How can I visit the reserve?
There are two ways to visit the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve in Sonora, Mexico: Visit it on your own in your own car, for which you must previously register at the Schuk Toak Visitor Center and make the corresponding payment of rights. There you will receive the necessary information for your visit and you will know the regulations. Hire a registered tour operator, they have different services and packages for a comfortable and orderly visit. Important information: To visit the reserve on your own, you must register at the Schuk Toak Visitor Center and make the corresponding payment of rights. Tour operators must be authorized by CONANP and the reserve to carry out tourist activities within the protected natural area.
What are the authorized tour operators?
The authorized tour operator for the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve are: Rocky Point Adventures.. Important information: Only authorized tour operators are allowed to operate within the reserve. Make sure to choose an authorized tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What type of vehicle do I need?
The roads within the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve are unpaved with rocky parts and fords, so you need a tall vehicle (sprinter, SUV, pick up), not necessarily a 4×4. There is no access to low sedans as they could be damaged in their bodywork or get stuck. Important information: The roads within the reserve are unpaved and rocky, so a tall vehicle is necessary. There is no access to low sedans, motorcycles, ATVs, razors, buggies, or buses.
Are the paths signposted?
Yes, the 74 km route to the crater area is signposted, following the indications you should not have any setbacks on your visit. Important information: The route to the crater area is 74 km and is signposted. Follow the indications to avoid setbacks on your visit.
What areas can I visit?
There are two areas to visit in the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve: Internal route to craters that will take you to visit the El Elegante Crater, Cerro Colorado and the Tecolote camp. In El Elegante crater you will find a 2 km round trip path along a section of the crater rim. There is no trail at Cerro Colorado, you can only walk a short section of the rim. In the Tecolote camp you will find a 2 km round trip path to the top of Cono Mayo. Visitor Center and Schuk Toak Museum, where you will find information on biodiversity, geology, and culture. Outside and on the lava flow you will find 3 interpretive trails, which is also the access point to the trail to the dunes. To walk that trail you need to register in advance at the reception. The dune trail is 5 km round trip and is closed during the summer months due to high temperatures. Important information: There are two areas to visit in the reserve: the internal route to craters and the Visitor Center and Schuk Toak Museum. The dune trail is closed during the summer months due to high temperatures.
How much do you charge?
The payment of entrance fees to the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is: $150 pesos/person/day. Students and teachers pay 50%. Pensioners, retirees, INAPAM and children under 12 years of age, free admission. The donation for the Visitors Center is: Residents $30 pesos General $60 pesos Children under 6 years of age free of charge Important information: Entrance fees for the reserve apply to all visitors. Students, teachers, and pensioners are eligible for discounts. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. Visitors can also make a donation to support the Visitor Center.
What season is the best to visit the reserve?
Each season in the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve has its attraction: Autumn (October, November): Hiking, astronomical observation, fauna observation. Winter (December, January, February): Cold 24 – 2 degrees, hiking, astronomical observation, fauna observation. Spring (March, April, and May): Temperate 28 – 10 degrees, flowering, bird watching. Summer (June, July, August, September): Very warm 50 – 28 degrees, reptiles. Important information: Each season in the reserve has its own unique attraction. The dune trail is closed during the summer months due to high temperatures.
What services do you have?
On the tour to the craters, there are no facilities (bathrooms, shops, etc.) so you must come prepared with what is necessary for the tour, such as enough water and food. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a souvenir shop selling drinks, not food. Important information: There are no facilities on the tour to the craters, so visitors should bring their own water and food. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a souvenir shop selling drinks.
Can I bring my pet?
The ideal is not to bring pets. If you still decide to bring your pet, it must remain on a leash at all times so that it does not disturb the native fauna and take care of its waste. Keep in mind that much of the vegetation has thorns and could get hurt. Important information: It is not recommended to bring pets to the reserve. If you decide to bring your pet, it must be on a leash at all times and taken care of properly. Much of the vegetation in the reserve has thorns that could injure pets. I hope this information is helpful in planning your visit to the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve.
