Hill of Three Crosses — Attraction in Cali

Hill of Three Crosses - Cerro de Las Tres Cruces A really nice hike - some might find it more challenging than others depending on fitness level. The first time I went up with a group as I had no idea where I was going. Also, I don't speak Spanish, so it was great to go with some people who did. It's advisable to go early in the morning as it gets really warm throughout the day. On my most recent trip I went solo at around 1 in the afternoon. I was surprised how many people stopped me to check that I was OK, had water with me, and to inform me that it was steep at parts. Perhaps some concern for my personal safety to, however, I didn't feel unsafe at any time. I'm an avid jogger and gym guy, and pushed myself to go straight up without stopping or slowing. Elevation and speed definitely got me breathing hard, and the heat in the middle of the day was an added challenge for sure. My home town, New York City is only 33 ft above sea level. Cali is 3,327 feet. Add 1,050 feet on the way up. There's man made stairs to start off, roughly 740 stairs - or so I was told (I'll take their word for it... I wasn't counting). Some clambering over rocks and some steep points on the way up... which seem a whole lot steeper on the way down. This is where I suggest you know your fitness level. If you're not comfortable using hands and feet to balance and clamber down the rocks, it's not for you. At the top there's a free "gym" with basic eqpt, like weights made of concrete and pull up bars etc. There's some nice views overlooking Cali at the top and some nice photo opportunities. It's a tradition to have fresh squeezed carrot-orange juice and banana bread when you reach the top. I abstained due to watching carbs, but if you're not like me, it's part of the experience and something worth doing - you earned it at the top.

BRING WATER! Also, regular sneakers are OK, but something with tread for hiking is better. I saw a lot of sneaker soles along the trail that must've come apart from peoples sneaks along the way. I had on cross trainers.

Timing-wise, depending on fitness level, probably give yourself 2-3+ hours. It took over 3 hours when we went as a group and less than 2 hours when I went solo. These times include the walk to/from the hotel.

Like I said, it's a really nice hike. Highly recommended! I'll definitely go back up on...

Beginner friendly hike (just go slow if you must), the nonprofits and city hall have made a great job on making this place so beautiful and scenic. There are different trails depending on how fit you are, I'd say the section with the stairs is much more intense than the other. Oh! And if you're a cat lover, at the foot of the mountain there is a cat colony with lots of cute, friendly cats to pet Safety note: if you go during the week, go as early as possible to avoid being too lonely in the mountain, it's beautiful but better be safe than sorry. Be specially careful if you're a lone female, go early and through the path with the stairs. During the weekends there's more people, so any trail before noon...

Good place for excersice. My advise go early with proper outfit. Be really carefull is a very hard ground and could get injured. Have water with you. Also is good to go early becuase more locals go at that time always some police will be arround on the way. On the top and on the way you can find fruit and fruit juices all natural. Please take the trash you bring with you do not leave it in the mountain. Is becoming popular to take doggies so you will see a lot of them arround with the owners and some doggies pop because some people is not clean :s . It cant take you up to one hour each way unless you are super fit will be done in 30 min. A lot of paths to follow and enjoy the day...