Crater Cerro Colorado. photo: Matthew J. Nelson
Anyone who has ever driven south of the border to Rocky Point has passed by one of the most fascinating regions anywhere in the Southwest without even knowing it. From the highway, Mexico’s Sierra Pinacate appear as a few bumps on the horizon, but with over 400 cinder cones, ten gaping craters and a surprising abundance of plants, flowers and animals, this place is unlike anywhere else. There are so many natural wonders to explore within the Sierra Pinacate that it would take many years and numerous trips to experience them all.
A good start is Cráter Elegante (the elegant crater), found just 15 miles northwest of the entrance. After registering with park rangers and paying $1 to visit this Biosphere Reserve, follow small wooden signs along dirt roads to the crater, which remains hidden until you’re standing right on its rim. Be prepared to have your breath taken away. This massive hole is 800 feet deep and 4,800 feet in diameter. Decorated by exotic cacti and succulents, Cráter Elegante is the kind of place where you can sit and stare in wonder endlessly. To truly appreciate the size of Cráter Elegante you must hike around it. The 3.4-mile trail follows the perimeter of the crater and gives you the opportunity to see its myriad features from all angles.
Another crater worth visiting is Cerro Colorado (red-colored rock), located just ten miles northeast of Cráter Elegante. Although smaller, Cerro Colorado’s colorful character makes it a favorite among visitors. It is best experienced at sunset, when the iron oxide within the crater walls glow a brilliant orange-red.
Everywhere you turn within the Sierra Pinacate you’ll make fascinating discoveries. Springtime is an ideal season for visiting, as lupines, gold poppies, evening primrose and other brightly colored flowers emerge from the black soil.
Be warned – the magic of the Sierra Pinacate is almost overwhelming. Your first visit will enchant you, and will likely be the first of many trips to this exotic landscape.
Making Your Escape
From Tucson, take Ajo Highway (Hwy 86) west through Sells toward Ajo. At Why, drive south on Highway 85 through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Cross the US/Mexico border at Lukeville and continue south on Mexico Highway 2 for 32 miles until reaching the entrance to the Sierra Pinacate Biosphere Reserve. Turn right at the sign for Ejido Nayarit/Sierra Pinacate and you’ll soon reach a locked gate. Park here and walk inside the ranger station (the building on your right) to register and pay your entrance fee of $1 per person.
After your hike, drive south for another 30 minutes and enjoy fresh ceviche and a cold cerveza in Puerto Peñasco. The turquoise water of the Sea of Cortez is a dramatic contrast to the blackened landscape of the Pinacates, and is just one more thing to love about México.
Matthew J. Nelson is a local outdoor educator, guide and conservationist.
