Waterfall 8 km south of Tapalpa
The region's highest waterfall, about 105 meters, reached by a dirt road and a forest hike south of Tapalpa.
The Salto del Nogal is a waterfall of about 105 meters in the Sierra de Tapalpa, south of town, and is considered the highest in this part of Jalisco. The water comes from the Presa del Nogal reservoir and nearby streams and drops down a rock wall into a narrow canyon, with a second, smaller fall below the main one.
The setting is part of the attraction: the trail runs through oak and pine forest, and the noise of the falls reaches you well before you see them. The flow is strongest during and just after the summer rains, roughly July to October; in the dry months it can shrink to a thin ribbon.
Because of its height and the steep terrain, the Salto del Nogal is also a base for adventure sports. Local operators run rappelling and canyoning trips here, and the area is part of the same sierra that has made Tapalpa a well-known paragliding spot.
What to see and do
Hike through the oak and pine forest to the viewpoints over the falls.
Go during or after the rainy season, July to October, when the falls are at their fullest.
Book a rappelling or canyoning trip with a local operator if you have the experience.
Stop at the Presa del Nogal reservoir on the way back to town.
Getting there
The falls are south of Tapalpa past the Presa del Nogal. Count on roughly half an hour or more on dirt roads, then a walk of about 40 minutes each way on a trail that can be steep and slippery. Paths are not always well marked, so going with a local guide or tour from Tapalpa is recommended. Wear proper shoes and bring water.
8 km south of Tapalpa
Directions from Tapalpa on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
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Weather mild
Salto del Nogal shares the climate of Tapalpa, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov.
Make Tapalpa your base
Salto del Nogal is an easy trip from Tapalpa, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Sayula · 17 km away
More around Tapalpa
-
Atacco
· Town · 2 km away
An old village just outside Tapalpa; in colonial times the Franciscans ran a hospital for indigenous people here. -
Presa del Nogal
· Lake · 4 km away
A reservoir in the pine hills just south-west of Tapalpa that feeds the Salto del Nogal; good for a walk or a picnic. -
Las Piedrotas
· Nature reserve · 5 km away
Giant boulders scattered across open meadows north of town, in the area known as the Valle de los Enigmas. -
Ferrería de Tula
· Landmark · 14 km away
A hamlet north of Tapalpa with the overgrown ruins of an old iron foundry that worked until the early 20th century.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.