13 · Estado de México, Mexico

Between the Two Lakes

Climb from the highland parking edge into the volcanic bowl of Xinantécatl.

Trail runningMountain runningOut and backPENDIENTE
EpicSite gradeTolucaNearest base

Site grade

EpicSuggested · Book difficulty: PENDIENTE

High-altitude terrain, rapid weather changes, loose ground and access controls can close the entire area.

The experience

At nearly 4,700 metres, every step carries altitude, cold and exposure.

The crater contains Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna.

Where the sources disagreeCONANP reported a total closure in March 2026, including the crater and all ascent and surrounding trails; this card is not a current invitation to enter.

Trail path

The line
you follow.

StartParque de los VenadosFinishNevado de Toluca crater / lake areaDirectionOut-and-back; only when officially open
  1. 01Parque de los Venados
  2. 02controlled access
  3. 03crater approach
  4. 04Laguna del Sol
  5. 05Laguna de la Luna

Route sections

01 · The High StartParque de los Venados to access
Begin at the authorized visitor edge and check the day's notice.02 · Above the TreesAccess to crater approach
The road and trail gain height into exposed alpine terrain.03 · The Volcanic BowlCrater approach to lake area
The crater and twin lakes are the destination when open.04 · Descend Before the WeatherLake area to start
Return early enough to respect closing controls.

Weather profile

What the sky
is likely to do.

High-altitude conditions can shift to fog, rain, hail, strong wind, freezing temperatures and ice.

Season & timing

Managed seasonOnly during official opening periodsBest windowA formally open stable-weather window with mountain equipment.SurfaceHigh-altitude dirt road, volcanic rock, scree and possible snow or iceDirectionOut-and-back; only when officially open

Signature moments

What you will
remember afterwards.

01

Parque de los Venados

02

Tree-line transition

03

Crater rim

04

Laguna del Sol

05

Laguna de la Luna

ELEVATION

4,680 M

Mexico's fifth-highest mountain

CONANP lists the Nevado de Toluca at 4,680 metres above sea level.

Access & logistics

AccessThe authorized visitor approach is through Parque de los Venados when open.PermitsFollow current CONANP and CEPANAF controls and fees.BookingsVerify closures, capacity and access directly before travel.WaterCarry water; do not assume supplies at the crater.FoodCarry food and emergency calories.Mobile coverageVariable and not a safety system.

Key hazards

  • ▲Current closure
  • ▲Altitude illness
  • ▲Freezing weather
  • ▲Snow and ice
  • ▲Lightning and fog
  • ▲Unauthorized access routes

SafetyDo not enter during closure. Research and orientation only.

Check current closure status →Request this run →

Official sources

Last verified 2026-07-30 · Record CETC-RUN-013 · Orientation only. Always use current official maps, alerts and safety guidance.

Photograph: D4m14n marco · CC BY-SA 3.0