Punta Lobos Hike | One of the Best Things to Do in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

I’m not very outdoorsy these days, but the Punta Lobos hike was a phenomenal way to spend a few hours — and it’s an easy climb as long as you don’t take any of the crazier routes.

The trailhead is a quick 20-minute drive from Todos Santos, making it one of the best day trips and outdoor activities available during a visit to Baja California Sur. It’s also dog friendly — just keep a close eye on them, as some of the drop-offs can be steep.

The Trail

The Punta Lobos hike is an out-and-back trail, running about 2.5 to 4 miles depending on the route you take, with anywhere from 1 to 3 hours of hiking time. You can tackle some steeper sections if you’re feeling ambitious, or keep it mellow and stay on the main trail — the elevation never gets too crazy.

As someone who is decidedly not outdoorsy, and married to someone even less so, we both genuinely loved the outing. This is a hike for everyone.

Getting There

From Highway 19, take the exit for the San Cristobal Hotel and follow the long dusty road. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Todos Santos — or an hour from Cabo — but budget another 10 minutes on an unpaved road before you reach the trailhead. There are no parking fees or trail fees, and despite the popularity of the Punta Lobos hike everything is refreshingly informal, right down to the unmarked sugar mill ruins at the start.

For parking, there’s a lot near the San Cristobal Hotel — just read the signs and make sure you’re not in a guest-only area. You can wind further down to an informal parking area closer to the trail, though it looked fairly chaotic with cars in every direction when we visited.

You’ll Know You’ve Arrived

Look for the old sugar mill ruins, also known as Puerto Viejo — the Old Port. The name originates from its role as the main shipping port for Todos Santos in the late 1800s. It’s an atmospheric starting point for the hike, even if it isn’t officially marked.

When to Go

My husband, my sister-in-law’s partner, and I hiked on an overcast morning — and that was very much by design. We were glad we did, because just as we finished, the sun broke through the clouds and it got hot fast. This region sits close to the Tropic of Cancer, meaning the sunlight is nearly direct at certain times of year and the sunburn risk is real. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. There are no bathrooms on the trail, though in a pinch the hotel bar is nearby. I’d strongly recommend a morning start — though I can imagine a sunset from the top of this hike would be absolutely life-changing.

The Views and Wildlife

The views from the Punta Lobos hike are spectacular and were the main draw for me. I love a dry climate, and the cacti and rocky landscape are always a treat for this Pacific Northwesterner. The lookout over the water is stunning — my sister-in-law’s partner, Matt, brought binoculars and we took turns spotting sea lions far below on the rocks where the cliff met the water.

Keep your eye out for turkey vultures too. We spotted several lording over a trash pile near the trail — surprisingly majestic, and a genuinely great sight.

The Rattlesnake

A fellow hiker flagged us down to let us know there was a rattlesnake just off the path on the way back down. It was well hidden in some brush but was definitely watching everyone as they passed. Matt and I crept a few steps closer to take photos — at which point the snake shook its tail, delivering a polite but firm warning. We both raised our hands in surrender, chuckled, and backed away slowly. My husband, who is terrified of snakes, was waiting at a safe distance down the path and was very relieved to be putting more ground between himself and the snake by the second. A great story either way.

The San Cristobal Hotel

The San Cristobal Hotel at the trailhead looks absolutely stunning, and next time I’d like to stop in for a drink or a snack and check out the beach access. Bunkhouse is a boutique hotel chain based in Texas that has perfectly channeled the Baja vibe — and by all accounts is worth every peso of the price tag. Rates run anywhere from $400 to $800+ USD per night depending on the season.

The hotel has its own private beach area, La Playita, accessible to guests or day visitors who purchase a pass — but public beach access is also available for those just passing through.

For something more budget friendly but equally stunning, check out Hacienda Todos Los Santos. This boutique hacienda in the historic center of Todos Santos is an elegant stay worth checking out.

The Verdict

The Punta Lobos hike ended up being one of my favorite parts of this entire Baja Sur trip, and the proximity to Todos Santos makes it an easy yes for anyone in the area. Next time I might brave one of the longer routes and get closer to the cliffs and the water.

Until then, I’ll be content reliving the sea lions through borrowed binoculars.