6 Hikes in Cabo San Lucas to escape the crowds
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Are you ready to discover the best hikes in Cabo San Lucas?
This guide is for you!
Hiking is one of my favorite activities in Baja California. Although Cabo is known for its water sports, golden-sand beaches, and seafood-inspired cuisine, you often need to spend money to enjoy them. Hiking is one of the best FREE things to do in Cabo that everyone can do regardless of their budget.
I hiked several trails in Cabo and had a great time during all of my outings. Some trails near Cabo take you through stunning desert dotted by cacti and bright wildflowers, while others boast panoramic views of the craggy coastline where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
If you need a break from Cabo’s resort scene, all you need to do is hit the trail!
I put together a quick summary of the best trails in town based on my own experience, as well as feedback that I heard from travelers like you. If hiking in Cabo San Lucas is on your bucket list, keep reading!
Is Cabo good for hiking?
Cabo is a great place for hiking thanks to its diverse landscapes that range from golden sand beaches to rugged deserts and tall mountains. Cabo is an outdoor paradise, and its unique flora and fauna coupled with incredible desert scenery make it a perfect place for hikers of all levels.
✅ Read: the cheapest time to go to Cabo
Best guided hikes in Cabo overview:
- Best coastal hike in Cabo: Circuito Cabo Pulmo 🌊
- Best desert hike in Cabo: Zorro Canyon 🌵
- Best guided hike in Cabo: Mt. Solmar 🥾
- Best hike away from the crowds: Sierra de La Laguna Trail 🙈
Best hikes in Cabo: overview
1. Mt. Solmar
- Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Where to stay: Tesoro Los Cabos
Mt. Solmar is the most popular hike in Cabo San Lucas overlooking the famous Land’s End.
The trail is located on private property and is possible only with a local man by the name of Enrique, who organizes group hikes every morning from Sunday through Friday. Confirm the most up-to-date schedule on his Facebook page.
The most fun part of this hike is that you will get to hike with a few dogs from the camp! Enrique runs a dog training camp and usually takes a couple of his four-legged companions on a trail.
Arrive at the dog camp near Cabo San Lucas Marina no later than 8 a.m. – that’s when Enrique starts his briefing, where he tells you about the trail and what you can expect.
When you arrive to the camp, you usually see a line of people on the sidewalk and hear dogs barking, which means you are in the right place.
Walk up to the entrace of the dog camp or take Uber, because parking in the area is limited.
Mt. Solar is an exposed hike with no shade and some parts that require scrambling and climbing over the rocks.
Put on plenty of sunscreen and wear hiking shoes with a good grip. Don’t wea open-toe shoes like sandals or flip-flops on this hike.
Where is Mt. Solmar on a map?
Don’t forget to grab a water bottle with you.
✅ Can you drink the water in Cabo San Lucas?
While this unmarked trail used to be unknown to the vast majority of travelers, it became super popular over the last few years.
During the high season in Cabo, you can expect to see more than 100 people, which makes for a crowded hike. When I did this trail last time, there were a ton of people, as the word about this hike got out.
Once you get to the top, you will have about 40-50 minutes before heading back. This gives you plenty of time to take photos of the iconic Cabo coastline, and play with adorable doggies, that Enrique takes on a hike.
Enrique has a few assistants who will let you know when it’s time to go down. That’s when the group starts to split, as some travelers leave right away and others stay longer.
Mt. Solmar is a free hike, but you should leave a tip for Enrique at the end of your adventure because he does a phenomenal job providing a safe and fun adventure for everyone.
✅ Find out where to grab a cup of coffee in Cabo after your hike
How long does it take to hike to Mount Solmar?
Going up Mount Solmar takes about 35-40 minutes depending on your pace, while going down can be done in under 30 minutes. You will also spend 40-50 minutes at the top, so the entire trip takes about 2-2,5 hours.
2. Cerro de Las Chivas
- Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Where to stay: Viceroy Los Cabos
Cerro de Las Chivas was my first hike in Los Cabos, and I have many great memories from hiking it. The trail is located in San José del Cabo (a sister city of Cabo San Lucas), and if you are staying in Cabo San Lucas, you will need a car rental 🚗
You can walk here from downtown San Jose Del Cabo along the sidewalk, but if you have limited time, rent a car, because walking will take you a while.
