Cerro Colorado (Baja California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerro Colorado |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 550 m (1,800 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Cerro Colorado
Location in Mexico
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| Location | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
Cerro Colorado is a well-known mountain in Tijuana, Mexico. It is one of the tallest spots in the city. Many people recognize it because of its unique shape and location. The mountain is a famous landmark in Tijuana.
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What is Cerro Colorado?
Cerro Colorado means "Red Hill" in Spanish. It gets this name from the reddish color of its soil. You can see this color clearly during the dry season. The mountain actually has two main "hills." The southern one is among the highest points in Tijuana.
For a long time, Cerro Colorado was mostly empty land. But starting in the 1990s, Tijuana grew a lot. Now, the city has spread all around the mountain. It even climbs up its sides! This means Cerro Colorado is now almost in the very center of Tijuana. Since 1999, TV and radio stations have put their antennas on top. They use the mountain's height to send signals far away.
Why is Cerro Colorado important?
Because it stands so high above the city, Cerro Colorado offers amazing views. Many people visit it just to enjoy the scenery. In 2017, the area around the mountain was declared a "special area of conservation." This was done to help protect it from too much building.
The soil on Cerro Colorado is a mix of different types. Most of it comes from sediments, like sand and clay. There are also rocks that came from volcanoes. Some older, harder rocks are found there too.
Plants and Animals
For most of the year, the southern and eastern sides of Cerro Colorado don't have many plants. This is because the weather is very hot. Also, grass fires happen often in this area.
However, the northern and western slopes, and the very top, are different. Here, you can find special plants called chaparral. These plants are tough and can live through dry weather. Examples include jojoba plants and different types of cacti.
This part of the mountain is home to many animals. You might see hares, rabbits, and roadrunners. There are also field mice, hawks, and crows. Sometimes, rattlesnakes can be found here too. It's like a small, special ecosystem right in the middle of the city!
Weather on the Mountain
The weather on Cerro Colorado is usually like the rest of Tijuana. But it often gets cool breezes at night. Sometimes, when it's very cold in winter, there can be frost.
Once in a while, when a cold front moves in, the top of Cerro Colorado gets covered in snow or hail. This makes the mountain look white for a short time. It's a cool sight for people in Tijuana!
See also
In Spanish: Cerro Colorado (Baja California) para niños
