West Ajijic / Sierra de San Juan Cosalá
Ceremonial Grounds (Western Route) via Río Nazas — Out and Back
Approximate metrics from the supplied GPX. Elevation totals are unsmoothed and include track fluctuations; no duration was recorded.
The route · GPX metrics
- Distance
- 3.99 km2.48 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,029 m3,377 ft
- Elevation loss
- 1,029 m3,377 ft
- Max elevation
- 1,922 m6,306 ft
- Min elevation
- 1,588 m5,210 ft
Out & back · Faint paths, bushwhacking, and steep, loose ground
Trail notes.
Last updated
The Ceremonial Grounds is one of my favorite places in Ajijic, with fantastic views and a setting worth spending some time in. This route reaches it by the rough southern approach—the same path used for the descent on the full loop—and returns the same way.
01 / Parking
Parking on Río Nazas
Look for street parking near the top of Río Nazas, taking care not to block traffic or access. In 2026, I saw people parking on a grassy patch beside a red brick wall on the right side of the upper part of the street. That space may no longer be available by the time you read this.
02 / Finding the trailhead
Finding the trailhead
Walk uphill along the road as it curves left. At the fork, keep left rather than taking the right-hand road toward De la Montaña. Continue to the end of the road, where a clear trail branches off to the left. This leads to a junction connecting several trails in the area.
Along the route
It’s a little-used route, often faint or obscured, with some bushwhacking and steep, slippery ground. Bring the GPX track and be comfortable finding your way when the path disappears. Good judgment and experience on rough trails will be useful here.
From the junction, follow the GPX east, continuing past the left-hand turn that climbs the Río Nazas ridge. Before long, you’ll reach a shallow arroyo.
Cross the arroyo and look carefully for a faint path climbing the other side. One line follows a property fence, where old ropes remain from previous users. Their condition is uncertain, so don’t rely on them for support. Alternatively, you can make the short, steep climb through the sparse woods, with some bushwhacking.
At the top, you’ll reach an area of thick undergrowth. Pick up the faint path and follow it into more open forest, keeping the steep ridge on your left. When you reach the wire property fence, turn north and begin climbing alongside it.
This slope is steep, and the fine, loose dirt can be very slippery. Watch your footing on the way up, and remember that you’ll be descending the same ground on the return.
Higher up, the trail enters another dense, brushy section where it can be difficult to follow. Keep checking the GPX as you work your way through. Eventually, you’ll pass an outhouse on your right, followed shortly by the Ceremonial Grounds.
Local people regularly gather here for ceremonies. Be respectful of the space and anyone using it. A local I met here told me camping was allowed, though I haven’t camped here myself. Check before planning an overnight stay, don’t overstay your welcome, and carry out your trash.
To return, retrace your route to Río Nazas, taking particular care on the loose descent and at the less obvious turns.
You can also return by the western trail and Río Nazas ridge to make a longer loop. See the full-loop description for that connection, and keep in mind that the western trail can become heavily overgrown and nearly impassable during the rainy season.
Another way to the grounds
Ceremonial Grounds (Western Route) via Río Nazas — Full Loop →