Most people picture beaches when they think of Baja California Sur. However, the Sierra de la Laguna in Baja California Sur offers so much more. Tucked between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean lies one of its best-kept secrets: the Sierra de la Laguna. This mountain range, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a completely different side of Baja—pine forests, waterfalls, hidden trails, and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the peninsula.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and explore Baja’s high country, this guide has everything you need to know.

Where Is Sierra de la Laguna?

Sierra de la Laguna sits between the municipalities of Los Cabos and La Paz. It’s the highest point in southern Baja, with peaks reaching over 2,000 meters above sea level. Because of the elevation and isolation, this area is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the region—think oak and pine forests, freshwater springs, and even cloud forests in the highest areas.

It’s also one of the few places in Baja with year-round water, making it a magnet for wildlife, birdlife, and travelers looking for something different than sand and sea.

Learn more about the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve here.

What to Do in Sierra de la Laguna

There’s no shortage of adventure here, whether you’re into hiking, wild camping, or just soaking in nature. These are our top picks:

Camping at Rancho San Dionisio

This off-grid ranch is deep in the mountains and surrounded by rugged trails and granite boulders. It’s quiet, remote, and totally unplugged. There are no services, so you’ll need to bring everything—but it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the Sierra.

Hiking

There are two main ways to hike the Sierra:

• • From the highlands: Start at San Dionisio or La Burrera and make your way to the highest peaks like Picacho de la Laguna.

• • From the canyons: Shorter hikes from places like Rancho Sol de Mayo take you through desert oases and palm-lined gorges.

Hikes vary from easy walks to multi-day treks. The best season is between October and April, when it’s cool enough to hike safely.

Waterfall Jumping & Swimming

The most popular waterfall is at Rancho Sol de Mayo. A short hike takes you to a cold, clear pool at the base of a rocky canyon. Perfect for a dip after a hot day of hiking.

Check out Rancho Sol de Mayo’s official page here.

Boulder Climbing

If you like climbing, you’ll find plenty of granite formations to test your skills. The area around San Dionisio is especially good for bouldering, but there are also cliffs and large rock faces deeper into the reserve.

Hidden Cave Paintings

Scattered across the Sierra are ancient cave paintings—evidence of the people who lived here long before roads reached the region. Most of them aren’t marked, and you’ll need local knowledge or a guide to find them. Baja Overlander can help you get pointed in the right direction.

Where to Camp

Camping in the Sierra de la Laguna is one of the best ways to truly experience the place. Here are your top options:

Rancho Sol de Mayo

A good spot for first-timers. You’ll find basic facilities (bathrooms and showers), and you’ll have easy access to the waterfall and short trails. It can get crowded on weekends, so go early or camp midweek.

Rancho San Dionisio

This place is more remote, with fewer visitors. There are no formal amenities, so it’s best for experienced travelers with a solid 4×4 setup. It’s a perfect base for longer hikes into the high country.

Wild Camping

There are plenty of wild spots across the Sierra, but this option is only for those with proper gear, knowledge, and a reliable vehicle. Make sure to camp responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles. Here’s a helpful guide to the 7 principles.

Baja Overlander vehicles are fully equipped for wild camping with rooftop tents, kitchen setups, solar showers, and recovery gear—so you can go deeper without compromising safety or comfort.

When to Go & What to Pack

Best season: October to April. Avoid the summer months due to extreme heat and hurricane risk.

What to bring:

• • Plenty of drinking water

• • Layers (nights get cold)

• • Offline GPS maps (phone signal is limited)

• • First aid kit

• • Sun protection

• • Good hiking shoes

• • Trash bags and a shovel (for responsible camping)

For multi-day hikes, you may also need a camping permit from CONANP. Reach out to us if you’re unsure—we can help guide you through the logistics.

Getting There

You can start your adventure in either San José del Cabo or La Paz. The Sierra sits between both cities, but the most accessible entrances are on the Los Cabos side—via Santiago or Miraflores.

Most roads into the Sierra are unpaved, and some require high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, especially after rain. That’s why we recommend renting one of our rigs, which are built for this kind of terrain.

We’ll set you up with:

• • A fully-equipped 4×4

• • Local route recommendations

• • Camping gear

• • Safety and recovery equipment

You’ll be ready to explore the Sierra de la Laguna on your own terms.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re craving solitude, waterfalls, hidden trails, or just a change of scenery, Sierra de la Laguna, Baja California Sur is a destination unlike any other in the peninsula. It’s quiet, wild, and full of surprises—and it’s just a few hours from the coast.

Let Baja Overlander help you make the most of it. We’ll get you set up with everything you need to camp, hike, and explore one of Baja’s most special places.