| Peña de Bernal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,510 m (8,230 ft) AMSL |
| Prominence | 350 m (1,150 ft) |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Rock of Bernal |
| Language of name | Spanish |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Location | San Sebastián Bernal,Querétaro,Mexico |
| Parent range | Sierra Gorda |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | 65 million years |
| Mountain type | Porphyrytic monolith |
Peña de Bernal (Spanish pronunciation:[ˈpeɲaðeβeɾˈnal];English:Bernal's Boulder orBernal Peak) is a 433-metre (1,421 ft)monolith, one of the tallest in the world.[1]It is located inSan Sebastián Bernal, a small town in the Mexican state ofQuerétaro.[2] It is one of the most touristic sites near the capital ofQuerétaro.
Geological studies indicate the rock is the exposed core of an ancient volcano. Following its extinction, the lava in the interior became solid and most of the rest of the volcano eroded over millions of years. The solidified magma that remains is what constitutes and shapes the monolith.
Theporphyrytic monolith was once thought to have been formed during theJurassic period.[2] A recent chemical analysis by researchers at theNational Autonomous University of Mexico has determined that it is considerably younger, likely formed about 8.7 million years ago.[3]
Many people perform apilgrimage to the small chapel located at the highest point accessible through hiking.
20°44′53.5″N99°56′55″W / 20.748194°N 99.94861°W /20.748194; -99.94861
