Baja Hiking, an expression of luxury living

Quivira is more than luxurious ocean view residences in Los Cabos, is about luxury living with that it entails, and there is no better time than when the weather is amazing. Winter is the perfect time to explore the Baja California peninsula’s rugged interior on foot. Daytime temperatures through February are in the low- to mid-70’s F, ideal for hiking. On the other hand, water temperatures in the Sea of Cortez are too chilly for all but the hardiest swimmers.
The region’s ecosystem is characterized by a thick forest of desert vegetation, from the tall multi-armed cardon cactus to a broad variety of thorny plants and shrubs adapted to the arid climate. Hiking trails zigzag through rugged desert foothills, climb to lookouts with breathtaking views, and weave around rock formations extruded eons ago by volcanic eruptions.
Along with an appreciation for the environment, hiking is good exercise and more. Connecting with nature brings peace of mind and pure enjoyment, especially in the company of friends and family. This is what we define as luxury living. Early morning and late afternoon, when the air is cool and long shadows are cast across the landscape, are the best times to depart the shore and hike the Baja.
For guests of Pueblo Bonito Resorts as well as residents of Quivira Los Cabos, a couple of the hikes are conveniently located on-site next to their luxurious residences or in and around Cabo San Lucas. A few are a little further afield. Here are a few of our favorites.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. While this park’s magical undersea world is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a huge living coral reef and gin-clear waters that attract by snorkelers and scuba divers, landlubbers are not left behind. This marine sanctuary offers a network of coastal trails that wind through untouched desert landscapes. Several lead to secluded beaches of virgin sand where visitors are few and few between.
Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. Dominating the southern realm of the Baja peninsula, the Sierra de La Laguna mountain range, its tallest peak rising to 2,090 meters (6,857 feet), represents the big leagues of Cabo hiking. Teeming with endemic flora and fauna, this nature preserve offers experienced hikers a chance to climb in altitude to subtropical highlands, where the prickly cactus gives way to verdant oak and pine forests. Several trails, shaded by towering palms, lead to cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools enclosed by sheer canyon walls. The Baja wilderness at its best? The Sierra de la Laguna is it.
Cabo San Lucas Lighthouse. Ideal for casual explorers, this up-and-down hike starts near Quivira Golf Club and features a steady incline to the candy-striped Cabo San Lucas Lighthouse, which peers down from its rocky mountain perch high above the sea. Dating to 1959, this working lighthouse emits a white flash to guide ship traffic. Hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific as well as the Old Lighthouse (El Faro Viejo), a castle-like edifice that sits at kilometer zero. Built in 1905, it’s the oldest standing structure in Cabo San Lucas.
Mt. Solmar. For unforgettable Land’s End views, this semi-rigorous hike more than delivers. The pinnacle of Mt. Solmar, nearly 500 feet above sea level, offers bird’s-eye views of the marina, Medano Beach, the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Ocean, Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach. It takes about an hour to reach the peak, depending on ability level. Most of the trail is gently uphill, though the final ascent climbs a steep, switchback route up the face of the mountain. Located near the marina, the Mt. Solmar trail sits on private property, but the landowner hosts guided hikes from his dog training camp.
Corridor Satellite Tower Hike. A large group of satellite towers commands the top of a mountain on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas 20 minutes from Quivira Los Cabos. The trailhead is accessed via a road that heads north from Santa Carmela Market, located off the highway’s westbound access road. In broad loops, this popular trail gradually ascends a wide dirt service road. The payoff? Top-of-the-world views of San Lucas Bay, Land’s End, interior mountains and sprawling Cabo San Lucas.