Cerro de Las Chivas is an exposed hike, so you should do it either early morning or late in the evening to avoid the scorching Baja sun. Many people come here for sunset views 🌅 If you feel like getting up early, sunrises here are also worth it.
It takes about 40 minutes to get to the top of the hike, and 30 minutes if you are an experienced hiker and can maintain a steady pace.
Where is Cerro de Las Chivas on the map?
This is a rocky trail, so it’s important to wear closed hiking shoes with a good grip. As you get close to the top, you will need to do some rock scrambling.
The trail is unmarked and doesn’t have any signs, but it’s easy to follow and you will see plenty of people hiking once you get here. If you come here by car, you can park along the road where the trail starts going up the mountain.
3. Zorro Canyon Waterfall Hike (also known as Fox Canyon)
- Length: 0.6 miles miles (1 km)
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
- Where to stay: Hotel Palmas de Cortez
Located near a small town Santiago about 1 one-hour drive from Los Cabos, Fox Canyon Waterfall (also known as Cascada Sol Del Mayo) is one of the most popular guided hikes in Cabo San Lucas that you can book it online.
Another option is to get here by rental car.
A real oasis in the desert, this waterfall can be reached by a short but scenic hike from the front entrace of the private property where it’s located.
When you finish the hike, you will have a chance to swim in the clear pool of water below the 40-foot waterfall.
Best guided tours of Fox Canyon from Cabo San Lucas
Driving to Zorro Canyon from Cabo
If you are driving from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, this scenic hike makes a perfect stop. The town of Santiago, from where you can access the waterfall, is located along Baja’s Transpeninsular Highway and it’s easy to reach by car.
The drive from Cabo San Lucas to Santiago takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Once you get to Santiago, drive for about 25 minutes to Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo, where the trail begins.
Where is Zorro Canyon on a map?
When you get to the parking lot of the ranch, find a small booth, where you will need to pay 220 Pesos in cash for the entrance.
PRO TIP: Just about 20 minutes from Fox Canyon, you can find Santa Rita Hot Springs where you can soak after the hike. Set aside enough time for both stops because they are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
4. Sierra de la Laguna Trail
- Length: 7.5 miles (12 km)
- Time: 4 hours
- Hike type: Out and back
- Difficulty: challenging
- Where to stay: Casa Santos
Located near Todos Santos, Sierra de La Laguna is the southernmost range in Baja Sur that’s home to several trails, canyons, and stunning desert vistas 🌵
Sierra de la Laguna Trail is a challenging hike that’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds. The reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna like hummingbirds, oak, and cacti.
Be ready for a steep, well-marked hike with no shade. Don’t forget to wear a hat and put on plenty of sunscreen to avoid the sunburn. Also, put a water bottle and snacks with electrolytes in your backpack, because you will get tired by the time you are done 😓
As you arrive at the trailhead, you will see the ranch. The owner of the property will collect a fee of 200 Pesos per entrance plus a separate fee of 200 Pesos for car parking, and you will sign the visitor’s sheet.
All fees have to be paid in cash.
The road leading to the hike is about 19 km. (The trailhead is about 45 minutes drive northeast of Todos Santos at the point marked as “El Portón, Sierra La Laguna”)
Begin this hike early before the sun gets too strong.
5. Circuito Cabo Pulmo
- Length: 6 miles (9.6 km)
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Hike type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Where to stay: Mantra Baja
Located north of Cabo Pulmo Village in the Cabo Pulmo National Park, this well-marked loop trail takes you along the desert hills overlooking the aquamarine Sea of Cortez.
You will need to rent a 4X4 car to reach this trail, because there are no guided tours available, and the road to Cabo Pulmo requires a high-clearance vehicle, which you can rent in Cabo San Lucas.
As you hike, you can spot various birds, and enjoy diverse vegetation including cool cacti with gorgeous bright flowers. Circuito Cabo Pulmo is an exposed trail, so you will need to wear a hat 🧢 and put on plenty of sunscreen ☀️
Carry at least one gallon of water💧and bring some snacks 🍫, because there are no stores or restaurants in the area.
I’m yet to hike this trail but I heard only good things about it.
Begin with the Bench Trail, then continue to the Backside Trail, before arriving at the beach. All trails have signage and are easy to navigate.
