Hiking in Cabo San Lucas: Top 5 Trails & Hiking Experiences!

With beautiful landscapes and rich culture, there are many exciting and quirky cities you should visit in Mexico.

Take your time exploring individual Mexican cities, and you will find that there are unending attractions to see and things to experience! From its ancient ruins to snow-capped mountains, there’s a reason why Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican city renowned as a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and luxurious resorts. However, this city also offers a variety of outdoor activities for those who want to explore its natural surroundings.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's time to consider Cabo San Lucas so that you can experience some new and exciting views. Hiking is one of the most popular activities among tourists and locals alike. Keep reading to discover the best Cabo San Lucas hikes so that you can explore like the locals.

About Hiking in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has many hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. For those new to hiking and looking for an easy route, we recommend the Lover’s Beach Trail. However, there’s much more to this city than that!

Despite the intensity of the heat, Cabo San Lucas is a hiker’s paradise with something for everyone. This guide will go over some of the best trails in Cabo San Lucas for different types of hikers and provide must-know tips on what to expect.

5 Top Places to Go Hiking in Cabo San Lucas

Awareness is critical when hiking! You need to know what your body is capable of and when to recharge. Avoid disappointment by making sure you’re picking out a hike suitable for your physical condition! To help you decide, here’s a list of the 5 great places to go hiking in Cabo San Lucas.

5. Circuito Los Cabos

This fantastic circular desert trail is only for those looking for a challenge. This 14.8-mile hike is not for the faint-hearted, as it takes around 8 to 10 hours to complete. 

The Circuito Los Cabos has various landscapes, from sandy beaches to cacti forests. With some steep climbs and uneven surfaces, this is a challenging hike, but the views are definitely worth it.

With Cerro de Enmedio as the highest point in the trail, this is a fantastic hike for those who want to experience Cabo San Lucas’ diverse terrain and get a workout in simultaneously!

Location: Near Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Distance: 14.8 km (4h 10 mins)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Loop

Activities - Hiking | Mountain Biking | Running

4. Esperanza

The relatively easy and popular Esperanza Trail is perfect for those who want to experience some fantastic views without too much of a challenge. This 1.6km hike takes around 23 minutes and offers hikers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby islands.

Although it’s not a very challenging hike, there are some rocky and uneven surfaces, so watch your step! Also, pack the proper hiking gear to make your climb safer and more accessible.

Location: Esperanza, Baja California Sur
Distance: 1.6 km (23 mins)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Route: Loop

Activities - Hiking | Bird Watching | Running

3. Playa El Medano

The breathtaking, short trail of Playa El Medano is a must-do for all beach lovers! This 1.6 km hike takes around 20 minutes to complete with views of the ocean and the nearby mountains.

Although it’s not a strenuous hike, there are some sandy and rocky surfaces, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The light hike will take you through some impressive beaches, which are perfect for a post-hike swim!

Playa El Medano is a great hike for those who want to enjoy the beach and get some fresh air at the same time. Moreover, you can enjoy endless walks on the beach after the hike.

Location: Playa El Medano, Baja California Sur.
Distance: 1.2 km (20 mins)
Difficulty: Easy
Route: Out & back

Activities - Hiking | Sunset Watching | Running | Walking

2. Cabo Marina Desde Solmar

Cabo Marina Desde Solmar is an excellent hike for adventurers looking for a moderate challenge with incredible views. The 5.8km trail takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete and offers hikers stunning views of the El Farino coastline.

This hike has some uphill sections, so bring plenty of water and take breaks when needed. The trail can be relatively narrow at some points, so be careful when passing other hikers.

Location: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.
Distance: 5.8 km (1 hr 15 mins)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Out & back

Activities - Hiking | Nature Walks | Views

1. Cerro de Las Torres

Cerro de Las Torres is another excellent option for a more challenging hike with incredible views. The 5.1km trail takes around 2 hours to complete. During this trek, people can see stunning views of the nearby coastline and mountains.

The hike starts at the end of Via La Paloma street, and the trail is quite steep. Plus, the pathways can be slippery when wet, so take extra precautions when hiking. 

Location: Cerro de Las Torres, Baja California Sur.
Distance: 5.1 km (2 hours)
Difficulty: Hard
Route: Out & back

Activities - Hiking | Views

Tips For Hiking in Cabo San Lucas

When it comes down to it, there are only a few things you need to know to have a great hiking experience in Cabo San Lucas. Keep reading for some essential hiking tips when exploring these Mexican spots.

Hike While It’s Cool

If you’re used to hiking in temperate climates, Cabo’s weather might come as a bit of a shock! The region experiences very little rainfall and has an average temperature of 28°C.

The best time to hike is between May and June when the weather is nice and cool. However, if you’re exploring in July or August, remember to start your hike early to avoid the heat of the day. 

Another option is to visit during October and November. These months are interesting in Cabo San Lucas because the landscape is covered in beautiful blooming flowers.

Wear Appropriate Clothing & Shoes

As with any hike, dressing in appropriate clothing and shoes is essential. The terrain in Cabo San Lucas can be pretty rocky and uneven, so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

Another thing to remember is to use products that protect you from the sun. The UV rays in Cabo are powerful, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are all great sun protection items.

Try Bringing Your Kids Along

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to take your kids hiking with you! Plenty of short and easy hikes are perfect for the little ones. 

Since kids are more sensitive and can get burned quickly compared to adults, walk the trails in the morning or late afternoon. By going on hikes during these times, you’ll avoid the hottest times of the day, and people will stay cooler.

Bring Plenty of Water

No matter what time of year you hike, it’s essential to bring plenty of water. The heat can be intense, and you don’t want to get dehydrated. We recommend bringing at least 1 liter of water per person. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable water bottle, make sure to check out our review of Nalgene!

Carry a First Aid Kit

It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Bring a first aid kit with you on your hike, just in case.

Know Your Limits

Knowing your limits might seem like common sense, but keeping track of your physical state and taking a break if necessary is essential. If a hike is too challenging or you’re not feeling well, don’t hesitate to turn around and head back. There’s no shame in it!

Hiking Safety

Cabo is generally a safe place to hike, but there are always risks when venturing into the wilderness. Be sure to adventure with a friend and let someone know your destination before you head out. And, as we mentioned above, be sure to bring plenty of water and a first aid kit.

If you’re planning on hiking in a remote area, hiring a guide is always best. Local guides know the terrain and can help you stay safe.

What gear to carry for hiking in Cabo San Lucas?

Despite what you may see in the movies, you don’t need a lot of gear to go hiking. However, there are a few essential items that we recommend packing.

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes
• Water
• First aid kit
• Navigation tools such as a compass
• Map
• Bug repellent
• Overnight gear (Just in case)
• Flip flops or hiking sandals (for safety reasons)
• Bear repellent (if it’s bear season)
  

Enjoy a safe hike!

Now that you’re informed, nothing is stopping you from taking an unforgettable hike in Cabo San Lucas! Just remember to follow the tips above and enjoy the experience. If you’re still in the planning stage of your upcoming Mexico trip, remember to try out Pilot to make things easier for you.