[Redwic]

Earlier this past week, I was sent on a worktrip for several days to Mazatlan, Mexico. It was nearly all work and no play, but I woke up early enough during the final morning of the trip so I could hike up Cerro del Creston, the highest point within the city limits. The peak is geologically an island, but the government has built-up a stretch of land through pavement and rock placement and now considers the peak part of the mainland. The summit is approximately 515'-523' elevation above high tide. Even with the artifically-connected land build-up included, the peak would still have ~500' of clean prominence. Cerro del Creston is one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It is a regular sightseeing and walking destination for locals and tourists. There is a well-traveled trail leading up the peak, the top second-half of which contains over 320 concrete stairs. Atop its summit is the second-highest natural marine lighthouse ("El Faro") in the world, only behind Gibraltar. In other words, the natural ground is the second-highest for an operational marine lighthouse. The term "highest" is not to be confused with "tallest" as there are many marine lighthouses worldwide which have taller buildings but on lower-elevation ground. The lighthouse atop Cerro del Creston is only approximately 2.5 stories tall. I would recommend this peak for any visitors to Mazatlan. Although I did not arrive to the city via ferry, the peak is only 0.9 miles away from the ferry terminal. It only took me 30 minutes roundtrip, including many photo stops. Here are a few of those photos:

Cerro del Creston

Entrance Gate

Road-Trail

Shortly After Sunrise

Part Of 300+ Staircase

Approaching El Faro

Mazatlan

El Faro ("The Lighthouse")

Pacific Ocean

[Paul M]

Cool Craig! Way to make the best of a work trip too!

[Z]

Is the old guy selling pop still up there?