Pinacate Biosphere Reserve

The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is one of the most unique locations on Earth, from its gorgeously landscaped desert to its seamlessly endless craters, the Pinacate Reserve in Northern Sonora Mexico is to die for. After four million years of hot magma beneath the surface of the Earth continuously melting rock it created a system of subterranean pools filled with the hot liquid creating innumerable pressure on the surface of the Earth. The molten hot lava under the surface of the Earth coupled with the pressure against the surface of the Earth resulted in an explosion right up through the surface of the desert. These imperfections in the surface of the Earth can be seen throughout Northern Mexico and straight through the beaches of Puerto Penasco.

Tall mountains were formed throughout the desert with lava pursing through the surface and out the top of mountains and the ground. Eventually the tops of these mountains were shutoff completely by the oxygen in the air. Again the pressure of the molten pools broke the top of the mountain and exploded leaving bits and chunks of lava littered about the desert. These bits and chunks of lava over time hardened creating black rock throughout the desert. The reserve created because of this geological anomaly is one of a kind because of its relatively unscathed and undeveloped land. Moon-like craters, which were used for the Apollo 14 mission, lava tubes, black pumice, cinder cones and several sleeping volcanoes litter this gorgeous landscape. With over 600 square miles of space comes almost 400 cinder cones created by the destruction of volcanoes encompass the area along with intricate tunnels and ash and rock scattered for miles and miles.

Tall mountains were formed throughout the desert with lava pursing through the surface and out the top of mountains and the ground. Eventually the tops of these mountains were shutoff completely by the oxygen in the air. Again the pressure of the molten pools broke the top of the mountain and exploded leaving bits and chunks of lava littered about the desert. These bits and chunks of lava over time hardened creating black rock throughout the desert. The reserve created because of this geological anomaly is one of a kind because of its relatively unscathed and undeveloped land. Moon-like craters, which were used for the Apollo 14 mission, lava tubes, black pumice, cinder cones and several sleeping volcanoes litter this gorgeous landscape. With over 600 square miles of space comes almost 400 cinder cones created by the destruction of volcanoes encompass the area along with intricate tunnels and ash and rock scattered for miles and miles.

There remains nine gigantic craters from the results of the exploding volcanoes which also created later explosions due to contact with water. All of the volcanoes here are known to be dormant and therefore the geographic area is dormant itself so it is safe for visitors.

Making the Trip:
First off, if you decide to make the trip out to the reserve you should take a map or GPS system. Getting lost wouldn't be worth the vacation, especially in the summer in a baron desert. With that, the second thing you'll want to bring is plenty of water. The reserve itself has no water so plan on 1.5 gallons or so per person a day. Remember the desert can cause your vehicle to overheat with use of the AC and continuous driving. Bring extra fluid for your vehicle radiator, bring mini-fans for walks outside and include light clothes as well as jackets. If you decide to bring food and other trash, we encourage you clean up after yourself and it would be your duty to the desert's landscape and survival to pick up trash left by other visitors.

First check into the Information Center before leaving for the reserve, leave a donation if you enjoy your trip because entrance is free. Remember when leaving the information center that you MUST stay on the designated roads. Please appreciate the time taken to keep the desert floor clean and free of destruction and do not disregard the wildlife and native foliage.

Where to Go:
The Pinacate Reserve Info Center is located just off Highway 8 at mile #Km 52, only 32 miles south of Lukeville, AZ between the city of Sonoyta and Rocky Point. If you get to Rocky Point you've gone too far.

Address:
Carretera Sonoyta-Peñasco km 52
Puerto Peñasco
Sonora CP Apartado Postal 125

Contact:
U.S. Mail: Fundacion para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C.
P.O. Box 745, Ajo, Az 85321
Tel: (638) 384-9007
E-mail: pinacate@conanp.gob.mx

Camping:
Registration is required at the visitors center.

Two Campgrounds:
El Tecolote: Max of 40 people. Located five miles Northeast of Elegante Crater. Best for people visiting the volcanic craters and hiking.
Rojo Cono: Max of 20 people. Located fourteen miles Northwest of the information center. This is a great spot for volcanic peak.
Backcountry: Max party of three. Campsite has to be located a minimum of 0.5 miles from any road or crater.

Any other requests can be given to the Reserve Director at 011-62-159864.

Regulations:
Firearms are not allowed on the preserve at all. DO NOT BRING FIREARMS TO THE PRESERVE. You will be subjected to any Mexican law pertaining to illegal firearms at the preserve. You must leave the rocks, artifacts, and foliage intact. Please respect the items on the desert floor, they are protected by Mexican law and if you are found to be in violation you will be subject to Mexican law. There is gorgeous wildlife also to be seen, but we, like everyone who wishes to keep the area pristine, ask that you refrain from hunting, harming or collecting any wildlife in the area. Everything in the preserve area is protected by Mexican law.

For more information you can send us an email or give us a call at the office, we may not have the answer you're looking for but hopefully we can direct you to someone who might.