Peña de Bernal stands as one of Mexico’s most striking monoliths, its jagged silhouette slicing into the sky near the town of Bernal in Querétaro. Among its less-traveled lines, the Colonel of Bernal offers climbers a straightforward yet engaging sport climb that showcases the rugged character of the west face. This route begins just slightly to the right of a familiar landing, granting a sense of discovery as you step onto the textured rock. As your hands find large holds climbing toward the first ceiling, the rock’s rough edges and natural pockets provide a steady rhythm, inviting you to trust in your grip and your gear.

At approximately 40 feet up, the ceiling challenges you to apply power and balance, its overhanging feature demanding a brief moment of concentrated effort to pull over. Surmounting this obstacle rewards you with a breather on solid ledges before a final push to the anchor. The entire pitch stretches roughly 80 feet, making it a concise but satisfying test of skill. Bolted protection ensures security, tying you into a two-bolt anchor after a clean, well-spaced line of bolts that complement the natural route of the climb.

The area itself provides more than just physical demands—the arid air mingles with the warm sun, while occasional breezes whisper through the exposed rock surface. The climb’s west face orientation means the route catches sunlight late in the day, cooling quickly as the sun dips, so afternoon ascents in the cooler months come highly recommended. Reaching this wall involves a clear but rocky approach from the base town of Bernal; hikers will find a mixed terrain of dry scrubland and weathered paths stretching underfoot, a reminder that preparation extends beyond your chalk bag.

For those planning to experience the Colonel of Bernal, hydration is key given the dry environment. Sturdy shoes with solid edging capabilities will help secure footing on the weathered limestone. Expect some loose fragments near the anchors, a small caution to maintain steady focus on each movement. Despite its modest grade of 5.7, the exposed ceiling section creates a subtle crux that keeps climbers attentive, a physical nudge that elevates the climb beyond a simple beginner route. As a single-pitch, 80-foot sport climb with reliable bolts, Colonel of Bernal sits comfortably for those ready to blend technical skill with the raw charm of Peña de Bernal’s rock.