A rewarding hike through Jalisco's Sierra Occidental cloud forest to the spectacular El Salto waterfall, one of the most impressive in the state. The trail passes through pine-oak forest with views of the surrounding mountains and offers opportunities to see endemic birds of the Sierra Madre.
El Salto Waterfall Trail starts near San Sebastián del Oeste, a colonial mining town in Jalisco's Sierra Occidental reached by a paved but winding mountain road roughly 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta; vehicles can park at a small trailhead area on the outskirts of town, and no permit is needed, though hiring a local guide in San Sebastián is common practice. The out-and-back route covers about 7km round trip with 350m of combined gain and loss as it winds through pine-oak cloud forest at elevations near 1,500m. The path is mostly packed dirt and leaf litter with occasional rocky sections and a few stream crossings that require careful footing, especially after rain; the forest canopy provides near-continuous shade. Along the way, hikers pass viewpoints over the surrounding Sierra Madre ridgelines and stands of old-growth pine before descending to the base of the 40-meter El Salto waterfall, which forms the natural turn-around point and a popular swimming spot in the dry season. There are no huts or shelters on the trail, but the stream that feeds the waterfall offers a water source that should be treated before drinking. The cloud forest here supports several bird species found only in this part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, making the hike a favorite among birdwatchers based in San Sebastián.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- San Sebastián del Oeste, Sierra Occidental, Jalisco
- Best season
- November to May (dry season) for hiking; June to October for maximum waterfall flow
Highlights
- El Salto waterfall (40m drop)
- Sierra Madre cloud forest
- endemic birdwatching
- mountain panoramas
Tips for visiting
- Hire a local guide in San Sebastián del Oeste, as side trails can be confusing to follow
- Wear sturdy hiking boots for the rocky, sometimes muddy sections of the descent
- Visit in the dry season for safer stream crossings and better waterfall swimming conditions
- Bring binoculars for the endemic cloud-forest bird species along the route
- Carry sufficient drinking water, as the stream should be treated before consumption
When to visit
Mornings offer the clearest cloud-forest views before afternoon mist and rain typically roll in.
Accessibility
The trail's uneven forest floor, stream crossings, and elevation changes make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the El Salto Waterfall Trail?
It is a moderate hike with sustained elevation change and uneven terrain, suitable for hikers with some trail experience.
Is a guide required for this hike?
A guide is not strictly required but is recommended, since the trail network near San Sebastián del Oeste is not always clearly marked.
What is the best time of year to see El Salto at its fullest?
The waterfall carries the most volume during and just after the summer rainy season, from June through October.