Camping in San Pedro Mártir: A Hidden Alpine Wonderland

Why Camping in San Pedro Mártir Is So Great?

When most people think of Baja, they picture desert landscapes, cacti, and endless coastline. But tucked high in the mountains of the peninsula is a completely different world — the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. Towering pine forests, crisp mountain air, and stargazing skies await those willing to make the climb — and don’t worry, the road is paved all the way up!

In this post, I’m sharing what it’s really like if you’re planning on camping in San Pedro Mártir, based on a couple trips I filmed for my YouTube channel. So if you’re planning your own adventure or just love discovering wild corners of Mexico, this guide has everything you need to know — with two full videos embedded for the full experience.

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What Makes Camping in San Pedro Mártir So Special?

At over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level, San Pedro Mártir National Park offers an alpine experience unlike anything else in Baja. It’s home to the highest peak on the peninsula — Picacho del Diablo — and a climate that feels closer to the Sierra Nevada than the Baja desert. The park is located in a remote region of northern Baja, and because of the altitude, temperatures stay cool year-round. Summer days are warm but pleasant, while nights can dip below freezing — even in July. In winter, parts of the park are covered in snow.

Unlike the crowded beach destinations in Baja, this place is all about solitude, clean air, and raw nature. There’s no phone signal, no shops, and no electricity — just forest, mountains, and sky.

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Video 1: Camping in San Pedro Mártir, Where Pines Grow Surrounded By The Desert Below

In this first video, we hike into the park and set up camp beneath towering pines. It’s surreal to walk through a dense forest knowing you’re still in Baja California — a place most people associate with dry, sun-scorched hills.

We climb atop the Mirador Torre de Piedra, a stunning rock formation that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. The vews up there are incredible and the silence is unlike anything you’ll find near the coast.

That night, we experienced one of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. San Pedro Mártir is known for stargazing — so much so that it’s home to the National Astronomical Observatory, one of the best spots for cosmic observation in the northern hemisphere.

Video 2: Camping in San Pedro Mártir Near Baja’s Tallest Peak

The second trip took us even higher — near the base of Picacho del Diablo, the tallest mountain in all of Baja. We did the amazing hike to Mirador El Altar, which offers sweeping views of Picacho del Diablo, the San Felipe Valley, and — on clear days — even the Sea of Cortez. While the hike up was moderate, the views at the top were an unforgettable reward.

One of the highlights of this trip was learning more about the California condor. Once nearly extinct, this enormous bird is now slowly returning to the region thanks to conservation efforts in the park. We didn’t spot one during our stay — but just knowing they glide above those peaks was enough to give the experience more weight.

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Camping in San Pedro Mártir Logistics: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to camp in San Pedro Mártir, here are a few essentials:

• Entry Fee: The park charges a modest fee of 60 MXN per person per night (about $3–4 USD), which includes both entrance and permission to camp. You register yourself and pay directly at the entrance station — no advance reservations are needed unless you’re planning to summit Picacho del Diablo, which requires a special permit and guide.
• Weather: Even in summer, nights are cold. Bring a proper sleeping bag and layers.
• Water: There are no water stations, so bring more than you think you’ll need. A water filter is also helpful if you’re hiking near streams.
• Fires: Fire restrictions vary depending on the season. Always check current rules with the park rangers.
• Trash: There are no garbage services — pack out everything you bring in.
• Connectivity: No cell service. Download maps and trail info in advance.
• Drones prohibited: This is a protected national park, and flying drones is not allowed — to protect wildlife and preserve the quiet wilderness experience.

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Getting There

From Ensenada:
Start on the Pacific coast and take Highway 1 (Carretera Transpeninsular) heading south until you reach the town of San Telmo (approx. 132KM – 3 hours). Then, turn east onto the paved road toward Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. Continue driving inland and uphill until you reach the park entrance (approx. 1 hour)

Why You Should Go

San Pedro Mártir isn’t for everyone — it’s remote, rustic, and demands preparation. But for those who crave quiet, space, and epic scenery, it’s a gem.

You’ll find some of the darkest skies in the continent, trails that cut through cloud-kissed forests, and the kind of stillness that’s getting harder to find anywhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just looking for a wild weekend escape, this park offers something rare: the feeling of being somewhere truly untouched.

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Have questions about visiting San Pedro Mártir? You can drop them in the comments on either video or send me a message — I love helping people explore Baja beyond the obvious.