Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park

Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park is a large national park that protects a twin stratovolcano complex on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the states of Colima and Jalisco (most of the accessible areas are in Jalisco). The two volcanoes encompassed in the park are Volcan de Colima (also called Volcan de Fuego) and Nevado de Colima. The park is a good choice for hiking, backpacking, camping, and mountaineering.

Understand
The Colima volcano complex is often described as two volcanoes, but there is a third called El Cántaro that is much older and is significantly eroded. It is considered an extinct volcano.

Volcan de Colima (or Volcan de Fuego, if you prefer the more colorful name) is the most active volcano in Mexico, having over 40 major eruptions since 1576. It is 3958 meters high. It has erupted frequently since 2001. It is a decade volcano (one of the world's most dangerous). It could blow again at any time and has the potential to kill a lot of people (more than 300,000 people live within 25 miles of it).

That leaves Nevado de Colima (also known as Zapotepetl) as the only choice to safely explore. Nevado de Colima is a dormant volcano. It is the highest volcano in the complex at 4330 meters.

History
Volcan Nevado de Colima was established as a national park in 1936 by decree of President Lazaro Cardenas. It is administered for the federal government by CONANP.

Landscape
Mountainous terrain. The park encompasses 6555 hectares. An adjacent federally protected nature reserve protects another 5000 adjacent hectares and an adjacent Jalisco state park protects another 7000 hectares. There is a lot of open natural space for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts to explore.

Flora and fauna
Pine forest is the predominant vegetation with grassy areas toward the peak.

The park is home to some interesting mammals including the collared peccary (commonly known as a boar) and white-tail deer. Coyotes can also be found at lower elevations in the park, where the apex predator is the puma up to about 3200 meters and the lynx in the higher grasslands. Well over 100 different vertebrate species make their home in the park, 62 of which are endemic to the area (mostly reptiles).

124 bird species have been spotted in the park, most of them woodland song birds.

Forests in the region were decimated over the past 50 years by local paper industries, but the park has undertaken conservation initiatives since the late 2000s aimed at restoring soil quality and planting young trees to reforest damaged areas.

Climate
Conditions change rapidly with elevation. The coldest months are October through December although temperatures near the peak can be freezing any time of the year. Snow is common, particularly from October through January.

Get in
The easiest way is to rent a car (Jeep or 4WD truck is recommended) and drive yourself. From Guadalajara, drive south to Ciudad Guzman.

By train
From Guadalajara you can take the Sur de Jalisco Tren Ligero to Ciudad Guzman.

Once in Cd. Guzman you can either try to hire a taxi driver to take you into the park (it's a slow journey on mostly rough dirt mountain roads). If you want to drive it yourself, head southwest on state highway 429 (Carr. Grullo-Cd. Guzman). After a few miles, you'll get to Fresnito, where the highway veers sharply to the right. About 1.5 km further, you'll see the sign for "Parque Nacional", pointing to a rough backroad on your left. That's your path for the next 45 minutes until you get to the park entrance. The road continues into the park, up the mountain to about the 12,000-foot level, where there's a base camp with a parking lot.

Fees and permits
Park entrance costs M$80 plus camping fees. Be sure to have small bills and coins. The attendants rarely have change.

Get around
Hike. Trails are maintained and are in generally good condition, but hiring a local guide with knowledge of the mountain, its paths, and potential dangerous spots, would be wise.

Do

 * Hike
 * Camp
 * Mountain climb
 * Observe nature

Eat
Bring your own food.

Drink
Bring your own drinks.

Lodging
Campamento La Joya is a pleasant mountain glen, about 1 km past the park entrance/guard shack, with a camping area and cabins that can easily accommodate a good-size family. Camping is also available here. Bathrooms with water and flush toilets. Much more comfortable than pitching a tent on the mountain.

Backcountry
Backcountry camping is allowed.

Stay safe
Dress for the weather and check local forecasts. Warm clothes for cold weather are advisable even in summer.

Go next

 * Colima
 * Mazamitla
 * Manzanillo