Cabo San Lucas Hiking Trails: Scenic Routes for Nature Lovers

Are you ready to see Cabo San Lucas from a different angle?

Images of Cabo usually feature beaches, parties, and luxury resorts. Cabo goers spend their days soaking up the sun on the sand, pool, or ocean. Then they end the evening downing margaritas with friends while watching the sun set on the Pacific.

And you know what?

They’re missing out.

They’re sleeping through some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas has more than 50 trails that pass through the region’s breathtaking desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and endless ocean views. In 2024, Cabo had 3.93 million visitors. That’s a lot of people. And the more that come to Los Cabos, the more are seeing this stunning destination is not just about the beach.

Here’s the thing…

When you plan a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, you get to experience everything. It’s about water sports, but also incredible hiking trails that few tourists ever see. The best part? There are trails for every skill level, including the very experienced and very beginner.

What you can expect from this guide:

• Reasons to Choose Cabo for Hiking Adventures
• The 5 Best Hiking Trails to Visit
• Tips to Prepare for Desert Trail Safety

Reasons to Choose Cabo for Hiking Adventures

Cabo San Lucas is at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

This unique location provides stunning views like no other place in the world.

The desert is covered in massive cacti, while rugged mountains jut out from the coast. Panoramic vistas in Cabo go on for miles in every direction. The combination of challenging terrain with scenic payoff is a hiker’s dream.

But here’s the best part:

Cabo San Lucas has 350 days of sunshine per year.

Contrast that with other popular travel destinations where the weather will ruin your plans. In Cabo, Mother Nature helps you enjoy the great outdoors. Unlike other parts of the world, it almost always feels like summer in Baja California.

As you can see, Cabo is a hiking haven. It provides everything from easy coastal strolls to difficult mountain climbs that will test the most seasoned hikers.

The 5 Best Hiking Trails to Visit

Ready to slip on those hiking boots and hit the trail?

Check out the trails you won’t want to miss on your next Los Cabos visit.

Mt. Solmar Trail

Hikers can choose from more than 50 trails around Los Cabos. The most famous is the Mt. Solmar Trail.

The trail delivers the ultimate panoramic ocean vista to behold the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. It’s a moderate-level hike with some steep sections. The rugged trail is rocky. But the double-ocean view is worth every step.

Want to know why it’s worth it?

The summit provides a 360-degree panorama of Land’s End. The lookout provides views of both oceans from up high. People typically get out of breath climbing to the top, but the view takes their breath away too.

Important – the starting point for this trail is on private property. So a guide is required. This means you can’t simply start the hike on your own. But the extra cost is well worth it for safety and experience.

Cerro de la Z (Cerro Prieto)

Need a closer option?

Cerro de la Z is a popular short hike. The route leads to a 245-meter high summit. The elevation is above sea level, which puts this look-out point above the city.

At the top of Cerro de la Z, there’s a closed observatory. But the real attraction is the panoramic lookout over Cabo San Lucas below. In one direction, hikers see the city and the famous arch. Then they can see northern mountains across the city.

The trailhead is easily accessible for people who live or are staying near downtown. It’s a great place to go for a quick hike if you don’t want to drive to a more remote location.

Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Ready to immerse yourself in nature?

Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve is a protected area by UNESCO that includes numerous hiking trails. The area changes dramatically between dry desert and lush oasis. So the scenery as you hike is diverse and interesting.

It’s a challenging hike that’s best for experienced trekkers. Trails wind through canyons, forests, and mountains with clearly marked trail heads. But the land is steep and rocky at times.

Wildlife spotting is common on these trails. People regularly see roadrunners, foxes, and all kinds of birds as they explore.

Cerro Colorado (Cerro de las Torres)

The final hike on the list is a beautiful desert trail.

This hike is short and features a gentle but consistent incline. The route is unpaved, and the dirt/gravel road leads up to the top of Cerro Colorado in Cabo San Lucas.

You can mountain bike it, trail run it, or simply hike it to see the views. Cerro de las Torres is great for seeing the panoramic view of San Lucas Bay. Hikers can also see desert animals like cacti and lizards.

There is no shade available along this trail, so it’s best to hike early or late. You can avoid the sun’s worst effects by doing a dawn or dusk trek.

Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas Trail

What about if you want to get a challenge?

The Pedregal Trail is a hike up steep inclines over uneven, rocky terrain. As hikers climb, they are rewarded with a sweeping view of the city and surrounding area. The trail is in the upscale Pedregal neighborhood of Cabo San Lucas.

The effort to hike this trail is not for the faint of heart. But the reward of the panoramic view will match.

Tips to Prepare for Desert Trail Safety

When people hike in Cabo San Lucas, it’s usually safe. Here’s what every hiker should know.

Start early in the morning.

Head out in the early morning to beat the scorching midday sun. Desert heat is intense and the afternoon hike is uncomfortable. It can even be dangerous.

Bring lots of water.

In fact, bring much more water than you think you need. The desert sun is unforgiving, and the terrain can be rough. Hikers become dehydrated quickly in this environment. It’s generally recommended to pack at least two liters of water per person when hiking moderate trails.

Sun protection is essential.

Sunscreen, a big hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable items to wear on every hike. The sun in the desert reflects off every surface and that means you’re getting blasted from all directions.

Wear good shoes. The rocky terrain and sand means you’ll need hiking boots. Shoes with ankle support and traction are best. Tennis shoes will fall apart on most trails.

Bring a hiking partner and stay on marked trails.

Always hike with a buddy and never wander off a known path. Desert terrain is easy to get lost in, so don’t take unnecessary risks.

Hire a guide for challenging trails.

Use a local guide for the more difficult hiking trails. They know the land, can help you identify wildlife and plants, and can provide cultural context that you won’t find on your own.

Wrapping Things Up

Cabo San Lucas hiking trails are proof that this destination offers so much more than beach resorts and nightlife.

In fact, the 50+ trails that dot the region provide the chance for every fitness level and interest to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a short coastal hike or a mountain climbing challenge, Cabo will provide it.

The desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and ocean views deliver the kind of hiking experiences that rival anywhere in the world. Add in the year-round sunshine, unique wildlife, and easy access to other activities. And you have the perfect combination that makes Cabo an ideal choice for nature lovers.

The bottom line:

Cabo’s trails are waiting to be explored. Grab those hiking boots and come discover why Mexico’s paradise offers some of the best hiking in North America.