Cascada El Salto de Nogal Trail

The Cascada El Salto de Nogal Trail begins near El Nogal, along the Carretera Minatitlan-El Terrero in Minatitlan Municipality, Colima, at the foot of the Colima volcanoes. The trailhead is reached by private vehicle from Minatitlan town center; no entrance fee or permit is required, as the falls sit on open community land rather than inside a managed park. The route covers 3 kilometers round trip with about 120 meters of cumulative elevation gain and loss down to the waterfall. The path follows a narrow dirt and rock track through subtropical forest, with a moderately steep, sometimes slippery descent to the base of the falls where the trail crosses over rocks near the stream. Shade is consistent through most of the forested approach. The waterfall itself, El Salto de Nogal, drops into a natural pool that serves as the main landmark and destination; there is no further trail beyond the pool, making it a natural turn-around point. There is no potable water source along the trail, so hikers should carry their own. No shelter or refuge exists along the route. Water flow and pool depth vary considerably by season: July through October, during the rainy season, brings the fullest flow and deepest swimming pool, while the drier months offer a smaller but calmer flow and easier footing on the approach. Because of its short length and proximity to Minatitlan, the trail is a popular half-day outing combining a modest forest walk with a swimming stop at the falls, though the final descent to the pool requires sure footing on wet rock.