Los Frailes Trek (Baja California Sur): Hiking Guide, Tips and Where to Stay

How to Hike Cerro Los Frailes (Baja California Sur): Difficulty, Safety & What to Expect

Are you planning to hike the trail at Playa Los Frailes in Baja California Sur? Great idea!

I did this hike during my Baja California Sur road trip, and it quickly became one of my favorite viewpoints on the East Cape.

This short coastal walk up to Cerro Los Frailes is one of those places that still feels remote and wild, with wide-open views over the Gulf of California, the desert, and the distant Sierra La Laguna mountains.

But even if the hike is not very long, it is not a classic marked trail. There is no shade, the terrain is sandy and rocky, and the correct entrance is easy to miss if you do not know what to look for.

On top of that, Playa Los Frailes is reached by a long dirt road along the East Coast, far from the usual resort atmosphere of Los Cabos.

In this guide, I explain exactly how to hike the Los Frailes trail: how to get there, what the route is really like, difficulty and safety, what to bring, and the best season to go. I also share my full personal experience so you can enjoy the views from the top without repeating the same mistakes.

1. Essential Information About the Los Frailes Trek

Altitude: Cerro Los Frailes rises to 204 meters above sea level.

Duration: Around 1h30–2h round trip, depending on your pace and photo stops.

Difficulty: Short but steep. The incline is constant and the terrain can be slippery due to sand and loose rock. No shade at all — bring enough water and avoid the central hours of the day.

Best Season: November to March, when temperatures are cooler and conditions in Cabo Pulmo are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Whale Season: In winter, you may spot whales from the beach or from the top. They are often far, but binoculars help a lot.

Location: Playa Los Frailes sits on the East Coast of Baja California Sur, right at the border of the Cabo Pulmo National Park. The area is remote and very quiet.

Road Access: Access is almost entirely via a dirt road. Soft sand patches make it easy to get stuck, so it is not recommended at night, especially with a small rental car.

Parking: Free parking directly on the beach, with very few people around.

Entrance Fee: Free — even though it belongs to the Cabo Pulmo National Park, this specific area does not require a ticket.

Activities: The bay has calm, clear water ideal for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo. It is also a peaceful spot for camping.

Phone Signal: No service. Download your maps before arriving. There is only one main road, so you cannot really get lost, but the Los Frailes sign is small and easy to miss.

Trail Markers: The correct trail starts where you see the stone piles (inukshuks). Spotting them matters — they mark the right entrance to the hike.

2. Where Is Los Frailes?

Los Frailes is located on the East Coast of Baja California Sur, right on the edge of Cabo Pulmo National Park.

This part of the peninsula is remote and not touristy at all, which is a big part of its charm. The area feels wild and untouched, with long stretches of coastline, desert landscapes, and very few services around.

To get there, you drive almost entirely on a dirt road. It is straightforward during the day, but not recommended at night, especially if you are in a small car. The sand can be soft in some sections, and it is easy to get stuck if you do not see the terrain well.

Los Frailes is about 20–25 minutes south of Cabo Pulmo. Google Maps estimates 1 hour and 15 minutes from San José del Cabo but with the small car we rented and the dirt-road conditions, that drive felt much closer to two hours.

When you arrive, you will find a long, calm bay with crystal-clear water, a large empty beach, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels far from the usual tourist spots of Los Cabos.

3. What to Expect on the Los Frailes Trail

The walk to Cerro Los Frailes is not very long and overall accessible, but the terrain can surprise you if you are not used to hiking in Baja California Sur.

The surface is a mix of sand and loose rock, which makes certain parts feel slippery, especially when you step on sandy patches. It is not extreme, but you do need to watch your footing: there are cacti and thorny bushes, and some sections feel unstable because of the sand and loose rock.

There is no shade at any point on the trail, so the experience really depends on the time of day. Early morning or late afternoon are the most comfortable moments to go, especially if you visit outside winter. Bring water, sunscreen, and a cap.

