Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park

Volcan Nevado de Colima Overview

Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park, known in Spanish as Parque Nacional Volcán Nevado de Colima, spans approximately 56 square miles (145 square kilometers) in western Mexico.

It is located in the states of Jalisco and Colima, with its centerpiece being the towering Nevado de Colima, which rises to 14,015 feet (4,275 meters) above sea level. This dormant stratovolcano is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and alongside the more active Volcán de Fuego, it dominates the landscape with its rugged peaks and dramatic slopes.

The park’s diverse topography includes deep ravines, volcanic craters, and high-altitude forests, creating a striking environment that changes dramatically with elevation. The lower elevations are covered with pine-oak forests, while the upper reaches are characterized by alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The park also has seasonal waterfalls and small streams that flow from the highlands, adding to its scenic beauty.

Wildlife in the park is abundant, with many species adapted to the varying elevations and climates. Among the most notable mammals are white-tailed deer, pumas, bobcats, and ringtails, while smaller species such as coatis and gray foxes also thrive in the area.

The bird population is especially diverse, featuring endemic and migratory species. Notable birds include the splendid trogon, the long-tailed wood partridge, and various species of hummingbirds. Raptors such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons can be seen soaring above the volcanic slopes. Reptiles and amphibians, including rattlesnakes and salamanders, inhabit the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Visitors to the park are drawn to its challenging hiking trails, which lead through forests and up the volcanic slopes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. Climbing Nevado de Colima is a popular activity for experienced hikers and mountaineers, especially during the dry season when the summit may be dusted with snow. Birdwatching is another major attraction, as the park is a haven for avian biodiversity.

The landscape is also ideal for photography, with dramatic sunrises and misty valleys creating stunning visuals. In the winter months, the upper elevations may experience snowfall, providing a rare opportunity for snow-related activities in Mexico. Camping is allowed in designated areas, giving visitors a chance to experience the park’s pristine environment overnight.

One of the park’s key conservation challenges is balancing tourism with the need to protect its fragile ecosystems. The presence of an active volcano nearby poses natural hazards, while deforestation and illegal logging in surrounding areas threaten biodiversity.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable tourism initiatives to ensure that visitors can enjoy the park while minimizing their impact. Despite these challenges, the park has been successful in preserving its high-altitude forests and maintaining a stable population of key wildlife species.

Local communities and conservation groups work together to promote environmental education and responsible tourism, ensuring that Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park remains a vital natural sanctuary for future generations.

Park Map

Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s high-altitude pine forests, rugged cliffs, and open meadows create an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and highland specialists.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Mexico’s most majestic birds, the golden eagle soars above the park’s rugged cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare nocturnal predator, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s dense forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A highly social woodpecker, the acorn woodpecker is known for storing acorns in tree trunks and is commonly found in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and raucous calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back and red belly, the mountain trogon prefers the park’s dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but striking bird, the western bluebird features bright blue plumage and a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open meadows and forest edges.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park, the turkey vulture soars high on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk is seen soaring above the park during seasonal migrations, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park, located in the states of Jalisco and Colima, is a high-altitude protected area dominated by the towering Volcán Nevado de Colima and the active Volcán de Fuego. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from pine-oak forests to alpine grasslands, providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife adapted to the mountainous environment.

Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi)
An endangered subspecies, the Mexican gray wolf was once native to these highlands and is the focus of conservation efforts to restore its population.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
A stealthy predator, the cougar hunts deer, peccaries, and smaller mammals across the park’s rugged terrain.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Highly adaptable, the coyote thrives in the park’s diverse landscapes, preying on rodents, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, serving as a key prey species for large carnivores.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A pig-like mammal that moves in small groups, the collared peccary forages for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, helping with seed dispersal.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal, raccoon-like mammal, the ring-tailed cat is an agile climber that hunts for insects, rodents, and fruit in rocky and forested areas.

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
Often seen in rocky outcrops and forest floors, this large ground squirrel collects seeds and berries, playing a role in seed dispersal.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A large, non-venomous constrictor, the Mexican pine snake helps control rodent populations and is often found in forested and rocky habitats.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous but reclusive species, the black-tailed rattlesnake blends into the rocky terrain and preys on small mammals and reptiles.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A unique high-altitude salamander, this species inhabits the park’s cool, moist streams and serves as an important indicator of environmental health.