The Unresolved Mystery Of Pico De Orizaba's Height: Is Mexico's Star Mountain Taller Than We Think?
Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl, is officially recognized as the highest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest peak in all of North America. As of today, December 26, 2025, the universally cited elevation is 5,636 meters (18,491 feet) above sea level, a figure that is a cornerstone of mountaineering records and national geography. However, a deeper look into the mountain's topography reveals a persistent and fascinating controversy: its exact height is still not definitively agreed upon, with multiple official and unofficial surveys presenting conflicting numbers that could dramatically change its ranking.
The true elevation of this magnificent, dormant stratovolcano—which translates from Nahuatl as "Star Mountain"—remains a subject of debate among geographers, climbers, and mapping agencies. The variance in measurements is not a simple rounding error; it speaks to the immense challenge of precisely surveying a colossal peak that is constantly affected by glacial melt, volcanic activity, and the sheer difficulty of high-altitude remote sensing. This article breaks down the different measurements, explores the reasons behind the ongoing dispute, and outlines the essential facts about Mexico's towering natural landmark.
The Conflicting Measurements: Why Pico de Orizaba's Height is a Mystery
For decades, the standard elevation for Pico de Orizaba has been 5,636 meters (18,491 feet). This figure is the one most commonly found in climbing guides, international mountaineering records, and general geography texts, making it the de facto "official" height for the purpose of global peak bagging and ranking. This measurement places the volcano firmly as the third highest peak on the continent, behind Denali in the United States and Mount Logan in Canada.
However, the idea of a single, undisputed height is a myth. The mountain’s elevation has been subject to multiple surveys over the last century, yielding a range of figures that challenge the 5,636m standard. This is where the true intrigue of the Citlaltépetl elevation lies, as different government and scientific bodies in Mexico and abroad have published their own distinct measurements.
A Trio of Elevations: The Key Contenders
- 5,636 Meters (18,491 Feet): The most widely accepted and historically consistent measurement, cited by numerous international climbing and rescue organizations. This is the figure climbers aim for.
- 5,610 Meters (18,406 Feet): A significantly lower figure cited by the Mexican government's own National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) in some of their protected area documentation. This variance of 26 meters is substantial and suggests a different geodetic reference or a more recent, localized survey.
- 5,675 Meters (18,620 Feet): An even higher figure that appears in some geological and travel resources, suggesting the peak is almost 40 meters taller than the widely accepted standard. Older computations by Mexico’s National Bureau of Topography have also suggested figures as high as 18,700 feet.
The persistence of these varying measurements highlights a key difficulty in mountain surveying: the definition of the "summit." Factors like snow and ice accumulation (which can fluctuate seasonally and year-to-year), the specific geodetic model used, and the precision of GPS and photogrammetry equipment all contribute to the slight, yet significant, differences in reported height. The lack of a single, recent, and universally adopted measurement from Mexico's official mapping agency (INEGI) keeps the controversy alive and the true elevation of the Star Mountain in question.
Geological Profile and Essential Facts of Citlaltépetl
Beyond its disputed height, Pico de Orizaba remains a mountain of immense geological and cultural importance. Known by its indigenous name, Citlaltépetl, it is a key feature of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a volcanic arc that stretches across central Mexico.
Key Entities and Facts About Pico de Orizaba
The mountain is a treasure trove of geographical and historical facts that establish its topical authority:
- Classification: It is a massive, andesitic-dacitic stratovolcano, meaning it is built up of many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and ash.
- Location: The volcano straddles the border of two Mexican states: Veracruz and Puebla, and is protected within the Pico de Orizaba National Park.
- Dormancy: While commonly referred to as "dormant," it is still considered an active volcano. Its last major eruption occurred in 1846.
- Glacier Status: Pico de Orizaba is one of only three mountains in Mexico that still retains a glacier—the Gran Glaciar Norte. This glacier is crucial to the local ecosystem but is rapidly retreating due to climate change, a factor that could eventually affect its measured height.
- The Third Highest: It holds the title of the third-highest mountain in North America, a fact that draws mountaineers globally for the "Seven Summits" of North America challenge.
- The Crater: The summit features an elliptical crater approximately 500 meters across and 300 meters deep.
- Climbing Routes: The two most popular routes are the Jamapa Glacier Route (North side, more technical) and the Ruta del Sur (South route, less technical but longer).
Climbing the Star Mountain: Altitude and Acclimatization in 2025
The sheer altitude of Pico de Orizaba is the single greatest challenge for climbers. Regardless of whether the peak is 5,636m or 5,610m, the elevation gain is dramatic and requires careful planning and acclimatization. Recent discussions among the mountaineering community, including those in late 2025, consistently emphasize the need for proper preparation due to the extreme conditions.
Climbers often use nearby towns like Tlachichuca or the Piedra Grande Hut as a base for acclimatization. The thin air at the summit, where oxygen levels are severely reduced, is a major factor contributing to the mountain’s difficulty, often leading to altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) if ascent is too rapid.
While the mountain is considered a non-technical climb compared to peaks with significant crevasse danger, recent reports of tragedies and difficult rescues underscore the inherent risks. Bad weather, including whiteouts and high winds, can quickly turn a straightforward ascent into a life-threatening situation. The mountain is a powerful reminder that high-altitude mountaineering, even on a dormant volcano, demands respect, preparation, and the use of appropriate gear, including ice axes and crampons, especially on the icy slopes of the Jamapa Glacier.
In conclusion, while the official record books hold firm to the 5,636-meter figure, the true, precise height of Pico de Orizaba remains a captivating geographical puzzle. It is a mountain defined not just by its towering stature, but by its persistent mystery, its rich cultural history as Citlaltépetl, and its continuing role as a formidable challenge for climbers from around the world.
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