The route is not marked by signs. Most people follow the small stone piles (inukshuks) along the correct trail. They are useful once you know they exist, but easy to miss if you arrive without any indication!

As you gain a bit of elevation, the landscape opens quickly: desert vegetation, a full view over Playa Los Frailes, the turquoise water of the Gulf of California, and, farther away, the Sierra La Laguna mountains. The view from the top is wide and peaceful.

Overall, the route is manageable for most people. Once you start on the correct trail (following the stone markers), the ascent becomes straightforward.

4. Our Experience on the Los Frailes Trail

We came from Rancho Sol de Mayo in Santiago, following the Carr. Transpeninsular / La Paz–San José del Cabo (México 1), and eventually arrived at Playa Los Frailes.

There was barely anyone around, maybe one camper truck in the distance.

There was also zero indication of where the hike started. We walked toward the hill on the left and followed what we thought was the beginning of the trail.

A few minutes later, we ended up in the middle of cacti and thorny bushes (not the best day to wear shorts…). Dead end.

We went back, tried another path. Same story.

We tried yet another one — definitely not the right trail either — and kept moving forward, avoiding as many thorny plants as possible. The vegetation was low, so at least the views were beautiful.

After roughly 45 minutes to an hour (we were exhausted and a bit stressed), we finally spotted a big rock. Hallelujah!

We climbed onto it and realised how sweaty, dirty, and covered in little spine marks we were — not exactly the start we had imagined — but at that moment we were so relieved.

From the top of the hill, the view was spectacular: we could see the Gulf of California, Playa Los Frailes below, the desert, and the distant Sierra La Laguna mountains.

And then, miracle: from there, we finally spotted the real trail going down.

After a 10-minute break to drink some water and recover a bit, we finally decided to head down now that we could clearly see the proper trail.

As we walked, we noticed that the path continued much farther, probably all the way to Playa El Arbolito, the other beach we had considered earlier.

But we decided not to push it and turned back toward Playa Los Frailes— especially because we still had the long drive to San José del Cabo ahead of us, and the day was far from over.

But honestly, it was still a fun little adventure, and we were pretty proud of ourselves. We grabbed our things, left Playa Los Frailes, and continued toward San José del Cabo.

5. Tips for Hiking Los Frailes (Safety & Practical Advice)

If you haven’t explored trails in Baja California Sur before, the mix of sand, loose rock and thorny vegetation can be surprising.

5.1 Don’t drive at night

If you are driving from San José del Cabo or the East Cape (Los Barriles, Santiago, La Ribera), keep in mind that the access is almost entirely on a dirt road. It is fine during the day, but not ideal at night, especially with a small rental car.

Anyway, I never recommend driving at night in Mexico — it is a basic rule I always apply to myself.

5.2 What to Bring

You are pretty much in the middle of nowhere at Playa Los Frailes. There are no toilets, no palapas, no snack bars, and no services of any kind.

Although we did see a small place called Tito’s on the way in, in my memory it was the closest thing to “infrastructure” around — and it’s not exactly next to the beach.

Bring proper shoes, enough water, sunscreen, and a cap or hat.

It is also a very good idea to have snacks. Even if you don’t take them on the trail, at least leave something in the car — cookies or anything simple — because there is nothing around and you will be tired afterwards.

5.3 Spot the stone markers (trail entrance)

The most useful tip is to follow the inukshuks, the small stone piles marking the correct trail. They are not obvious when you first arrive, but once you know to look for them, following the trail is straightforward.

Starting on the wrong path means you end up in cacti and thorny bushes very quickly!

5.4 Combine Your Trek With Cabo Pulmo

Playa Los Frailes is not only the starting point of the trail — it is also one of the calmest and clearest bays on the East Cape. The water here is usually flat and very transparent, which makes it a great place to swim or relax after the walk.

If you want to explore more of the area, the biggest highlight is visiting Cabo Pulmo National Park.

