🥾 Hiking to Punta Lobos View Point in Todos Santos Baja California Sur: What You Need to Know

ByIsabella Biava Updated on

Looking for a short but stunning hike near Todos Santos? Punta Lobos is that perfect mix of easy adventure and jaw-dropping ocean views, without the crowds.

I’ve been wanting to do this hike for so long, and during my last trip to La Paz, the vibrant capital of baja California Sur, Mexico, I made it happen.

I knew the views were mindblowing, but experiencing it firsthand was a different kind of excitement.

I usually travel alone without any issue, but I never feel comfortable hiking on my own, even if it’s a short and simple hike like this one. This time, I made some friends in La Paz, and we decided to go on a little adventure together.

In this post, I will help you plan this hike, including where to start, how to get there, nearby attractions, and practical tips to ensure the best adventure.

If you are coming from La Paz or Cabo, I will help you plan an amazing day trip in Todos Santos with things to do after the hike and other tips.

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Where is Punta Lobos Located

Punta Lobos is situated just outside Todos Santos, en route to Cabo San Lucas.

You need to follow the directions for the high-end hotel San Cristobal, drive past the hotel, and you will find a free parking lot with toilet facilities. The trail starts right behind the little yellow chapel on the beach.

TOP TIPS – This is also one of the most popular beaches in Todos Santos, where you can spot humpback whales from November through March. If you love whales, you should check my full guide on where to go whale watching in Mexico.

Anyway, don’t let me get started with whale-talk and let’s go back to our hike :).

Playa Punta Lobos is located just a few minutes outside the town center, by the luxury San Cristobal hotel. If you are ready to splurge, this is a great hotel option in Todos Santos. Here is the Google Maps location for better understanding.

Aerial view of La Playita beach, featuring rugged cliffs, turquoise ocean waves, and desert landscape. No visible people or buildings.

What to Expect on the Punta Lobos Trail

You will see the trail from the beach, winding across the hill among red rocks and cacti. It climbs pretty quickly, but it’s short, and the payoff is enormous.

The panoramic views of the Pacific and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains are jaw-dropping. You’ll follow the cliffs, looking down on crashing waves and fishing pangas coming and going from the beach.

About halfway in, you’ll probably start seeing sea lions or even whales breaching off the coast during winter.

The ruins that many guides mention are not on the trail but just behind the parking lot, before getting to the beach on your left.

Once you get to the first plateau, you will be at a great elevation to enjoy the views, but you can climb further up and enjoy even better and wider angles.

A person hikes along a narrow, rocky mountain trail under a clear blue sky. The terrain is barren and rugged.
A rocky cliffside with two people hiking along a narrow trail overlooks a vast ocean under a clear blue sky.
This is the part of the trail where I didn’t go because I was afraid of the cliff

You can also continue along the farthest point, the so-called punta lobo, but it’s not for the faint of heart, especially if you are afraid of heights. The trail is very narrow and, while on one side you have a rock wall to hold on to, on the other side, you have a high cliff.

I wasn’t really up for the thrill, and I decided to wait there for my friends while flying the drone and capturing the images that you are seeing in this post.

The descent can be slippery, but pay attention to your steps and you will be fine. But make sure you wear hiking boots for safety.

Also, be on the lookout for snakes, especially in the summer, as they emerge with the rising heat.

Keep reading for practical tips.

Rocky desert trail with sparse vegetation, leading up a barren hillside under vibrant blue sky, creating an arid and remote landscape scene.
Rugged landscape overlooking a deserted beach with several small boats. Blue ocean meets sandy shoreline under clear sky. No people visible.
Two people hiking up a rocky, dry trail along a coastal landscape with clear blue skies and ocean in the background.
Punta Lobos Hiking trail

Trail Basics

  • Distance: Around 4 miles round-trip (if you do the entire trail around the Lobo Point)
  • Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and photo stops
  • Difficulty: Moderate — some rocky climbs but nothing too technical
  • Start point: From the beach Playa Punta Lobos

Getting to Punta Lobos: Easy Drive from Cabo or La Paz By Car

Renting a car is the best way to explore the Baja Peninsula. If you have any concerns, I’ve written an entire post about driving in Baja, which will come in handy. Also, this is my recommended car rental booking platform.

However, if, after reading my posts, you still feel comfortable with driving, please don’t do it, because that’s when accidents happen, in my experience. Read more for alternative options.

Getting to Punta Lobo Todos Santos From Cabo San Lucas by car

It’s about an hour’s drive (46 miles) from Cabo along Highway 19. The road is smooth and safe — just keep an eye out for cows or goats if you’re driving in the early morning or late at night.

You will find a sign for the Hotel San Cristobal, which you will follow, pass it and you will arrive.

Getting to Punta Lobo Todos Santos From La Paz by car

Also pretty straightforward. It’ll take a little over 1 hour. The views along the way are classic Baja desert-meets-ocean.

Getting to Todos Santos by bus

You can catch a bus from Cabo or La Paz to Todos Santos, or book a local shuttle. Once in town, grab a cab or walk (if it’s not too hot — it’s about 30–40 minutes from the central plaza).

