10 Must-Do National Park Hikes in Loreto Mexico Islands

Hiking the Islands of Loreto Bay National Park, you’ll find great routes for all skill levels, trails full of diverse Cactus Desert Scrub, and spectacular ocean views. But there’s more, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the most pristine beaches and stunning landscapes while observing the unique flora and fauna of these untouched islands.

Source: © loreto.com

Why should you experience the National Park Hikes in the Islands of Loreto Mexico?

The Loreto Bay islands offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, featuring some of the most accessible National Park hikes on islands, unlike anywhere else in the Baja Sur, and perhaps even Mexico.

• Pristine Trekking Wilderness: Your chance to escape the crowds and experience Loreto’s nature in its purest form.
• Diverse Hiking Terrain: From desert plains to volcanic peaks, Loreto’s islands boast a variety of landscapes to explore.
• Abundant Wildlife: Encounter endemic reptiles, migratory birds, and even marine mammals along the coastal trails of your Hikes.
• Accessibility: Most of the Island Hikes are accessible for a day excursion and have a variety of fitness levels.
• Year-Round Hiking: While hikes can be done at any time of year, it is important to check the forecasted temperature beforehand, particularly in the summer months.

Loreto Bay National Park Hikes: Trails Main Characteristics

The following is a quick reference table of the eight trail routes available to regular visitors hiking the Islands of Loreto Bay National Park. If you want more information on these beautiful island trails, read further as the specific details of each route are described.

(Turn your smartphone horizontal for easier viewing)

El Volcán Hiking Trail at Isla Coronados

Scale the top of Isla Coronados: The trail “El Volcán” goes all the way to the top of Isla Coronados’ inactive volcanic peak (elevation is around 850 ft). This is a place where adventurers get to pit their strength against a path that rises steeply with areas full of loose angular boulders, eroded from the top of the volcano.

The demanding yet rewarding ascent takes the hiker upward to an elevation offering breathtaking panoramic views of Isla del Carmen and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range stretching across the horizon.

Every turn in this hike has something geologically interesting, from incredible fossilized shell formations showing evidence of an ancient sea to volcanic rock formations that create a striking contrast against the vibrant cacti vegetation, making it a truly memorable hike.

If you want to gain deeper knowledge about geology in the Sea of Cortez shores and islands, I highly recommend the book “Off-Trail Adventures in Baja California” by Prof. Markes E. Johnson. He is a long-time visiting scientist of Loreto who has conducted workshops and lecture presentations at Eco-Alianza’s CenCoMA (Community Center for the Environment). Check our website Fiend Events section — perhaps there is an upcoming event scheduled.

Source: © Richard Jackson

Luna de Miel Hiking Trail at Isla Danzante

This hike gets its name from the cove where it begins, “Luna de Miel” translates to Honeymoon, and the story I remember from my childhood is that this cove provided a perfect hidden spot away from prying eyes for couples on boats or sailboats enjoying their honeymoon.

Today it is no longer a secret hideaway, due to its popularity among regular tourists from the nearby timeshare, so much so that occasionally park rangers close access to the Luna de Miel cove beach, due to the erosion observed in the marine sediments and vegetation, as a measure for its proper recovery and preservation.

Luna de Miel Hiking Trail starts from the beach and winds up a steep slope along a small hill with firm ground, reaching medium height where there’s a fork giving you the option to climb northward to a higher position on the island and enjoy 360-degree views; or detour south to an adjacent beach where you can discover a resilient population of marine mangroves.

Is one of the easiest Loreto Bay National Park Hikes, a trail that invites you to walk it at a slow pace, to admire the panoramic views of Sierra de La Giganta mountain range and Isla del Carmen. While along the route, you can appreciate and contrast the variety of biological settings on the island, like the fascinating mangrove habitat, which shows the delicate balance between land and sea in this peculiar coastal environment.

Source: © Hugo Quintero Maldonado

La Salina Hiking Trail at Isla del Carmen

This is the longest of all the Loreto Bay National Park Hikes, an interesting 5.41-mile walk that will take you on a journey through time. La Salina will guide you along a unique trail, through the remains of the old salt mining operation and the remnants of a ghost town that bears historical witness to Isla del Carmen’s former industrial activity.

The trail meanders through extensive salt flats where crystalline formations create a surreal landscape that changes with the sunlight. This extremely saline body of water is home to hundreds of birds, from elegant wading birds to migrating seabirds; an unmissable site for history lovers and nature observers.

Carmen Island enjoys the singular privilege of being the only privately-owned island within Loreto Bay National Park, requiring visitors to obtain proper authorization well in advance of their hiking expedition. This extra step ensures that the site’s historical significance is preserved and its delicate ecosystem is protected.

El Arroyo Hiking Trail at Isla Danzante

El Arroyo is an excellent introduction to the Loreto Bay National Park hikes as it is a moderate and well-balanced trail that winds its way up to the elevation of two distinctive peaks, which are natural viewpoints that once there will reward you with broad panoramas of a horizon where blue waters harmonize with the rugged coast and distinctive sierra of Baja Sur.

