National park · Mexico
Sierra la Laguna Biosphere ReserveReserva de la Biosfera Sierra la Laguna
Visit Sierra la Laguna for a day hike: drive from Los Cabos to the Santiago turnoff, hike the Cañón de la Zorra trail (2–3 h) in the morning, then cool off at El Chorro hot springs; avoid peak heat by starting before 10:00 and bring water.Visit Sierra la Laguna for a day hike: drive from Los Cabos to the Santiago turnoff, hike the Cañón de la Zorra trail (2–3 h) in the morning, then cool off at El Chorro hot springs; avoid peak heat by starting before 10:00 AM and bring water.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,120 km² (432 sq mi)432 sq mi (1,120 km²)
approximate
Established
1994
Best months
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1,120 km² (432 sq mi)432 sq mi (1,120 km²)
- Area reported as over 112,000 ha (≈ 1120 km²) by UNESCO sources.
- Established
- 1994
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- Not needed
Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve protects a mountainous oasis of pine‑oak forest above the desert of Baja California Sur, supplying water to La Paz and offering hikes, waterfalls and hot springs.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2003UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.
Size and age
1,120 km² (432 sq mi)432 sq mi (1,120 km²) · national park since 1994
Area reported as over 112,000 ha (≈ 1120 km²) by UNESCO sources.
Why go
- Explore pine‑oak forest trails high above the desert.
- See the dramatic Cañón de la Zorra waterfall and natural hot springs.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry.
- FebMild.
- MarStart of spring, pleasant.
- AprWarm, clear skies.
- MayWarm, low rain.
- JunHeat rises, occasional storms.
- JulHot, possible thunderstorms.
- AugPeak heat, storms.
- SepHeat wanes, rain possible.
- OctCooler, dry.
- NovMild, dry.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puma (rare sightings)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Coyotes, gray foxes, haresAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Eagles, hawks, hummingbirdsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Los Cabos (San José del Cabo)
Rent a 4WD, drive north on MEX‑1 for ~1 h, turn onto Santiago road for Cañón de la Zorra or Miraflores road for hot springs.
1–1.5 h
From La Paz
Drive south on MEX‑1 for ~2 h, then follow turnoffs as above.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago access road | Leads to Cañón de la Zorra waterfall and forest trails. | Open to vehicles; road may be rough. |
| Miraflores access road | Leads to Santa Rita hot springs and Boca de la Sierra. | Open to vehicles; road may be rough. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate central points for major attractions.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (if charged) | Free | person | Check at the gate; many sources list no formal fee. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from reserve authorities.check
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; backcountry camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires forbidden; use portable stoves only.
Where to stay
Near the park
Los Cabos town
Hotels, hostels, and rental homes; 20 km (12 mi) from park gate.Hotels, hostels, and rental homes; 12 mi (20 km) from park gate.
Near the park
La Paz
Variety of accommodations; 30 km (19 mi) from park gate.Variety of accommodations; 19 mi (30 km) from park gate.
Safety
Heat and dehydration medium
Remote terrain, limited cell signal high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main trailheads reachable by vehicle; short walks to trail starts.
- Steep sections and rough roads limit wheelchair access.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation.
- Use refillable water bottles; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve?
There is no standard entry fee; some visitors pay a small gate charge (check at the entrance).
What are the best hikes in Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve?
Cañón de la Zorra trail (2–3 h) and the Picacho summit ascent (3–4 h) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve?
October to May offers cooler, drier conditions; avoid the hottest months of June‑August.
Can I camp inside the reserve?
Backcountry camping is prohibited; use designated campgrounds near Los Cabos or La Paz.
Is a 4WD required to reach the park?
A 4WD is strongly recommended because access roads are unpaved and can be rough.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve
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