Aerial view of the rugged, rocky coastline of Cabo Pulmo, with deep blue ocean waves crashing against the cliffs under a clear sky.

What You’ll Love About This Hike

🐋 Wildlife Right From the Trail

From December through April, you might spot whales breaching just offshore. Sea lions sometimes lounge on the rocks below the cliffs. There are always birds riding the thermals overhead.

📸 The Views Are Ridiculous

The cliffs drop straight into the ocean, and the waves down below are mesmerizing. On clear days, you’ll see all the way to the horizon where blue meets more blue.

🏚️ There’s a Story in the Ruins

Near the end of the trail, you’ll run into crumbling walls and remnants of what used to be a sugar port. No fences, no signs, just the bones of an old industry in the desert, which makes the landscape scenery even more fascinating.

Aerial view of a coastal desert landscape with a pristine beach, turquoise ocean, and a small resort. Rocky terrain surrounds the area.

What to Bring and Know Before You Go

  • Water and sun protection — Baja sun doesn’t mess around. I use Cerave SPF 50
  • Good shoes — some parts are rocky and slippery – I love my Merrell hiking boots (they were perfect for the occasion
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • A camera or phone with space—you’ll want photos
  • There is cell service — however, tell someone where you’re going and share your location if you go alone
  • Best time to go — early morning or just before sunset
  • Swimming? Not here — Playa Punta Lobos has strong currents and boat traffic.
A person with a backpack views the vast ocean from a rocky cliff, surrounded by sparse desert vegetation and clear blue sky.
Two people stand on a hill overlooking a vast, empty beach with waves, buildings, and rugged terrain in the background.
A vast desert landscape with cacti overlooks a sandy beach and turquoise sea. A person walks downhill under a clear blue sky.

Other things to do in Todos Santos after the hike

If you are coming from either La Paz or Cabo, you may want to take advantage of the trip and spend the entire day in the pretty, magical town of Todos Santos. That’s what we did.

You can either hike in the morning or at sunset, but with the remaining time, you could just enjoy this pretty town.

Keep in mind, though, that Todos Santos is not the best place to enjoy the beach, aside from taking in the views, as the rip currents are quite strong and dangerous. So I would avoid that.

Just enjoy some off-the-beach time, check out the pretty shops and markets. I found that Todos Santos has the best souvenirs and clothing stores in Baja California.

Todos Santos is also known for its organic restaurants, where fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood are turned into flavorful, creative dishes, such as Agricole or Hierbabuena, among others.

We had an excellent, and expensive, lunch at Santoro, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the colorful town. I had the best burrito ever, all worth the money.

For more ideas on things to do in Todos Santos, check out my dedicated post.

Bustling outdoor market with colorful clothing and souvenirs on display. Several people browse stalls beneath decorative overhead canopy on a sunny day.
The image depicts a colorful, vibrant clothing shop entrance with hats on display, surrounded by plants and adorned with a large green sign.
Ella Bella Market in Todos Santos

Best Places to Stay nearby

If you’re looking to stay close to the trail, check out:

  • Hotel San Cristóbal — luxury right on the water near Punta Lobos for an elegant and boho-chic stay
  • Downtown Todos Santos — filled with cool boutique hotels, Airbnbs, and some seriously good food
  • Cerritos Beach — great for surfers, only about 20 minutes south, you will find a few hotels and home rentals, such as Ola de Cerritos and the spectacular home Topia Retreat.
A rugged cliff overlooks a vast beach and turquoise ocean under a clear blue sky, surrounded by dry vegetation and rocky terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do this hike solo?

Absolutely. Just bring water and tell someone where you’re going. It’s well-traveled enough, but you’ll still get moments of solitude.

Need a guide?

Not really. It’s easy to follow, and part of the fun is discovering it yourself. But if you want a guide, locals offer some great eco tours.

Is the drive from Cabo safe?

Yes, totally. It’s a paved highway all the way. Just drive during daylight and enjoy the scenery.

Coastal landscape with a sandy beach, clear blue water, rocky hills, scattered buildings, and people enjoying the shore. Clear skies enhance the scenic view.
Cerritos Beach

🌅 Final Thoughts

Punta Lobos is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems. It’s not long or super hard, but it gives you that feeling of Baja’s raw coastline—cliffs, wind, ocean spray, and all.

It’s easy to fit into a half day, perfect before brunch or at golden hour. And if you’re traveling with friends, it’s one of those hikes that everyone—photographers, nature lovers, or just people who like a good view—will appreciate.

More Pictures of Todos Santos

A person walks towards the Hotel California with a backpack, along a sunny street with palm trees and shops.
Desert path leads to a sandy beach with boats, palm trees, and ocean view under clear blue skies. Sparse vegetation and rocks surround.
The end of the Trail in Punta Lobos Beach – Yellow Church (Capilla)
A person approaches a small yellow chapel surrounded by rocky desert terrain under a clear blue sky.
The Beginning of the Trail in Punta Lobos Beach – Yellow Church (Capilla)
A long, straight road cuts through a vast desert landscape filled with tall cacti under a clear blue sky.
The roads in Baja California

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.