Very Unique Experience Literally Off The Beaten Path Making this happen is worth the effort. As others have noted, you basically just show up at Enrique's dog kennel / trailhead at 8am. We had tried texting him a few times during the week at the number listed, but got not response. It is that type of thing, mostly in a good way.
This is not tourist trap with someone selling beverages at the bottom and t-shirts at the top. It is lead by Enrique who is part Cesar Milan (the dog whisperer) and part Zen master. About halfway up the climb, he stopped the group to reflect on the experience of this climb, the specialness of this place, and how we need to live within this moment. He did this in both English and Spanish - very impressive. He wasn't doing this to sell anything, just in a sense to say why he leads these hikes and why he believes this is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
The other very unique aspect of this experience is the dogs. There were about a half a dozen of all sorts that accompanied us to the top. Very friendly and just going about their dog business (so watch your step). It was fascinating watching them interact with each other and the hikers.
It is a true hike, not long, but parts going up and down can be a little challenging if you are not paying attention. We had an individual in the group slip on some loose rocks on the way down and found out that cactus are as sharp as they look.
As a frequent hiker, I find the "payoff" is not always as advertised or worth the effort. Not the case here! The top has amazing views of the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Ocean and back into the marina. You will not find a location to take better panoramic photos...
ย ย ย Read more๐๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ต๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ.
I have done this hike countless times throughout the years and can tell you everything you'll need to know going in.
โข Yes the hike is free. He has a tip box and highly encourages and appreciates a tip, even just a couple American dollars or 60 pesos.
โข As of January 1st 2020 (and into the future) the hike to Mt. Solmar is guided by the property owner at the base of the mountain at 9:30am and 5:00 pm.
โข The hike varies each time depending on the way the owner will take. I've been before and made it up easily in 15 minutes, but also have been taken on very difficult, tall cliffs which took over half an hour.
โข Hiking shoes are a must have. Doing the bikes in sandals or even loose shoes is not a good idea as the hike is relatively difficult.
Important notes and private property issues: In past years the hike was free and the gate was always left opened at the base of the mountain. As of last year he has switched to guided tours. You are able to access the mountain from the local beach or from the other side from lovers bsach, but parts of the mountain are private property and he will (although unreasonable) yell at you for being up there alone, chase after you, and dive bomb you with his drones (even if you are in the public side of it)
Over all it is a good hike to do at the scheduled times, I recommend it and take all guests that come to visit me on the mountain in the morning tour. Don't forget...
ย ย ย Read moreThis is simply a must do bucket list while in Cabo. A moderate type hike that starts off fairly easy, going up on a gradual slope on an old access road used for the old fish cannery back in the day.
You first have to wait at a gate basically on the other side of the road from the Navel Station. Where Enrique who runs a dog daycare and Dog Rescue will let you in and guide you to the top. He usually opens the gate at around 8:00-15 am in the morning.
At about halfway up he stops and gives you a little history lesson about the entire area.
After the little history lesson is where it starts to get a little bit more difficult, as he takes you up the one side of the mountain. There's definitely a little climbing involved but I've seen people in their 70's and 80's do it. Plus my brother did the climb 3 months after Knee Replacement Surgery.
Once up top the view speaks for itself ๐๐๐ on the way down he takes you down the other side of Mt. Solmar and is less steep then the other side.
At the end of the hike there's a donation box that he uses the money for his dog rescue which is part of his property.
Its a great hike to do as it truly has some amazing views up top...
In all total time from start to finish. Is roughly an Hour...
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