6. How to Get to Los Frailes

Playa Los Frailes is located on the East Coast of Baja California Sur, along the dirt road that runs down the East Cape. Distances are not huge, but the surface is slow, so it is better to plan enough time.

From Cabo Pulmo

From the small village of Cabo Pulmo, follow the coastal dirt road heading south. You stay on the same main track the whole way until you reach Playa Los Frailes. The drive is not long, but you move slowly because of the dirt surface.

From La Ribera

From La Ribera, take the road toward Cabo Pulmo, then continue south on the coastal dirt road until you reach Playa Los Frailes. It is an easy route to follow, as there is basically one main road along the coast.

From Los Barriles

From Los Barriles, drive south along the East Cape, following the dirt road that passes near La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo before arriving at Playa Los Frailes. The scenery is beautiful, but the drive is slow because of the road conditions.

Road Conditions and Type of Car

The access to Playa Los Frailes is almost entirely on a dirt road. A normal car is usually enough if you drive slowly and pay attention, but you have to be careful with soft sand patches and occasional holes.

We did it with a Chevrolet Aveo and it was totally fine, but I am pretty sure it would have been faster and much more enjoyable with a 4×4!

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Baja California and make the most of your stay.

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the prices between all the rental agencies: the easiest way to find the best rate.
• Cancellation is often free of charge: perfect if you change your plans.
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies, so it’s an instant saving.

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

7. Where to Stay to Visit Los Frailes

Playa Los Frailes is quite isolated, with no hotels or services directly on the beach.

To visit the area, it is best to choose a base in one of the nearby towns along the East Cape or around Los Cabos, depending on your itinerary and budget.

Staying in Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is the most natural and logical base if you want to hike in Los Frailes and enjoy the marine life of the national park. It is a small village with eco-lodges, rustic cabins, and simple accommodations, perfect if you like quiet places close to nature and do not mind limited services.

Here are my recommendations of the best places to stay in Cabo Pulmo:

• Bungalows Las Palmas Cabo Pulmo: A simple, spacious, and very clean option right in the heart of the village. Fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, large fridge and terrace — perfect if you want independence and good value. Walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and diving centers. Solar-powered, quiet, and ideal if you want to stay close to nature. From around 75 usd per night.

• Costa Coral: Brand-new apartments located on a large private property of desert landscape leading to the sea. Immaculately clean units with strong Starlink WiFi, great AC, hot water, and a fully equipped kitchen (bring your own food). Only a few minutes from Cabo Pulmo village, with amazing stargazing and peaceful surroundings. A welcoming host and an ideal base for exploring the national park. Around 130 usd per night.

Staying in La Ribera

La Ribera is a good option if you prefer a quieter local town with easier access by paved road. It is a practical base to explore both Cabo Pulmo and the surroundings of Los Frailes, while still having some basic services and a more low-key atmosphere than Los Cabos.

Here are my recommendations of the best places to stay in La Ribera:

• Hacienda de Palmas: A charming guesthouse with a very friendly host, a beautiful, well-kept garden and a pleasant pool area. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and comfortable, with a very good quality–price ratio for the area. From around 95 usd per night.

• Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas: Ultra-luxury resort in a private beachfront development on the East Cape, ideal if you want a high-end stay far from the busy Cabo strip. Elegant rooms and suites all face the Sea of Cortez, many with private plunge pools, several restaurants, a spa, golf course and multiple pools. From around 1400 usd per night.

Staying in Los Barriles

Los Barriles is a popular spot for longer stays, especially for kitesurfers and travellers who want a mix of beach time and day trips.

It is farther from Los Frailes than Cabo Pulmo or La Ribera, but it works well if you are on a longer Baja Sur itinerary and want more choice in restaurants and accommodation.

Here are my recommendations of the best places to stay in Los Barriles:

• Hotel Playa Del Sol: A simple, comfortable hotel with colorful rooms, air conditioning, and views of the pool, gardens, or ocean. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, great location and the fact that it’s right on a beautiful beach. On-site restaurant and spa available. From around 190 usd per night.

