The park's name, Desierto de los Leones, is largely due to the Carmelite monastery situated
just north of its center. Carmelite monks called their residences
“deserts”. But the exact origin of “de los Leones” is not known. The
first monastery complex was constructed between 1606 and 1611. By 1711,
this structure had deteriorated greatly. It was demolished and a new one was
built in its place adjoining just south of the original complex. By the
end of the 18th century, the cold, damp weather and increasingly frequent
visitors forced the monks to move their monastery to Tenancingo in 1801. The
monastery was declared a national monument on 16 May 1937. The 18th-century
structure has a number of areas that have been restored and opened to the
public. In addition to the old monastery, the park attracts visitors for
the nature that surrounds the complex. The park offers activities such as
day camping, overnight camping, hiking and mountain biking.
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