekends, but take a walk (or drive or bicycle ride) up the paved road into the canyon and you’ll likely have more peace and quiet. If you want to bike through the canyon, tour operators can provide guides and hobbling rentals. There are both pavement and dirt tracks to ride.