You can also check the most up-to-date information on AllTrails.com
6. Punta Lobos Hike in Todos Santos
- Length: 4.3 miles (7.9 km)
- Time: 1.5-2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top
- Hike type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Where to stay: Hotel Casa Tota
Punta Lobos near Todos Santos is a fun trail with sweeping views of the Pacific. As you get to the top of the hike, you can see a whale splashing in the water away from the shore (if you visit from December through April, which is a whale watching season in Cabo).
I spotted a whale here when I hiked Punta Lobos in mid-April 🐋
You can begin the hike from Punta Lobos Beach. Park your car in a safe spot just outside of San Cristobal Hotel on the beach and head towards the coastline.
The trail to Punta Lobos isn’t marked, but you can see it just behind a small yellow chapel on the beach. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip 🥾, and put on plenty of sunscreen ☀️, because it’s an exposed hike with some rocky and uneven sections.
⚠️ A small portion of this hike that has a steep ledge with a sharp drop-off, so slow down and proceed with caution.
As you hike, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as seabirds and possibly even whales in the distance.
It’s a perfect sunset hike. The views from Punta Lobos as the sun dips below the horizon are spectacular 🤩
While hiking around Punta Lobos, you’ll have the chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of Baja California Sur and enjoy a quieter side of the region away from more touristy areas.
Where is Punta Lobos hike on a map?
Join best guided hikes in Cabo San Lucas
If you don’t feel confident enough hiking by yourself, joining one of the hiking tours in Cabo is an excellent idea. Hiking tours in Cabo take place daily and provide a perfect opportunity to exercise and admire the stunning Baja scenery.
Other popular tours in Cabo:
- Best food tours in Cabo to enjoy Baja’s cuisine
- Best breakfast in Cabo San Lucas
- Best ATV tours in Cabo
- Best cooking tours in Cabo
- Best boat tours in Cabo
- Best surfing classes in Cabo San Lucas
- Best tours of Tijuana from San Diego
Tips for hiking in Cabo:
1. Carry plenty of water
No matter what hike you choose to tackle, always bring at least one gallon of water. Cabo has a dry, sunny climate most of the year, and it’s very easy to get dehydrated. If you are doing a longer hike, consider bringing a camelback, but if you are doing a shorter hike, a regular water bottle could work.
2. Don’t forget some snacks
Depending on the length of your hike, you can also put snacks like fruits and energy bars in your backpack.
3. Consider a guided tour
If you don’t plan to rent a car in Cabo and still want to enjoy a fun hiking activity, join a guided tour. There are several guided hiking tours in Cabo like Fox Canyon or Todos Santos sunset hike. Viator.com is an excellent platform for booking guided tours in Cabo and other parts of Baja California and Mexico.
I highly recommend some of the top-rated zipling tours in Cabo if you need some adrenaline.
4. Rent a car if you want to hike by yourself
If you are an experienced hiker and don’t want to join a guided tour, you will need to rent a car. You can find plenty of car rental companies in Cabo San Lucas. San Jose Del Cabo Airpot (SJD) has the most options because many car rental companies are within a 5-minute drive from the airport.
5. Start your hike early
The sun in Cabo can be scorching hot, and the last thing you want to do is hike in the middle of the day. Plan your hike for early morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is not so strong.
6. Wear plenty of sunscreen
It’s very easy to get a sunburn when spending time outside in Baja California. Even on a cloudy day, the UV rays can be strong, that’s why you should always put on some sunscreen when heading outdoors.
I recommend a reef-safe sunscreen which you can use in the water too. It’s not going to bleach corals, and will keep your skin protected.
7. Be aware of wildlife
Baja’s desert is home to tons of wildlife, some of which you can encounter on your trails. While most of it is harmless, there are also some animals like rattlesnakes and scorpions that you should be careful about. Always look at the trail carefully when hiking and keep your distractions including your cell phone, to a minimum.
8. Put on good hiking shoes
Most hiking trails in Cabo have rough desert terrain. When I hiked Mount Solmar for the first time, I was wearing sandals, which I quickly regretted, because the trail was rocky and required some scrambling over huge boulders. I tripped a couple of times and hit my toes against the rocks. I wished I was wearing good hiking shoes at that moment.
