Jal., Mexico

destination • experience • outdoors

Nevado de Colima

Everything from front-row views of México's most active volcano, Volcán de Colima, to 4,340 meters of stunning, Matterhorn-esque crags, to diverse flora and pine forests, to a rocky summit scramble.

Guadalajara, Jal.

experience • outdoors

Barranca de Oblatos

Who knew that a national park was hidden right under the nose of México's second-largest city, Guadalajara? At the north end of town, you'll find a sprawling complex of canyons, replete with unique flora and fauna, picturesque cliffs, and gorgeous bridges over whitewater rapids? Take the long cobblestone path down from the observation point at the top of the canyon, and once you reach the river, turn left for the bridge or right to return back up some abandoned, exceedingly steep railroad tracks. This is also an amazing place to catch a thunderstorm or a sunset, or just to get in a thigh-burning hike just outside of town. The only two downsides to this hike? It's crowded, and there's quite a bit of litter in places. Oh, and the park's only waterfall, though beautiful, smells rather polluted.

Jal., Mexico

outdoors

Tequila Volcano

Full disclosure: there is no bottle of tequila at Volcan de Tequila's summit. However, it does overlook fields of agave and every single tequila distillery on the planet. The volcano itself starts with a drive up a 15-km cobblestone road, which winds its way through temperate forests up the slopes of the giant shield volcano. Once you reach a gate, drive through it. Before the second gate, park and look for a trail up a slope to a crater rim. Follow this trail for less than a mile towards the Tetilla, the old volcanic plug that now serves as the true summit. From here, ropes or a guide are recommended as exposed Class 4 and 5 climbing await. True story: a boulder knocked me off a ledge here and down a 70-foot cliff. I ended up in a Guadalajara hospital for 12 days with a collapsed lung, 4 broken ribs, a chest tube, and 30 stitches in my head. In other words, climb to the true summit at your own risk. Not looking for an extended hospital stay? The hike to the base of the summit is gorgeous in its own right.

Jal., Mexico

experience • outdoors

Salto del nogal

Deceptively powerful, Salto del Nogal is Jalisco's tallest waterfall, measuring 106 meters down two thundering cascades. Grab your sunscreen and slither your way over a kilometer down a combination dirt road and cobblestone path to a miniature waterfall where the trail meets the river canyon. Another ten minutes upstream and you'll be at the stunning pool at the base of the waterfall, competing with kids and grandparents alike for views of this photogenic waterfall. Want extra credit? Cross the river via some large rocks to the other side of the pool for a commanding set of different views. Contrary to what you might read, you don't need a guide or a 4WD to get here.

Las Piedrotas, Jal.

destination • outdoors

Las Piedrotas

On paper, Las Piedrotas is a bunch of big rocks in a valley just outside Tapalpa, Jalisco. In person, this place is so much more than that. After entering for a small donation of your choosing, you can make this a five-minute photo-op stop or a three-hour hike down the valley, weaving your way in between gargantuan, otherworldly rock formations. This is a fantastic place for a nap, a sunset, an Instagram shot, a picnic, or even a mini zipline.