Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, Mountain lagoon system in Ocuilan de Arteaga, Mexico.
Lagunas de Zempoala is a protected area in the mountain region between State of Mexico and Morelos that includes seven interconnected lakes. The water bodies sit at roughly 2900 meters elevation in a valley surrounded by pine and oak woodland.
The area was placed under protection in November 1936 when President Lázaro Cárdenas declared it a national park. This decision secured the preservation of 4700 hectares of mountain forest and water surfaces for future generations.
The name comes from an Aztec word referring to the many water sources in this area. Hikers encounter small wooden cabins and picnic spots that families from nearby towns use for weekend outings.
Three lakes hold water throughout the year, while the others swell between June and September during the rainy season. Access roads are unpaved and sometimes difficult to pass after heavy rainfall, so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
The area lies within the Chichinautzin corridor, an important habitat for axolotls, deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. This biological connection allows animals to move between different forest areas and find food and shelter there.
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