9. Wear the right clothing
When hiking in Cabo, put on breathable, light clothing and avoid any clothes from heavy materials like denim or cotton. Depending on the time and season, pack some layers like a long-sleeved top or windbreaker.
10. Always keep someone posted about your plans
Whether you are going on a hike by yourself or with someone else, always keep your friends and family posted about your whereabouts. Before going on a hike, send someone a message with the name of the trail and location, and if it’s a more remote trail consider bringing a GPS.
11. Download offline maps
Download an offline map, when hitting Cabo trails. The deeper you go in the desert, the more likely your phone signal will disappear. The last thing you want to do is to be in the wilderness on a primitive trail.
12. Check the weather
It’s critical to check the weather before getting on a trail.
If you hike during the hurricane season in Cabo, there could be a chance of flash floods. Flash floods occur during torrential rain and can be deadly if you get caught up in the area where the water flows from the mountains or dry river beds (also known as arroyos).
If you visit Cabo during hot months like May or June, getting lost in the desert could be dangerous because of the extreme heat.
13. Research reviews
If it’s a popular trail, read reviews on Google and AllTrials, before planning your hike. AllTrails is a specialized hiking app that offers a detailed overview of each hike and allows users to leave reviews and make notes on recent changes, closures, etc.
14. Take all your trash with you
Most trails on the list rely on volunteers for cleaning and maintenance, so please do everyone a favor and don’t leave any garbage on a trail because it will likely stay there for a long time and hurt the environment.
15. Enjoy the views
Whether you choose a hike with coastal views or in the desert, don’t forget to enjoy the view. Baja California is my favorite part of Mexico with diverse landscapes and ecosystems, each with its unique flora and fauna. Bring a camera to capture your adventure.
What to pack for your hike in the desert:
- Sunscreen will protect you against the harsh desert sun. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 when hiking a trail with no shade.
- Hat – A good hat will protect you from the harsh desert sun.
- Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses to void harmful UV rays.
- Hiking shoes – If you want to hike and spend time in the desert, you need good hiking shoes to protect your feet from the harsh terrain.
- Layers – Depending on where you hike in Cabo, you will need light sweaters or long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts and shorts for warm, sunny weather, and pants for cooler, cloudy days.
- Camera and GoPro – Musts for your trip to Baja, if you want to capture your adventures.
- Backpack – You will need it if you want to spend time enjoying the outdoors and carry all the basics with you.
- Insect repellent – It will keep you safe from the bites.
- Water bottle or camelback – It will help you hydrated.
What is the best time for hiking in Los Cabos?
The best time to go hiking in Cabo San Lucas is during the cooler months, from November to April. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the rainy season, from July to October, trails can be muddy and slippery, so use caution and check weather conditions before heading out.
➡️ Read: Do I need a passport for Cabo?
Cabo hikes: FAQ’s
Does Cabo have good hiking?
Cabo has several good hikes that are perfect for exercising and admiring the incredible coastal views with rugged hills and desert cliffs.
Does Cabo have waterfalls?
Cabo San Lucas does not have natural waterfalls due to its arid desert climate. However, you can find several waterfalls,in the broader region of Baja California Sur, particularly in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and surrounding areas, you can find some seasonal waterfalls.
What is Cabo San Lucas best known for?
Cabo San Lucas is known for its luxury hotels, nightlife entertainment, and water sports. Cabo is an outdoor playground renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and dramatic rock formations such as the iconic El Arco (The Arch).
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is relatively safe for tourists, as long as you follow basic safety precautions and don’t get into sketchy situations. Keep a low profile, don’t get drunk when you go out, and always be aware of your surroundings.
If safety is a concern, I suggest buying travel insurance for your trip to Cabo. SafetyWing is my preferred choice for travel insurance which can cover you in the event of hospital visits, stolen belongings, or missed or cancelled flights. They have flexible plans and offer great budget-friendly rates.
Can I walk around in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, you can walk around Cabo San Lucas. The downtown area and the marina are very pedestrian-friendly. However, if you want to explore the greater Cabo area and enjoy some of the best beaches and hikes, you will need a car.
Hikes in Cabo San Lucas: Final word
That’s a wrap! I hope you were able to find plenty of information about hikes in Cabo San Lucas and now can start planning your adventure. I hope you enjoy your time in Cabo and have a fantastic time exploring local trails and other natural gems that this part of Mexico has to offer.
