What? A Waterfall and Hot Springs in the middle of the desert?

For those who do not know, Baja California Sur is the driest state in all of Mexico, as it rains only 18mm per year, according to national statistics. Being a desert, it has few places where running water is present, but you can find clean freshwater flowing over huge granite boulders making gorgeous pools if you know where to go.

We will spend our day about an hour’s drive north from San Jose del Cabo in Santiago’s small agricultural town at the Canon de la Zorra (Fox Canyon). 

The two miles out and back hike into Canyon de la Zorra is a great way to explore the base of our mountain range, the Sierra de la Laguna, and its impressive flora and fauna. Only ¼ mile through the hike, we end up at a lovely oasis with a 5-meter waterfall and refreshing swimming pools fed by a lagoon. Feel the unique sensation of being immersed in the wildlife as you rest on the small sandy beach next to the main pool.

We can go to a second destination for those who want to explore the area a little more. About 15-minute drive away from there is another small hike to Santa Rita Hot Springs. Santa Rita is surrounded by native desert flora, including tall palm trees, part of the Sierra de la Laguna biosphere. This trail is a short loop of 1 mile; at the end, there are natural hot tubs that are perfect for purifying the mind and body.