El Salto, Durango: Life in the Sierra Madre
El Salto is a mountain town in western Durango and the seat of Pueblo Nuevo municipality. Set among the forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, it is shaped more by timber work and everyday regional life than by tourism. Its cool climate, sawmills and position on the Durango–Mazatlán road give it a character quite different from the warmer lowlands on either side of the mountains. For travelers, El Salto is a useful place to understand the region and a base for exploring forest scenery, including Mexiquillo farther along the road.
A town surrounded by highland forest
Timber work and an everyday town center
Forest outings beyond town
What is there in El Salto?
A quick overview of the most notable things you can find in El Salto.
Pine and oak forest
Wooded ridges surround the town and define much of the landscape in Pueblo Nuevo municipality.
Timber and wood-processing activity
Sawmills and timber transport reflect the area's longstanding forest-based economy.
A working town center
Local shops and places to eat serve residents and travelers rather than a large sightseeing crowd.
Durango–Mazatlán mountain road
The highway corridor connects El Salto with settlements and forest areas across the Sierra Madre.
Access to Mexiquillo
The forest recreation area farther along the mountain route has rock formations, a waterfall and old railway tunnels.
What to see in El Salto?
Notable places and attractions connected to El Salto.
Parque Natural Mexiquillo
This forest area along the Durango–Mazatlán route is a day trip from El Salto, with trails and distinctive rock formations.
Cascada de Mexiquillo
A waterfall within the Mexiquillo area that is especially worth seeing when water levels are higher.
Túneles ferroviarios de Mexiquillo
Old railway tunnels cut through the mountain landscape and are among the most recognizable sights at Mexiquillo.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Cooler mountain climate than much of the surrounding region.
- ✓Forests and rugged scenery close to town.
- ✓A useful stop on a drive between Durango and Mazatlán.
- ✓A good base for a day trip to Mexiquillo.
- ✓A working-town atmosphere rather than a heavily developed tourist setting.
Cons
- −Few conventional attractions within the town itself.
- −A car is useful for reaching forest sites and exploring the wider area.
- −Mountain roads can be winding and slower than distances suggest.
- −Cold nights, rain or fog may complicate outdoor plans.
- −Visitor facilities are more limited than in larger cities or established resorts.
Location
El Salto is located in Durango.
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