Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
Park National park protecting several mountain lagoons near Mexico City
A short drive from Mexico City, Zempoala National Park protects seven interconnected lagoons in pine-encino forest; hikers, picnickers and mountain bikers use marked trails and rustic cabins.
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park is a protected area in the State of Mexico that conserves a cluster of high-mountain lakes and the surrounding pine-fir forest. The park protects a compact system of several lagoons and the water sources that supply local valleys.
Trails and paths link the lakes and offer hiking, picnicking and camping amid mixed conifer woodland; the setting is popular for day trips and short wilderness excursions. The lakes lie at high elevation, surrounded by typical central-Mexican montane vegetation.
The area was set aside to protect water resources and the forested watershed that feeds the lagoons. The park sits in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt south of Mexico City and functions as a recreational and conservation area for nearby urban populations.
- Distance from Mexico City: located at high elevation in the central Mexican mountains, the park is a common weekend destination for residents of Mexico City.
- Altitude and lakes: the lake system is often described as a group of seven mountain lagoons set among pine and fir forest at roughly 2,800-3,000 m elevation.
How to Get to Lagunas de Zempoala National Park #
From Mexico City, take the Mex-95D (Autopista del Sol) toward Cuernavaca, leave near the junction for Toluca or follow signs for Oaxtepec/Huitzilac and then local roads toward Zempoala-expect 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. There are colectivos and buses from the Tepotzotlán and Cuernavaca areas; the most direct access is by car to the park’s main lot near the group of lakes. Once parked, trails and boardwalks link the main lagoons.
Tips for Visiting Lagunas de Zempoala National Park #
- Enter through the main Parque Nacional Lagunas de Zempoala visitor parking at Milpa Alta - it shortens the walk to the largest lakes
- Bring layers: the park sits near 2,900-3,200 m (9,500-10,500 ft) and mornings can be chilly even in summer
- Walk the loop clockwise around Laguna Verde for better light on the water in the morning; local vendors sell hot atole near the parking lot in high season
Best Time to Visit Lagunas de Zempoala National Park #
Best visited in the dry-season shoulder months for clearer trails and better light; mornings are the calmest and clearest.
Weather & Climate near Lagunas de Zempoala National Park #
Lagunas de Zempoala National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1243 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (218 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (255 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (265 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (217 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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