• Punta Pescadero Paradise Hotel & Villas: A beachfront luxury hotel with elegant suites featuring furnished terraces with sea views. Facilities include two outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts, private beach, restaurant, and bar. Rooms come with aromatherapy, coffee machine, and cable TV. A quiet, upscale stay facing the Sea of Cortez. From around 200 usd per night.

• Mantra Baja, Boutique Hotel: A stylish boutique option offering bright, modern suites with kitchen (fridge and microwave), a rooftop terrace, garden with BBQ area, and beautiful décor. Very clean, walkable to the beach and restaurants. Minimum 3-night stay. From around 245 usd per night.

Staying in San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo is the most comfortable and developed option, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and services. It is farther from Playa Los Frailes, but it can be a good base if you prefer to stay in town and visit the East Cape and Cabo Pulmo on day trips.

Here are my recommendations of the best places to stay in San José del Cabo:

• Aloha Surf Hostel: The best budget stay in San José del Cabo, simple but very pleasant and relaxed, run by the friendly Joe and his mother Mathilda. Great central location close to downtown and the Mercado, with a well-maintained kitchen and bathroom. Perfect if you want to take surf lessons — Joe is an incredible surfer and a very patient teacher. Dorm beds from around 25 usd.

• Hotel Colli: A great value 3-star hotel, perfectly located in the center of San José del Cabo, ideal if you want to explore on foot. Clean, comfortable rooms, free parking, and a very good price for the area. Some rooms even have balconies with city views. From around 80 usd per night.

• Park Royal Homestay Los Cabos: A quiet hotel facing the golf course, with a family-friendly vibe, a pool, and bright rooms equipped with a full kitchen — super practical for longer stays. Very clean, with a restaurant and pool bar. Only a 5-minute walk from a large grocery store. From around 179 usd per night.

• Casa Natalia Boutique Hotel (Adults Only): A romantic boutique hotel perfectly located on Plaza Mijares in San José del Cabo. Individually decorated rooms with spacious terraces, a heated pool, and in-room spa services. Excellent onsite restaurant and Palapa bar. From around 240 usd per night.

• Viceroy Los Cabos: A spectacular 5-star luxury hotel with ultra-modern design, high-end amenities, Italian furnishings, and premium bedding. Features 4 restaurants, 3 bars, a full gym, bikes, several pools, and stunning sea views. Ideal for a luxury stay near San José del Cabo. From around 700 usd per night.

8. Other Amazing Hikes in Baja California Sur

If you have one or two weeks in Baja California Sur and you enjoy walking, there are many great options beyond Los Frailes. Here are some of the hikes we did and really enjoyed.

Punta Lobos Hike (Todos Santos)

Punta Lobos is a short coastal hike near Todos Santos, starting from a working fishing beach and quickly reaching higher ground with wide views over the Pacific.

It is an easy, non-touristy walk with a very peaceful atmosphere, perfect if you want to escape the town for a couple of hours and enjoy the ocean and desert in the same place.

• Check out my Full Guide about Hiking in Punta Lobos!

Cañón de la Zorra (Sierra La Laguna)

Cañón de la Zorra is one of the classics of the Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra La Laguna, with a waterfall, natural pools, and rocky canyon scenery.

We stayed at Rancho Sol de Mayo in simple eco-cabins on site, which allowed us to enjoy the waterfall early, before other visitors.

You can swim in the natural waterfall, but we decided to walk further into the canyon.

To be honest, we got a bit lost because the trail is not clearly marked, but by following the water we still had a great time exploring. As it is a protected area, the entrance costs 150 pesos, or is included if you stay at Rancho Sol de Mayo.

Balandra Hike (La Paz)

Balandra has become one of the most famous beaches near La Paz, and with the new quota system it can be difficult to get a spot on the beach itself.

For us, hiking up to the Balandra viewpoint was an excellent alternative: the trail is pretty short, free, and offers spectacular views over the bay, with the different shades of blue that make Playa Balandra so famous.

