HikeArizona.COM

Andale, andale, arriba, arriba!!

Staying true to my moniker I will be making a 20 day trip and climb three of Mexico's biggest peaks. During Christmas and New Year's holiday season I will be backpacking in central Mexico with the main objective of climbing Mexico's highest peak, Pico de Orizaba (18,491ft). This volcano has a glacier covered peak all year round and is a great challenge for any mountain climber. Previous to my Orizaba attempt i will be making two separate training climbs to La Malinche Volcano (14,636 - day hike) and Iztaccihuatl Volcano (17,159 - One nighter), these two peaks i will be doing unguided as the trail is well worn. For Pico de Orizaba i will be hiring a guide and/or join a team for logistical and safety reasons.
The completion of these three peaks is called "The Mexican Trilogy" among Mexican mountaineers. My planned stay in Mexico will be starting December 24 and ending January 12. There will be time to spare and check out other non-mountain attractions. As a history fanatic I also plan on spending a few days xploring some of Mexico's archaeological sites including Teotihuacan and if time allows maybe heading to Veracruz and enjoy the ocean and great sea food.
If anyone has been interested in high altitude mountain climbing this is a great chance to join in what could be a trip of a lifetime for some. No previous high altitude experience for any of the three volcanoes but previous crampon/ice ax/roping experience will be helpful specially for Pico de Orizaba as it requires a 45-50 degree traverse to its summit.
If this is something that may interest you to either join or for future reference please state your questions or concerns below.

Happy hiking!
VolcanoCLMBR (Frank)

Have fun. I won't be doing that, but they look like fun for the traveler willing to invest the time.

Have you done any cascade volcanoes when they have their ice on them?

If your checking out Teotihuacan which is near Mexico City the Museo Archeologico is amazing. El Zocalo is pretty interesting for history, architecture, and ruins as well. Have fun!

Jim_H wrote:Have fun. I won't be doing that, but they look like fun for the traveler willing to invest the time.

Have you done any cascade volcanoes when they have their ice on them?

Thanks Jim!
Yes ive invested some time and money for this whole winter climbing hobby of mine
No i havent done any of the Cascade volcanoes range, that whole pacific NW does interest me a whole lot as they are great training grounds for higher mountains in the Andes and the Himalayas. Soon ill think about climbing some of those as Im sure i will be itching for more climbing after im finished with this project!

MtnBart01 wrote:If your checking out Teotihuacan which is near Mexico City the Museo Archeologico is amazing. El Zocalo is pretty interesting for history, architecture, and ruins as well. Have fun!

Thanks for the museum suggestion! I havent been anywhere in Mexico but Mexico City has attracted me because of all its history....and the food!! I think ive been watching too much Anthony Bourdain

Oh man, that is tempting. Trying to get some post-Denali mountaineering motivation up, but it's not happened yet. Perhaps it will by then - will be in touch, as that sounds like a pretty fun mountain

The floating gardens are kinda cool, but it's pretty touristy and can be crowded. The Zona Rosa has some great night spots and is (or was 15 years ago at least) a pretty safe area.

sbkelley wrote:Oh man, that is tempting. Trying to get some post-Denali mountaineering motivation up, but it's not happened yet. Perhaps it will by then - will be in touch, as that sounds like a pretty fun mountain

Anyone who does Denali, should do this. That is my spur of the moment rule.

sbkelley wrote:Oh man, that is tempting. Trying to get some post-Denali mountaineering motivation up, but it's not happened yet. Perhaps it will by then - will be in touch, as that sounds like a pretty fun mountain

So youve summited Denali? How awesome is that!! Impressed!
I think you would find these peaks right up your alley.....and way easier i suppose!

Wondering if this is still happening? Not going, just wondering.

As of a week ago, he was still going.....

Oh yeah! Its still happening! Im flying out Xmas eve for Mexico City, looking to climb Orizaba on the first few days of 2014. Getting a guide for that climb......two words, incredibly cheap!

Good luck - will be cheering for ya! Hope the weather and conditions cooperate, and I look forward to the pics/report

Thanks! ill put forth my best effort out there! Photos to come soon!