Traveling by “Panga” around Isla Danzante on your way to the start of this trail, don’t forget to stop and appreciate the two impressive geological formations on the southern part of the island: the dramatic arch-like structure known as “La Ventana” and the curious mushroom-shaped rock known as “El Hongo”, both testifying to the island’s volcanic origins.

Source: © loreto.com

Isla Coronados’ Atracadero & Ensenada Blanca Hiking Trails

These trails around Coronados Island are a fairy tour that leads down paths through several different, enticing landscapes, such as virgin white sandy dunes bright in the sun to scrubby coasts down to a small yet important mangroves wetland.

This easily accessible path will provide spectacular all-round vistas with emergent surrounding mountains out of the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Spectacular views of the particular flora of the island, ranging from desert-adapted plants to coastal vegetation, along with varied fauna that includes everything from resident seabirds to scurrying lizards at home in this unusual ecosystem.

Source: © Hugo Quintero Maldonado

Playa Amarilla Hiking Trail at Isla Montserrat

Playa Amarilla: This pleasant, remote and peaceful scenic walk along the northwestern shores of pristine Isla Montserrat takes hikers on a gentle route through a desert-dotted landscape across dramatic coastal cliffs, ending at the so-called “Mirador Ballena Azul”.

It is from this elevated vantage point where, if luck is with the hiker, they can witness one of the park’s most distinctive spectacles: the sighting of majestic and formidable blue whales that pass through these waters during their seasonal migration. Other whale species can also often be seen breaching, spouting, or gliding gently across the horizon of the azure waters.

Punta Baja Hiking Trail at Isla del Carmen

Follow the dramatic coastal cliffs of Isla del Carmen along the generally easy and accessible walk of the Punta Baja trail, with great panoramic views across both the rugged peninsula and the humped silhouette of Isla Danzante, which rises out of the turquoise sea.

Along the trail, nature enthusiasts will be amazed to discover fascinating geological treasures: fossilized corals and ancient shells perfectly preserved by nature in the rocky coastal terrain – it’s an exciting experience to discover these glimpses of a marine environment that existed before the origin of humanity.

Important: While hiking the Islands of Loreto, Be Respectful by NOT Bringing any of those Fossils back with you, so that everybody has a chance to admire them, Remember:

Source: © Hugo Quintero Maldonado

Puerto Balandra Hiking Trail at Isla del Carmen

Take an enlightening hike through the unique ecosystem of Puerto Balandra. This fine interpretive trail makes its way through one of the most extensive and best-preserved mangrove forests within Loreto Bay National Park, affording visitors with the incomparable opportunity to observe these marvelous coastal trees up close.

The tangled roots of the mangroves provide a home for marine and terrestrial life, while the serenity of the atmosphere gives the hiker an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in this unique coastal environment with a sense of relaxation and admiration.

Source: © Hugo Quintero Maldonado

Isla Catalana: Forbidden National Park Hikes

Why This Protected Gem Is Off-Limits to Tourists Hiking the Islands of Loreto?

Hiking on Isla Catalana is generally not permitted due to its strict protection status as part of the Terrestrial and Insular Preservation Subzones (PreTI) of the Loreto Bay National Park Management Program, the full version of that document is accessible at DOF-SEGOB, or better yet check the interactive version that I created based in that same document accessible at this custom google map

Key considerations of the Terrestrial and Insular Preservation Subzones (PreTI) include:

• Prohibition of General Tourism: Recreational hiking and tourism are forbidden to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Restricted Landing: Only authorized landings for scientific research, park management, or emergencies are allowed.
• No New Trails: Creating or deviating from designated paths is not permitted to prevent erosion and habitat damage.
• Wildlife Protection: Disrupting wildlife habitats is strictly forbidden.

Anzueladero Hiking Trail at Isla Catalana

Located in the south side of Isla Catalana, Anzueladero trail connects to Los Burritos beach is an easy walk that begins in a sandy beach and then goes into a garden of unique desert flora including locally named species of “frutilla” and “choya”

Los Burritos Hiking Trail at Isla Catalana

Los Burritos is a short but particular trail of several viewpoints, it leads to the fascinating “El Elefante” rock formation, this geological formation can also be seen while navigating. The trail winds through a landscape of giant biznaga cactus, jojoba and matacora shrubs, a taste of the unique flora of the islands of Loreto Bay National Park.

Source: © Hugo Quintero Maldonado

FAQs about the National Park Hikes of the Islands of Loreto

When is the best time for hiking the islands of Loreto?

While hiking is possible year-round, the best time is during the cooler months, from October to April. Summers can be very hot, so plan accordingly.

What equipment do I need for hiking the islands of Loreto?

Pack light but be prepared:

• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Protect your feet on rocky trails.
• Hydration Pack: Carry plenty of water, especially during the hotter months.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
• Lightweight Clothing: Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Navigation: A map, compass, or GPS device is recommended.
• First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries.
• Photography: The islands offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera!

