EL Pinacate Biosphere Reserve Self Drive Trip

NileGuide Expert Says:

The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and Altar Desert is listed listed as number four of the 13 Marvels of Mexico. This is nature at its most rugged, most harsh, most beautiful and at its best! An absolutely Unique and Incredible scenic journey! An unforgettable Desert.

Address:

Phone:

(011-52)638 384 9007

NileGuide Expert tip:

The Entrance fee is (2010) about $5.00 USD per person. One fee will also give you admittance to the Schuk Toak Visitor's center. It is recommended that first timers hire a qualified guide and several are available. (NOTE: See other listed Things to Do in Nile Guide to find Professional Tour Guides for this Trip.) Carry at least one gallon of water per person per and emergency tools & supplies for your vehicle. Travel during the months of November to April when temperatures are bearable. Avoid summer travel as the desert can be 120 degree or higher.

Description:

After checking in at the welcome gate and paying a fee, you will proceed through the gates into the reserve. The road is maintained but can be sandy and rough in spots. It is highly recommended that this trip is done in a four wheel drive vehicle, especially if your visit is soon after any rain storm! There are well marked points of interest along your drive through the park. Stop and see the artifacts that have been discovered here which is an indication of who used to live in this area. Along the drive you will notice many changes in both the color of the soil and the plant life which is seen. Many different types of cacti are observed here and they all have there own beauty. . . and danger! So, be careful around the cactus. Follow the signs and in 30 minutes or so you will find yourself at the base of Elegante crater. This is a maar crater which is formed when gases under the surface of the ground expand beyond what the top crust can handle and a huge explosion occurs and a crater is formed where the gas bubble was beneath the top layer. The Elegante crater is very large at over a mile across and some 900 feet deep it is one of the largest of these types of craters. There is a hiking trail that follows the rim all the way around the crater and you are welcome to make the hike. Continue following signs to visit the camp ground near El Tecalote. In the spring you will see thousands of wild flowers in full bloom here and there is space for about 40 people to camp. There are no facilities available here so you must bring your own water and food and you must pack out your own trash. The full driving trip continues to the Cerro Colorado crater; its unique characteristic is its intense red color against the desert. Although you could spend much time in exploring the park the designated "loop" drive through the reserve takes a little over 2 ½ hours. Facts & Figures: Within the reserve there is over 1,250,000 acres of sand dunes, there are 10 maar type craters, over 100 ash cones, gigantic mountains and riparian areas.

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