If you want to fully enjoy Playa Balandra, the easiest and most relaxing way is to join a guided tour. You do not have to worry about schedules, permits, or logistics — you simply enjoy the beach, the views, and the activities.

You just have to click on the name of the tour to learn more and book it:

• Balandra with pick-up from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo: Luxury catamaran experience to Balandra with breakfast, open bar, snorkeling at San Rafaelito, kayaking, and a freshly prepared lunch on board. A full day of comfort and activities.
• Balandra: Hike, Kayak & Snorkel Adventure: A more active option with guided kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling along the rocky reef, and a guided hike from Balandra to Tecolote, followed by lunch on the beach.

Isla Espíritu Santo Hikes (La Paz)

Isla Espíritu Santo is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2005 and has been a National Park since 2007. It is one of the most beautiful protected areas in the region, with small trails, hidden beaches, and amazing coastal scenery.

You need a permit from CONANP (the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) to visit Isla Espíritu Santo, which makes a tour the easiest option.

Most tours already include the permit and handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the island, do a bit of hiking, relax on the beaches, and explore the marine life without dealing with paperwork.

Book your Espitu Santo Island Tour here:

9. Practical FAQ About the Los Frailes Hike

Is the Los Frailes trek difficult?

No. It is short and fairly accessible, but the terrain is sandy and rocky, so some parts can feel slippery. There is also no shade, which makes the heat the biggest challenge.

Can beginners do it?

Yes. As long as you start on the correct trail (follow the stone markers), bring water and proper shoes, it is suitable for beginners.

Is there shade?

No shade at all. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, and try to go early in the morning, especially because you do not want to be there when the sun goes down. Unless you are camping on site or very close, there is nothing around.

Is the trail safe?

Yes, the area is safe and very quiet. The main things to watch for are the heat, loose rocks, and thorny bushes.

Can I hike it alone?

Yes, it is possible, and the trail is straightforward once you find the correct entrance. However, I am not a fan of hiking alone in general: if you slip, there is usually no one around, and there is no phone signal. It is always better to go with someone.

Can I see whales from the viewpoint?

Yes, during whale season (December to March). Do not expect them to be close, but you can sometimes spot spouts or movement offshore. Binoculars help a lot.

What is the best season to hike Los Frailes?

November to March. Cooler temperatures make the climb more comfortable, and this is also the best season for marine life around Cabo Pulmo. I went in February and the temperature was fantastic.

Can I swim after the hike?

Yes. Playa Los Frailes is known for calm and very clear water, perfect for swimming after the trail.

10. Is the Los Frailes Hike Worth It?

For me, yes — but only if you understand what it involves.

The walk itself is short, the view from the top is beautiful, and it is one of the few places in Baja California Sur where you can combine a quiet beach, a short hike, and a wild, uncrowded setting.

If you are already exploring the East Cape or staying near Cabo Pulmo, it is clearly worth adding Playa Los Frailes to your itinerary.

In our case, what made the day feel long was not the hike, but the driving. We left Rancho Sol de Mayo near Santiago, did the hike at Playa Los Frailes, and then continued to San José del Cabo.

On the map, it looks simple, but the coastal road is sandy, uneven, and much slower than the main highway between Santiago and San José del Cabo.

Would I do it again? Yes, but only with a bit more planning. I would make sure I have enough time, and ideally add one or two extra stops on the way — other beaches, viewpoints, or short walks — so the drive feels like part of the experience and not just a long transfer.

If you have a flexible itinerary, are not in a rush, and like wild beaches and simple hikes with good views, then yes: the Los Frailes hike is absolutely worth it. Just remember that the road will be long, so plan your day accordingly.

Find Your Flight at the Best Price (Without the Hassle)

Todos Santos is located roughly halfway between La Paz Airport and Los Cabos International Airport, which makes it easy to compare flights to both depending on price and schedule.

To find a cheap flight to La Paz or Los Cabos—or your international flight to Mexico—I recommend using our flight search tool in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the best way to get the lowest price!

 

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