Outdoor Mexico

Read through the descriptions of national parks and other protected lands in northern Mexico.

1. Sierra del Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve - Sonora
A vast volcanic landscape with dunes, craters, lava flows inhabited by fascinating desert wildlife. The"maar" craters are unique in the world. Altar is the largest desert in Mexico, with dunes that rival those of the Sahara. Much like the U.S. southwest, Pinacate also has much archeological interest, with evidence of human habitation going back for centuries.

2. Upper Gulf of California and the Colorado River Delta - Baja California
This region was movingly described by Aldo Leopold in his essay"Green River." The delta is surrounded by the Sonora Desert and mountain range of Baja California. It's divided between the fresh water zone of the Colorado River Delta and the marine influence of the Gulf of California. Consequently, the terrain is varied, with many fascinating transitional zones between scrub brush, coastal dunes, dry sandy desert, and the last remaining wetlands of the Colorado River. The fauna consists mostly of resident and migratory birds such as the pelicans, cormorant, fishing eagles, and gulls. But probably it's what lives in the water that's most important: 22 species of native fish and many marine mammals.

3. Constitución; de 1857 National Park - Baja California
12,370 acres near Ensenada in the Sierra de Juarez. Altitude 4,600 feet. Features Lake Hanson, which is alive with many migratory birds and fish, including catfish and large-mouth bass. Granite outcrops offer compelling challenges to rock climbers. Hiking is even more of a challenge; you'll encounter dense scrub, rattlesnakes and ticks -- you gotta work for those views! This popular park offers many different types of lodging, from hotels to pitch your own tent.

4. Isla de Guadalupe Special Biosphere Reserve - Baja California
61,750 acres. An exquisite volcanic island threatened by goats and out-of-control tourism. Beautiful - but please tread lightly here.

5. Sierra San Pedro Mártir; National Park - Baja California
Huge park - 63 km in a belt around the waist of Baja. Desert highlands featuring granite peaks, canyons and coniferous forests. Picacho el Diablo, the highest point in Baja and a major technical challenge for climbers, is in this park.

6. Cajsn del Diablo Special Biosphere Reserve - Sonora
61,750 acres. Sparsely populated, exquisite area in the mountains and along the coast. Because it's been inaccessible over land, the diverse environments have remained pristine. The 1,050 inhabitants, mostly fisherpeople, are committed to the cultural and ecological preservation of their land, which is a wonderland of Sonoran native plants and animals, including the marine wolf, sea turtles, peregrine falcons and deer.

7. Isla Tibursn Special Biosphere Reserve - Sonora
300,000 acres. Historically and ecologically important island where, at the right time, you'll have a good chance to see whales and sea turtles. However, the island has been the victim of touristic over-development -- again, please tread lightly.

8. El Vizcaíno; Natural Reserve - Baja California
25,000 sq km of coastal Baja. Opened November 30, 1988, this is the largest biosphere reserve in Mexico. Bounded on the east by the Gulf of California and the west by the Pacific Ocean, with many different areas such as the Desert of Vizcamno, San Sebastian Vizcam Bay, Bahma Tortugas (turtle bay) and Bahma Ballenas (whale bay), as well as many small islands. The reserve is outstanding for its high number of of endemic species of cactus and reptiles. Interesting wildlife, including elephant seals, the endangered Cedros mule deer, and whalewatching. In the marine area of the reserve you can frequently spot whales, especially the gray whale, which reproduces annually in the Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio lagoons .

9. Gulf Islands, Special Biosphere Reserve - Baja California
53 protected islands in the Gulf of California. Its vegetation is typical of desert environments, with a wide variety of unique cactuses. The majority of the islands are bird sanctuaries for both land and marine birds. You may also get a chance to admire populations of marine wolves. You can reach the different islands from various ports in Baja California, Baja California South, Sonora and Sinaloa. Visits to the reserve are arranged through SEDESO.

10. Cascada de Bassaseachi National Park - Chihuahua
15,470 acres. Home to Cascade de Bassaeachic which, at a height of 1,017 feet, is the highest waterfall in the country. Viewing the falls is not a drive-up proposition; be prepared for an all-day hike through the rugged Sierra Tarahumara. But take heart: you'll be walking thorugh pine and oak forests, understoried with shrubs, many of which are found only in this region. Among the animal species of the area are deer, pumas, wildcats, tree frogs, nutria, woodpeckers and many other birds. Besides hiking, there's good camping and climbing.

11. Copper Canyon - Chihuahua
On everybody's short list of great places in outdoor Mexico. A deep canyon, deeper than the Grand, in fact. There's a train that runs through it, and it's possible to break the ride up, stopping off for day hikes. See related articles: Treasures of the Sierra Madre: Copper Canyon and Discovery in Copper Canyon.

12. Arareko Ecotourist Complex - Chihuahua
Part of the Tarahumara peoples' communal lands. 200 sq. km of pine forest with waterfalls, hot springs, caves, interesting rock formations, canyons, farmlands, Tarahumara villages, and the lovely Lago Arareco. Many sidetrips are available..

13. Cumbres de Majalca National Park - Chihuahua
11,790 acres. The area is characterized by elevated mountains and strange rock formations formed by natural erosion. There are many arroyos that send their water to the Sacramento and Chuvinca Rivers. The vegetation is pine, oak, and dry scrub. Interesting wildlife. Hiking, camping and lookout points.