Sierra de San Pedro Mártir Mountains

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir is a mountain range in central Baja California, Mexico, containing the peninsula’s highest peaks and a national park established to protect its forests and granite summits. It is notable for high-elevation pine and oak forests and clear skies used for astronomy.

The range includes Picacho del Diablo, which rises to about 3,096 metres and is the tallest peak in Baja California. The National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico is located on the range and takes advantage of the high elevation and stable air.

The area was designated as Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park in the mid-20th century to conserve its unique high-elevation ecosystems. Trails, ranger facilities and limited visitor infrastructure support hiking and nature visits.

Geographically the range lies inland in Baja California, east of Ensenada and forming part of the peninsular spine; it is accessed from roadheads on the Pacific side and from interior routes.

• National park protection: The area is protected within Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, established to conserve high-elevation pine forests and granite peaks.
• Stargazing and clarity: The peak and park are known for clear skies and stargazing; the park’s elevation and low atmospheric disturbance make it a major astronomy site in Baja California.

What to See#

• Picacho del Diablo: Picacho del Diablo is the highest peak in the range and in Baja California, rising to about 3,096 metres and forming a primary objective for mountaineers in the peninsula.
• Observatory: The National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico sits on the range, providing an important scientific facility at high elevation for optical astronomy in Mexico.

The range is accessed via Mex 1 and local roads from Ensenada (north) or Guerrero Negro (south), with park entrances near San Pedro Mártir National Park. The nearest major town is Ensenada; expect a drive of several hours on mountain roads to reach trailheads.

• Visit the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional near the park for organized tours (check ahead for opening schedules).
• High-elevation trails can be cold and windy even in summer - layer accordingly.
• The park is known for its endemic pine-oak forests; look for rare birds at dawn in sheltered canyons.