Sierra de San Pedro Martir National Park

A Pine Forested Mountain National Park (1947) On The Spine Of The Baja Peninsula, Home Of The National Astronomical Observatory And Some Of Mexico'S Darkest Skies, With Picacho Del Diablo (About 3,096 M), The Highest Peak In Baja California, In Its Southern Part. Snow In Winter, Cool Summers And A Long Approach Road · San Telmo de Abajo, Baja California

Sierra de San Pedro Martir is a high pine-forested range on the spine of northern Baja California, far from the beach image most people have of the peninsula. The park sits mostly between about 2,000 and 3,000 m, so summers are cool, winters bring snow and the air is thin and clear. It holds the UNAM National Astronomical Observatory, set here because the skies are among the darkest in Mexico, and the southern end rises to Picacho del Diablo, the highest peak in Baja California at about 3,096 m. Reaching the park means a long drive on a dirt-and-paved road from San Telmo, with no fuel, food or shops inside. It suits campers, stargazers and experienced hikers who are self-sufficient. It is worth the detour for a night of stars and a walk through quiet forest; it is not worth it for a quick stop, or if your car is low and you dislike rough roads. Come prepared for cold nights even in summer, bring every litre of water you need, and give the road a full day.

Sierra de San Pedro Martir, reached by a 100 km dirt-and-paved road from Highway 1 near San Telmo, in northern Baja California; coordinates approximate, San Telmo de Abajo, Baja California, Mexico

The park is open all year, but there is no fixed schedule inside and no services. The gate or ranger post near the entrance may be staffed only part of the day and some days, so confirm before you drive up. The observatory site is not a general attraction: visits are limited, by arrangement and in daylight only, and the domes and telescopes are CLOSED to casual visitors at night to protect the observations. Walking in the forest, camping where allowed and viewing the sky from outside the observatory zone are FREE apart from any park entry charge. The road can be CLOSED or impassable after snow or heavy rain, especially from December to March.

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