This park protects the dormant, snow-capped Nevado de Colima, the taller of the state's two volcanic peaks and a contrast to its active neighbor, the Volcán de Fuego. Pine and fir forest covers the lower slopes, giving way to alpine terrain higher up, and the park is the main access point for hikers heading toward the summit. Most visitors come for a day of forest walking and volcano views rather than the full multi-hour summit push, which requires more preparation.
Nevado de Colima National Park protects the higher, dormant volcanic peak on the Colima-Jalisco border, reaching just over 4,300 meters and often capped with snow between December and February. The park is forested with pine, oak, and fir, giving way to alpine grassland and volcanic scree near the summit. Visitors can drive to a mid-elevation parking area and hike shorter forest loop trails in two to three hours, or tackle the full summit trail, a demanding half-day to full-day route across loose volcanic rock with sweeping views over the Colima valley and, on clear days, the active Volcán de Fuego to the south. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, coyotes, and a range of pine-forest bird species. The best vantage points for photographing both volcanoes together are along the upper switchbacks below the false summit. Crowds are light on weekdays and heavier on dry-season weekends, particularly when snow is reported at the summit, which draws day-trippers from across the region. Trail conditions deteriorate quickly in the rainy season, when landslides and low visibility are common.
| Admission | Adult MXN 30-50 (~USD 1.80-2.95) park access fee · Child Reduced rate for children |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM at the park gate; trail access may close during rainy-season landslides or ash-fall from the neighboring Volcán de Fuego |
| Typical visit | Half day to full day for the summit trail; 2-3 hours for lower forest trails |
| Best time | November-April dry season for the clearest summit views |
| Getting there | About 1.5-2 hours (60 km) by car from Colima City via Federal Highway 54 toward Ciudad Guzmán, then the signed park access road |
| Address | Parque Nacional Nevado de Colima, Km 21 Carretera Colima-Ciudad Guzmán, 28400 Colima/Jalisco border, Mexico |
Location
Parque Nacional Nevado de Colima, Km 21 Carretera Colima-Ciudad Guzmán, 28400 Colima/Jalisco border, Mexico
19.5717, -103.6144 View on map
Highlights
- Summit trail to over 4,300 meters with volcanic scree and alpine grassland
- Seasonal snow cover December-February
- Views of the active Volcán de Fuego from the upper switchbacks
- Pine, oak, and fir forest trails for shorter hikes
Tips for visiting
- Start summit hikes before dawn to reach the top before afternoon cloud cover sets in
- Bring warm layers, temperatures near the summit can drop below freezing even in the dry season
- Register with park staff at the gate before attempting the summit trail
- Avoid the summit route entirely during and after heavy rain due to landslide risk
- No formal ticketing office online, the access fee is paid in cash at the gate
When to visit
The November-April dry season gives the clearest summit views and the best chance of seeing snow at higher elevations; avoid the rainy season due to landslide risk.
Accessibility
Trails are unpaved, steep in sections, and not wheelchair accessible; the summit route requires a good level of fitness and sturdy hiking footwear.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Shorter forest trails take two to three hours, while the full summit hike is a half-day to full-day undertaking.
Is it worth it for kids?
The lower forest trails suit families with older children, but the summit route's altitude and loose scree make it unsuitable for young children.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is unrestricted throughout the park, and the upper switchbacks are the most popular spot for volcano photographs.