This Easy Hike in La Paz Has One of the Best Views in Baja

ByIsabella Biava Updated on

Just a few minutes from downtown La Paz hides a short, scenic trail that most visitors overlook completely. Cerro de la Calavera—“Skull Hill”—isn’t some wild backcountry trek, but what it does offer is a quick escape into Baja’s rugged desert landscape, sweeping sea views, and one of the best sunset spots in town.

If you’re spending a few days in La Paz and want to get outside for a quick hike with amazing views, Cerro de la Calavera is a perfect option. It’s a small hill just north of the city center, really easy to get to—you can even walk there from the Malecón.

Rocky desert landscape with rugged hills, scattered vegetation, and utility poles. Warm sunlight highlights the textures. No buildings or landmarks visible.
Cerro de la Calavera drone view

The trail begins just behind a Repsol gas station in the Palmira area, approximately a five-minute drive or a 30-minute walk from downtown. There’s no official signage, but you’ll see a dirt path that leads straight up the hill. That’s your trail.

Most of all, if you look up, you will see the shape of the red rocks with giant holes that make them look like a skull, hence the name.

Curved coastline with ocean view, road curves alongside rocky hills, palm trees scattered. Cloudy sky with two cargo ships in the distance.
Overlooking La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, the image captures a tranquil seascape, marina, and urban landscape under a cloudy sky.
A person sits in a rocky cave overlooking a coastal cityscape and marina under a dramatic, colorful sky at sunset.

The hike is short, around a kilometer round trip, but it’s steeper than you might expect. The path is rocky and uneven in parts, so you’ll want to wear hiking shoes with some grip. It’s not technical—no ropes or climbing required—but you will be working your legs a bit. Most people reach the top in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their level of fitness.

The best time to go is late afternoon, ideally about an hour before sunset. The light hits the hills in this really golden, dramatic way, and the view from the top is incredible. You can see all of La Paz stretched out below, the bay, the marinas, and out toward the Pichilingue Peninsula. It’s even more stunning when the sky starts to turn orange and pink.

One of the coolest parts of the hike is halfway up, where you pass these unusual rock formations that look like caves or arches.

They’re formed from soft limestone and have been eroded over time—some people say they look like skulls, which is actually how the hill got its name, “Calavera.” They’re also great for photos, especially when the light is low.

Sunset view over La Paz Bay, Mexico, with a vibrant sky, marina, and distant cityscape, surrounded by the calm sea and rugged coastline.
A coastal town view from a rocky hill, overlooking a marina and buildings under a dramatic sunset sky.
A scenic desert landscape with a winding path, tall cacti, and a vibrant pink sky at sunset. Sparse vegetation on rocky terrain.
Sunset view over La Paz, Mexico, with vibrant sky, marina, and distant land. Cacti silhouette in the foreground enhances the scenic beauty.

Most people stop there, as in the cavities of these rocks, there are comfortable spaces to sit and watch the sunset.

However, if you want to have the best view, you should go further up to the very top of the hill.

From there to the top, it gets even steeper, but the rocks are smoother and have no vegetation. I was happy to be with a guide because otherwise I wouldn’t have the courage to climb on my own, but that’s just me.

There is an easier trail, longer, wrapped around the mountain that goes up more gently, but i didn’t do it.

At the top, there’s a simple wooden cross and a flat spot where you can sit and take in the view. There’s no shade, no railings, and no amenities, so bring water, sunscreen, and maybe some bug spray for the ants.

Stunning sunset view over La Paz Bay, Mexico, with vibrant pink and orange skies, marina, and cityscape framed by foreground cacti.
A vibrant sunset over Marina La Paz, Mexico, with illuminated streets and distant islands, viewed from a rocky hillside with silhouetted trees.
A coastal cityscape at sunset with a vibrant sky, marina, and distant island, viewed from a rocky hill with a silhouetted tree.

And if you’re hiking close to sunset, it’s a good idea to carry a flashlight or use your phone light on the way down—there’s no artificial lighting on the trail.

It’s not a long or difficult hike, but it feels adventurous due to its steepness and scenic beauty. It’s a great option if you don’t want to leave the city but still want a little dose of nature. And honestly, it’s hard to beat that feeling of standing on a quiet hill, looking down at the city lights turning on below you as the sun sets over the sea.

This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in La Paz.

A scenic desert path winds through cacti under a vibrant pink and orange sky, surrounded by rocky, hilly terrain and sparse vegetation.
Sunset view from Cerro de la Calavera, rocky terrain with cacti and a scenic sky over La Paz, Baja California Sur coastline.
A scenic bay view at sunset, featuring a marina with numerous boats, illuminated buildings, and vibrant city lights under a colorful sky.

Isabella is a full-time traveler, travel writer, and photographer who’s called Mexico home since 2010. With over a decade exploring every corner of the country — from hidden cenotes in the Yucatán to surfing beaches like Sayulita — she shares personal, practical advice for travelers who want to experience Mexico beyond the resorts. She specializes in road trips, solo travel (especially for women over 50), and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Isabella is the founder of Let’s Travel to Mexico, Boundless Roads, Let's Travel to Cancun and the brand new site Discover Yucatan Peninsula and her work is based on first-hand experience.