When you think about your upcoming Rocky Point trip, you probably imagine long days spent at the beach, many hours spent sipping margaritas and listening to live music at local hot spots, and of course, relaxing in comfort and quiet luxury in our FMI Rentals vacation sanctuaries. But have you ever imagined exploring a biosphere, an area of land that is far removed in looks from the sand and sea?
El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a hidden gem, located about 12 to 25 miles outside of Rocky Point (depending on which entrance you visit). We sincerely hope you will place this natural adventure near the top of your Mexico bucket list!
What Is the Biosphere?
El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is one of only 1200+ UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This world-class geological site stretches 714,566 hectares and blends volcanoes, lava flows, volcanic craters, and the largest active dune fields in North America. The arid landscape of El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is also acclaimed for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered Sonoran pronghorn and the venomous Gila monster, as well as over 560 vascular plants.
What You Can Expect to See
What you see with the naked eye isn’t necessarily what you will get at El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve; at first glance, it looks like hilly, inhospitable terrain. But when you peer closer, you will see a dramatic landscape populated with hundreds of volcanic cinder cones, craters, and masses of hardened, blackened lava flows resembling a dark river or the blacktop in a residential neighborhood. You may catch sight of the Sonoran pronghorn and Gila monsters we mentioned earlier, but also Sonoyta mud turtles and over 40 different reptiles.
There are two sides to the Reserve: the eastern Pinacate shield, where volcanic activity gives the landscape a moon-like look; and the western Gran Altar Desierto, with its active dunes (constantly shifting in the winds) and granite mountains forming a formidable backdrop. Spring visitors may experience fields of colorful wildflowers, especially after a rainy winter.
Getting There from Rocky Point
Getting to El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve from your FMI Rentals beachy retreat is surprisingly easy. Guests will want to drive north on Mexican Highway 8, heading towards one of two entrances.
The closer entrance to El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is around 12 miles away and is where you will find the Schuk Toak Visitor Center & Dunes Entrance. The Crater Circuit entrance is farther from town (about 25 miles), and where you will find the Estación Biológica (Research Station). You must register before driving the loop that takes you through the craters.
You may feel safer in a high-profile 4-wheel drive vehicle, but it is still possible to drive carefully in a regular car. Entry fees are approximately $3 to $4 USD per person, and you may be asked to donate extra for a good cause.
Top Activities and Attractions in the Reserve
The dramatic beauty of El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is something you will never forget, no matter what you choose to do while visiting. We suggest that everyone stop at the Schuk Toak Visitor Center for an introduction to the reserve’s attractions and an education on its millions of years of history. This is also where you can pick up a map of the area, learn some safety tips, and take part in a guided tour, all for the low cost of 50 Mexican pesos per person (less than $3 USD).
- Address: Carr. Federal 8 Km. 72, 83550 Son., Mexico
- Open Thursday through Sunday, 9 AM-5 PM
- 4.8 Stars on Google, due to knowledgeable staff and fascinating exhibits
Hiking
Sometimes the best way to explore new places is on your own two feet. The hiking trails that lead visitors through El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve are a perfect example. The most popular trails include the El Elegante Crater rim, Cerro Colorado, and a variety of trails around the visitor center. Summers will be hot, so the best time to hike may be during a winter or early spring visit, and as we will discuss below, staying hydrated is vital for your safety.
Biking
In addition to the hiking trails, bikers may also explore the Volcanic Crater Loop, sure to challenge the most seasoned bikers. This wonderful trail offers steep, rocky terrain and will remind you of all the reasons you love to ride mountain bikes. Motorized bikes, ATVs, and Razors are forbidden in the reserve.
Staying Safe and Hydrated
There are no dedicated medical centers in the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. Guests will need to bring plenty of water and not push themselves beyond their abilities when hiking or biking. Visiting between October and May is highly recommended to avoid heatstroke or dehydration.
We mentioned the venomous Gila monsters earlier, and while humans are generally safe, you mustn’t try to capture the lizards, as with any wild animal, they will lash out when they feel danger is near. There are also multiple varieties of rattlesnakes found in the area, as well as venomous spiders (including black widows) and scorpions. Although these creatures are mostly nocturnal, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings while exploring this fabulous reserve.
Return to Your Rocky Point Rental
Now that you have spent the day exploring the rugged landscape of El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, it is time to return home to the air-conditioned comfort of your Rocky Point rental. Our spaces offer a soft place to land after a day of adventures and may also include private or resort pools to help cool down after a fun day in the sun. Contact us to reserve your favorite retreat today!
