Ajusco

Ajusco
Ajusco, view from UNAM
Highest point
Elevation	3,930 m (12,890 ft)
Coordinates	19°12′27″N 99°15′29″W / 19.20750°N 99.25806°W / 19.20750; -99.25806Coordinates: 19°12′27″N 99°15′29″W / 19.20750°N 99.25806°W / 19.20750; -99.25806
Geography
Ajusco
Parent range	Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin
Geology
Age of rock	Pliocene-
Mountain type	Lava dome volcano
Volcanic belt	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Climbing
Easiest route	Trail

Ajusco is a 3,930 m (12,894 ft) lava domevolcano located just south of Mexico City, Mexico, in the Tlalpan borough of the city. It is the highest point in the city.

Ajusco is a Náhuatl word variously translated as "source of waters" or "watered grove", and the Lerma River and Balsas River draw some of their source waters from this area. Also, the flow from all of the remaining strong springs in the area adjacent to the peak are captured to augment Mexico City's water supply.

Ajusco is a lava-dome complex of Pliocene- age, surrounded by block-and-ash flow deposits. Ajusco is part of the mountain chain of volcanic origin known as Sierra del Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin, among which Xitle (3,128 m or 10,262 ft), Tláloc (3,690 m or 12,106 ft), Pelado (3,620 m or 11,877 ft), Cuautzin (3,510 m or 11,516 ft) and Chichinautzin (3,470 m or 11,385 ft) stand out. This range is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt which crosses central Mexico and contains the country's highest peaks.

Parts of this range account for about half of the area of the Mexican Federal District, the rest of which is occupied by Mexico City. The area is important for conservation of local ecosystems. In its oak, pine and fir forests there are unique endemic species like the teporingo rabbit and the volcano mouse.

The area around the peak is a popular destination for residents of Mexico City and tourists, with activities such mountain biking, horseback riding, motorcycling, hiking and climbing. The area is one of the few around Mexico City where it may snow in the winter. This mountain offers stunning views, where all of the Valley of Mexico can be seen (weather and pollution permitting), including the city and its skyscrapers, Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and Nevado de Toluca volcanoes, and parts of the Valley of Cuernavaca.