Background: Mountain forest soils (≥2,500 m a.s.l.[1]), where elevation is crucial in the ecosystem dynamic, have a great capacity to capture and preserve carbon for a long time. The aim of this research was to determine the role of elevation combined with soil, climate, and vegetation variables on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks distribution under P. hartwegii in the Nevado de Toluca Volcano, a protected area in Mexico. Topsoil samples (0-15 cm depth) collected every 100 m in elevation (3,400-4,000 m) were chemically and physically examined in statistical analysis together with vegetation structure and climate variables. Derived from field forest conditions, elevation plots were additional analyzed as logged (3,400-3,800 m) vs no-logged (3,900-4,000 m). Results: SOC stocks followed a significant linear trend (r2= 0.70; p= 0.02) along the elevation gradient, being highest at 4,000 m (173.1 ± 5.2 Mg C ha-1) and lowest at 3,700 m (146.8 Mg C ha-1). Multiple regression analyses showed that SOM, BD, and mean annual temperature (MAT) were the main abiotic drivers of SOC stocks variability (94.5 %) along the elevation gradient. Meanwhile, from the logistic multiple regression, higher tree shrubs and herbs density, in addition to lower tree height and grass cover at lower elevations, indicate a significant effect of logging on soil traits and vegetation structure, depending on the elevation plot. Conclusions: This research evaluated the SOC stocks and the potential effect of current warming over mountain soils, using the elevation as a proxy for both environmental and human drivers of SOC stocks in mountain forest ecosystems. Higher SOM and grass cover, larger-diameter trees together with low temperatures and logging restrictions in the high elevation range suggest a slower decomposition rate and SOC long-term stability. Despite the fact that we do not know about the intensity and cutting cycle, nor the size of the clearings derived from the trees removed, results from this research show how logging could exacerbate these effects and diminish SOC stocks, as well as the capacity of mountain soils to mitigate the effects of climate change.