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A unique experience. Viewing monarch butterflies at the top of a mountain right before their Spring migration is a once in a lifetime experience. We went midweek accompanied by both our guide from Mexico City and a local guide. The first two thirds of the trail is easy to moderate through the woods. Very few other hikers perhaps a couple of dozen folks on horseback. All the way up the departing horseback riders appeared unhappy and even angry. The horses can go only so far and at some point you have to dismount and walk up the mountain. The butterflies move around from year to year and it was clear prodigious efforts had been made to lay down vertical trails up the mountain to get you as close as possible. Those trails are rough hewn, rocky and very dry and dusty approaching 45 in ascent. The Sierra Club would rate those ascent trails very difficult and strenuous. Coming down is a real challenge. Laying those trails down anew each year to get you as close to the butterflies as possible cannot be easy. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced hiker. I cannot say enough about the local guides and the help they provided me in getting back to the trailhead. Mexico is to be applauded for these types of conservation efforts. John Brown,...
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BE WARNED: This hike is straight up for over an hour! It’s also very high altitude (over 10,000ft, I believe) So, you must be in amazing physical shape. I WISH someone would have told me because I definitely would have opted for the horse!
You have to take a guide, but I would say they aren’t really “Guides” - just more leading the way and making sure everyone stays together, so not much information was given or interesting stops along the way …and ours only spoke Spanish. (which was fine, I’m just giving the information)
Finally, the last 15 minutes is VERY steep and treacherous - some of our group members took some spills, so only 1/2 the group actually made it to the top.
At the end, we were told that the best time to come is in December, lol. We went in early February, which I read was the best time to go and assumed we would be engulfed in butterflies, but really, there was just some flying around and some on a tree. Not sure if it was just the wrong time of year, climate change or what, but honestly, I wouldn’t say it was worth it unless you just want the exercise.
Anyway, Overall take-a-way: Only go if you LOVE uphill hikes and are used to the altitude …and if not, for the love of god- ...
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Weekends during the peak season are VERY, VERY, VERY crowded. There will be tour buses. You will likely wait in line to enter the sanctuary and to see the butterflies, but you will see butterflies! The local guides told me that during the week it is very quiet. The hike is step, and the altitude will make it more challenging for some, but slow and steady wins the race. I saw people of all ages and fitness levels make it to the top (eventually). Bathroom at the start of the trail for a small fee. Horses looked very calm, and riding is a good option for kids and those who are not strong walkers/hikers. No horse riding experience necessary. On warm and sunny days, the butterflies fly around. On colder days, they stay in groups in the trees to keep warm. Take binoculars, water, and wear layers. Cary out your trash, stay on the trail, and enjoy the amazing migration. Photos taken with a...
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