Outbound Collective logo

Summit Pico de Orizaba

PIco de Orizaba, Mexico

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3.8 miles

Elevation Gain

4625 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Stephen Underhay

Pico de Orizaba is the highest point in the country of Mexico and the 3rd highest summit in North America. Sitting at 18,491ft, this amazing summit offers views of all of Veracruz, up to the Gulf of Mexico. This altitude proves a significant challenge for any aspiring mountaineers and adventurers.

From the Piedra Grande base camp at 14,025ft an alpine start is recommended. Beginning at 2am will offer the best weather near the summit. Begin by hiking along the concrete aqueduct above the hut. The first 1,500ft of elevation gain is a steep, rocky slope. Be careful for rockfall and slipping in the soft areas. Following the right side of the gulley, you'll zig-zag and gain elevation quickly.

At 15,580ft the "Labyrinth" begins. This section, while not as steep, offers significant challenges in the way of route-finding. Depending on snow condition this section can be dry rock, frozen snow or pure ice. Be careful as you ascend to the top of the gully at 16,400ft.

The final challenge is the Jamapa Glacier. This 2,000ft elevation gain section is long and steep. Donning crampons and ice axe, you follow a direct path up the western slope of the glacier. Then turning towards the summit you head up approximately 50 degree slopes to the crater rim.

Once on the summit, enjoy the uninterrupted views of a huge part of the country - from central Mexico all the way to the gulf. You're standing on the roof of Mexico.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping
Hiking
Bathrooms

Summit Pico de Orizaba Reviews

Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in México, on the north face it has glaciers. Nowadays the Jampa glacier is very dangerous because of the global warming and the climate change, the glacier is melting and there are a lot of cracks, you must be careful.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Climb the South Face of Pico de Orizaba

Climb the North Face of Pico de Orizaba

Rock Climb in Río Blanco

Rock Climb in Jalcomulco

Climb the Malinche Volcano

Rock Climb in Los Pericos