La Paz is not just about beautiful beaches, marine life, and sunsets; it’s surrounded by desert mountains, rugged coastlines, and hidden trails that offer spectacular views and memorable outdoor adventure. Hiking around La Paz offers an excellent way to see the contrasting beauty of Baja California Sur. Whether you’re after a quick sunrise hike or a multi-hour desert trek, La Paz has plenty of options. Below are three of the most popular hikes in the area—each different in terrain, length, and experience.
Playa El Tecolote – Playa Balandra Loop
Distance: ~3.8 miles (≈ 6.1 km) for the full loop.
Elevation Gain: About 475 ft (≈ 145 m).
Estimated Time: Around 1 hour 35 minutes. Plan for a bit more if you want to stop, swim, rest, or explore the beaches.
Trailhead & Route: The trail weaves around Cerro el Tecolote, between Playa El Tecolote and Playa Balandra. You’ll start (or finish) near one of the beaches, loop around the hills, and visit several scenic spots, including beaches and viewpoints.
Difficulty: Moderate. Some rocky, uneven terrain. No serious technical sections, but parts are steep or loose, and there’s very little shade.
Highlights: Panoramic views of Balandra Bay, “El Hongo” rock formation, multiple beaches for swimming or rest, a mix of desert and coastal scenery.
Mirador Balandra
Distance: ~2.9 miles (≈ 4.7 km) round-trip (out & back).
Elevation Gain: ~547 ft.
Estimated Time: ~1 hour 24 minutes. Depending on pace and how long you linger at view points.
Trailhead: There’s a turn-off on the highway leading to the Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Balandra. From there you follow a trail up to viewpoints over the bay.
Difficulty: Moderate. Rocky, loose in parts. Some inclines and descents; good footwear needed.
Highlights: Two ridgeline viewpoints with sweeping vistas of Balandra Bay and the coastline, especially “El Hongo.” Good for sunrise or late afternoon light. Less beach time (unless you walk down further) but strong for views.
Cerro de la Calavera
Distance: Short hike, often ~1 km round-trip for basic route; extended routes up hills/desert paths might take longer (1-2 hours depending on how far up you go).
Elevation Gain: Moderate for its short length; steep stretches and rocky paths. The elevation isn’t huge, but you’ll work for your view.
Trailhead: Just behind a Repsol gas station in the Palmira area (end of the Malecón), or starting near the edge of town. It’s accessible from downtown La Paz, even by walking for some.
Estimated Time: About 20-30 minutes for the basic out & back route; if you extend to the cross lookout or loop back via desert paths, maybe up to 1.5-2 hours.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Terrain is rocky, desert-scrub, uneven. No technical climbing, but shade is minimal; footing can be loose. Good for beginners who are okay with a bit of uphill.
Highlights: Very accessible, especially for times when you don’t want to travel far. Great views of the sea, the city, sunset or sunrise; desert flora; less crowded compared to major tourist beaches. A nice way to start or end the day.
Other Noteworthy Trails
While the above three are among the most popular, there are more ambitious and remote options:
- Rancho Cacachilas Trails — The network includes the Agua Blanca Trail (≈ 9.9 km, easier), Las Cruces Trail (≈ 13 km, moderate, 4-5 hours) and the Long Trail (>21 km), which is more advanced, following historical mule trails from the mining era.
- Punta Gorda is another moderate hike in the La Paz area with desert-coastal vistas, beach access, etc.
DBTC Insider Tips
Timing is everything: Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid heat. The desert sun can be intense midday. If you’re going for sunsets (e.g. Cerro de la Calavera or Mirador Balandra), plan to arrive well before dusk.
Sun protection & hydration: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, long sleeves or light protective clothing. Bring plenty of water. Even on a “short” hike, desert heat and sun exposure can mean dehydration risk. Snacks with electrolytes are helpful.
Footwear and gear: Good hiking or trail shoes with grip (not flip-flops). Terrain can include rocky, loose, sloping surfaces. Trekking poles can be a good idea if doing longer or steeper trails. Layer clothing in case mornings are cool or wind picks up.
Navigation & safety: Many trails are not well marked. Bring a map, GPS device or use reliable apps (e.g. AllTrails, Wikiloc). You’ll need a phone with good battery; consider carrying a power bank. Let someone know where you’re going, especially on less-traveled trails.
Wildlife & environment respect: Respect natural reserve rules (like Balandra area), stay on trails to avoid damaging desert flora. Watch for snakes, insects; be mindful of fragile ecosystems. Pack out what you bring in.
Permits, fees, access: Some areas (especially protected ones) may require an entrance fee or limited access. Balandra beach is a protected area and currently requires a fee and advance reservation. Check local conditions, weather, and any advisories.
Physical preparation: Even moderate hikes can be more taxing than expected in dry, hot terrain. Good to do a warmup and know your limits. Bring insect repellent in some areas, especially near water or mangrove zones.
Best times of year: Winter through spring (roughly November-April) generally more comfortable; less extreme heat. Rainy season (summer) can bring high heat, sudden storms, possibly make some paths slippery.