A fantastic half-day hike near the East Cape town of Los Barriles leading to a surprising 10-meter waterfall in the desert mountains. The canyon hike involves boulder scrambling, stream crossings (seasonal), and beautiful desert scenery. The reward is a freshwater pool fed by the waterfall — a magical desert oasis. This is one of the most accessible dramatic hikes in Baja California Sur.
Cañón de la Zorra sits in the granite foothills above Santiago, the small mission village midway between Los Barriles and San José del Cabo in Baja California Sur. Access is by road: drivers leave Highway 1 at the Santiago exit, pass the plaza and the village zoo, then continue on a graded dirt road toward the Sol de Mayo ranch, which controls the land around the falls. The final stretch is rough but passable in a standard car in dry conditions, and a modest entrance fee of roughly 200 to 250 pesos per person is collected at the ranch gate. No hiking permit is required, but the trailhead is unsigned from the highway and most visitors arrange a local guide in Santiago for around 500 to 700 pesos.
The hike covers about eight kilometres round trip with some 350 metres of cumulative gain, taking three to five hours at a relaxed pace. The upper section is a dirt path across open desert bench land with almost no shade, exposed to full sun for the first hour. It then drops into the canyon proper, where the surface changes to water-polished granite slabs, loose cobbles and boulder scrambling, and where seasonal stream crossings can be ankle to knee deep after rain. The canyon walls provide welcome shade for most of the lower section.
The centrepiece is a waterfall of roughly ten metres feeding a deep freshwater pool ringed by palms and fig trees, a genuine oasis in an otherwise arid landscape. The pool is a natural turn-around point; continuing upstream involves harder scrambling with no marked route and is best left to parties with a guide. Flow depends entirely on the summer chubascos, so the falls are strongest from late summer through winter and can thin to a trickle by May. There are no huts or shelters, and the only water source is the stream itself, which needs treating before drinking. Rangeland cattle, birds of prey and lizards are common sights along the desert bench.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Near Santiago / Los Barriles, East Cape
- Best season
- October to May, with strongest flow November to March
Location
23.5167, -109.7500 View on map
Highlights
- Hidden desert waterfall
- Natural swimming pool
- Desert canyon scenery
- Wildlife including birds and lizards
Tips for visiting
- The waterfall is seasonal and best after rains — call ahead
- Hire a guide in Santiago village
- Wear water shoes for stream crossings
- Bring picnic lunch to enjoy at the waterfall pool
When to visit
November through March combines the fullest waterfall with comfortable daytime temperatures in the East Cape foothills. Starting before nine in the morning keeps the unshaded desert approach cool and leaves time at the pool before afternoon groups arrive.
Accessibility
The route is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The approach across the desert bench is uneven dirt track, and the final descent into the canyon involves boulder scrambling and stream crossings with no steps, handrails or graded surfaces. The ranch buildings near the parking area are reachable on level ground.
Frequently asked questions
Does the waterfall at Cañón de la Zorra flow year-round?
Flow is seasonal and depends on the summer chubascos. The falls are at their strongest from roughly September through March and can shrink to a trickle by late spring, so it is worth checking conditions at the Sol de Mayo ranch or with a Santiago guide beforehand.
Is there an entrance fee?
The falls sit on private ranch land and access is collected at the Sol de Mayo gate for roughly 200 to 250 pesos per person. Payment is cash only, and a local guide costs an additional 500 to 700 pesos for the group.
Can visitors swim in the pool?
Swimming in the pool beneath the waterfall is the main draw and is permitted. The water is cold and deep close to the falls, and the surrounding granite is slippery, so entering from the shallow edge is the safer approach.
How difficult is the canyon section?
The desert bench is straightforward walking, but the canyon requires scrambling over boulders and crossing the stream several times. Hikers comfortable using their hands on rock will manage it; the terrain is unsuitable for anyone with balance or knee problems.