Are there guided tours available to hiking the islands of Loreto?

Check our Loreto.com Epic Tours Section to provide you with the most up-to-date information about local tour operators.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see hiking the islands of Loreto?

Loreto Bay National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. You might encounter:

• Reptiles: Lizards, snakes (including rattlesnakes), and iguanas.
• Birds: Migratory and resident birds, including pelicans, gulls, and eagles.
• Marine Mammals (while navigating): Dolphins, whales, and sea lions can be spotted offshore.

What are some safety tips for hiking the islands of Loreto?

Remember, always contact the park authorities for the latest information before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while helping to protect Loreto Bay National Park’s natural beauty.

• Notify the park: Inform Park officials of your hiking plans.
• Stay on marked trails: Avoid creating new paths.
• Carry plenty of water: Dehydration is a risk, especially in summer.
• Start early: Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
• Let someone know your plans: Inform someone about your route and expected return time.
• Check the Weather: Before setting out, make sure to review the weather forecast.
• Time Your Hikes: Plan your hikes to finish before dark.
• Wear the Right Gear: Appropriate clothing and footwear are essential.
• Pack Essentials: Always carry a first-aid kit, enough water, and snacks for your hike.
• Hike with a Buddy: For safety, avoid hiking alone.
• Know Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with handling accidents and contacting emergency services.

What are the rules for Hiking the Islands of Loreto Bay National Park?

To protect the park’s ecosystem, there are several regulations for hikers:

• Stay on the Trails: Hiking is only permitted on designated trails, and creating new ones is prohibited.
• Don’t Disturb the Environment: It’s crucial to avoid damaging plants, marking or defacing rocks, and altering the natural condition of campsites.
• Campfire Safety: Campfires are allowed only in designated areas and should not use local vegetation for fuel. Bring your own firewood.
• Prevent Introduction of Non-native Species: Thoroughly check your gear, food, and boats to avoid accidentally bringing in non-native plants or animals.
• Do Not Feed the Wildlife: Feeding the animals that live in the park is not allowed.
• Pack Out All Trash: All trash, including biodegradable items, must be removed from the islands. Remember: Leave No Trace
• No Collecting: Taking any plants, animals, or natural materials from the park is strictly forbidden. Remember: Bring Back Only Your Memories!
• Pay your Entrance Fee: As of 2025 the access fee is MX$215.00 for each person. You can buy it online accessing this microsite: Descubre-ANP that was setup by CONANP for that purpose, or show up at the offices of CONANP right in the marina, next to the Loreto Lighthouse Tower and buy it in person.

Conclusion about Hiking the Islands of Loreto

The Islands of Loreto are perfect for hiking! You’ll find easy walks and more challenging trails, so there’s something for everyone. Just bring your hiking boots and water, and you’re ready to discover these beautiful, peaceful islands.

These islands are special because they’re unspoiled and full of natural wonders. You’ll see everything from volcanic hills to desert landscapes, and lots of local wildlife in their natural habitat.

The great thing about hiking here is that it’s easy to access the trails. Most hikes can be done in a single day, and you don’t need to be a super athlete to enjoy them. You can hike all year round, but watch out for hot weather in summer.

The islands have amazing natural features like fossil corals and tall cliffs. You can visit unique landmarks like the La Ventana arch and the El Hongo rock formation – they’re just as impressive as famous spots in other parks.

The islands are home to many different plants and animals. You’ll see desert plants, coastal plants, mangrove swamps, and lots of wildlife. Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine animals like seals and dolphins along the coastal paths.

To keep these islands beautiful, we need to hike responsibly. Always stay on marked trails, don’t disturb plants or animals, take your trash with you, and never take anything from nature home with you.

If you love nature, want some adventure, or just need a peaceful escape, the Islands of Loreto are perfect for you. They offer beautiful views and great hiking while staying natural and unspoiled.

Come discover the adventure waiting for you in Loreto Bay National Park!

My Research Methodology: Creating This Guide

Let me share how I researched and verified the information for this Loreto Bay National Park Hikes guide. My research began with official sources and expert consultation, I referenced official materials from the park authorities (CONANP) and conservation organizations.

This included interviews and direct consults with park rangers and management teams, as well with local conservation organizations to gather their perspective and outreach information. I also conducted a thorough review of technical and legal documentation, including official national park hikes guides and recreational use ordinances.

To ensure accuracy and authenticity, I gathered Local Insights and First hand Experience through conversations with local tour guides, researchers working in the area, and local hikers and backpackers. These discussions provided valuable perspectives and recommendations that you won’t find in official guides. I also analyzed traveler reviews and community feedback from hiking forums and trails reviews to provide a balanced view of what visitors can expect.

Perhaps most importantly, as a longtime resident and hiker, I’ve personally explored many, if not all, of the National Park hikes in the islands and on the mainland. I’ve documented these firsthand experiences through personal logs and video blogs — some of them posted and accessible on this Loreto.com YouTube Channel.