Ascent from Challao, passing through Cerro Santo Tomás de Aquino to Cerro El Gateado (11.4 KM) – Circuit suitable for motorcycle enduro or bike
This exit also begins transiting the Provincial Route N ° 13, beginning in the Municipal District of La Heras, 20 KM from the city of Mendoza. Arriving at the post las Chilcas begins a dirt road at 1350 meters above sea level, from here on, in general, the most deteriorated part of the road is reached until reaching the top of the snails, 2020 meters above sea level. On the way to the next point we went through Casa de Piedra, 2470 masl, Here the road becomes very interesting with a lot of gravel down, where a sharp curve opens up to an intersection of 3 gorges to the “Tres Quebradas” post. . Right there is a little path that goes up to “La Subida de la Mili”, a highly recommended climb of gravel and stone 1km away.
From there the crossing begins. The circuit follows a very marked trail, as it is a well-known place, and used by many lovers of the mountain and outdoor sports, continuing towards the summit, which between curves and countercurves, and some very marked slopes to the top of Cerro Arco. From there, taking the right side we follow a footprint (also very marked) of 2.6 km more that lead us without problems to the Santo Tomás de Aquino summit, testimony of the Salesian faith on the edge of Cerro Arco. From this point, a gentle slope continues at 1638 meters above sea level, characterized by the presence of coirones and sparse vegetation 1km away. Just after the first elevation, the landscape recovers docile forms. It is followed by a small section of 500 mtrs. of cornice, which announces that the route is about to end. After the cornice, only 1km remains until the Gateado however, in the distance you can already see the smoky chimneys of a cement plant, while the eaglets surround the hill. Last pending something more demanded, it rewards us with the artisan cross of the Gateado that concludes the circuit. Walking a little further is the option to go and summit the “Gateado” or follow. The descent is well marked, well marked, you have to be careful because there are many stones, but usually it is quite fluid, until the “Cruz de Santo Tomás”.
