Yeloxochtl

Overview

Cerro Yeloxochtl (pronounced Yellow-show-tull as far as my friend Javier could tell) is Telapon's neighbour to the west. They share a common saddle which lies about 200m above the valley floor known as manantiales. Yeloxochtl is located about 20-25km NW of Iztaccihuatl and is part of the Sierra Occidental range in Mexico. Yeloxochtl which means 'flower of the heart' in Nahuatl, is found in The Parque Nacional de Zoquiapan y Anexas, a 19400 Ha park that is operated in conjunction with Izta-Popo Park.

This peak is infrequently climbed as it is overshadowed by Telapon to the east and Tlaloc to the north, but it is a great peak in its own right. Yeloxochtl has three distinct summits with the summit proper being found in the center. It is only a few meters higher than the other two and offers little different in terms of views or distinguishing charactersitics, except of course for the fact it is the summit.

Much like Telapon the forests on Yeloxochtl are deep and clean and there is little in the way of trash or other signs of human encroachment to be found on her slopes. From the SW which is one of two routes I would suggest climbing (the other would be from the valley it shares with Telapon) you climb steeply for about 450 vertical meters or so until you start to approach the first of the three summits. It is only lightly treed and the views out over Texcoco and this end of the Mexico City Valley, and several other peaks are excellent. This is the lowest of the three summits. From here you can see the summit proper (to the SE) as it is less than 10 minutes away.

After another relatively steep scramble over fallen trees and rock fields you stand on the summit proper. Again the view is little different so I took a couple photos and headed onto the third distinctive summit which again lies to the SE. Its about a fifteen minute hike to get there, but once you arrive you can see Izta and Popo looming over Telapon's west ridge. It is here the views are the best. With four of mexico's highest peaks in site. You can really relax and enjoy the serenity of the Mexican volcanoes.

The easiest point to climb from would be due west of Telapon Valley. Manantiales is nothing other than a series of 10 or so interconnected, treeless valleys where the spring flows through and keeps the area green year round. Manantiales is a real respite from the ravages of the city especially in the dry season when the valley is a wind-blown dust bowl... it is then Manantiales is akin to paradise.

Getting There

Getting there is actually pretty straightforward. From Mexico City find your way to TAPO (the major bus terminal to all destinations in the south of Mexico).From TAPO find your way to Texcoco (a 45 minute bus ride) that will run about 14 pesos.

Once you arrive in Texcoco ask for the bus to San Pablo. This is another 45 minute ride and your stop is the very last one. Once you get off the bus there is a road that snakes off up into the hills which you will follow until you encounter the aqueduct. After you encounter the aqueduct follow it all the way until it goes underground. This will take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours (the distance is 11km) depending on your degree of physical fitness as Manantiales is at about 3400m or 11200 feet. From there the summit of Yeloxochtl is clearly in sight.

Once you arrive at the first open green pasture, look to the east and quite simply the highest peak you can see is Yeloxochtl. I cross this first section of Manantiales, careful to skirt around the edges as it is boggy in places and one can sink up above their knees if you aren't careful. There is a noticeable valley that the spring flows through, I hiked up through here (following the stream) to the next open section of Manantiales and from there headed due east to start the climb .

It should take no more than an hour to an hour and a half to reach the first summit and then an additional half hour to reach the other two (the overall altitude gain is around 500-550m). Its a relatively easy summit. You can either hike through the trees or do some class II-III scrambling on some of the bluffs and rock bands that dot her slopes... its your call. The only real difficulties can be the altitude, the heat and the sun. If you come prepared for that than it should be a very enjoyable day.

Red Tape

No permits are required and there are no incidental fees, other then what it costs to get to San Pablo or Rio Frio (wherever you should chose to start from).

When To Climb

The best time to climb is the dry season which is November through to March. It is still a fairly easy climb in the off season but one would have to pay close attention to the weather as storms are common and often come quickly and violently. I have witnessed them blow in in less than five minutes and strike with some serious ferocity so please take the peak seriously and check ahead and come prepapred.

Camping

Camping is allowed virtually anywhere with the best place being Manantiales. The valley that it shares with Tlaloc and Telapon. ..though there are numerous spots, especially anywhere near the aqueduct as you have ready access to remarkably clean drinking water.

Also there are numerous places on the summit ridge where one could enjoy a beautiful night in the mountains. The air would be fresh and clean and I can attest the stars and lights from the valley below are enchanting.

It is best to practice the pack in what you pack out philo. as the mountain is pretty much pristine and it is a culturally significant area. Its especially important to have places like this when so much of the valley is ravaged by pollution and garbage.

Mountain Conditions

There is no real way to find out the current weather as the mountain sees next to no traffic it is much less popular than its neighbour to the north Tlaloc and Telapon. The best way is to check the weather for Texcoco or Rio Frio. Failing that the weather for Mexico City will also be accurate as long as you are prepared for any typical mountainous weather as the clouds often roll in in the afternoon.

You can check www.maps-of-mexico.com/mexico-weather for the latest forecats around the Mexico City area.

Images

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