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Hike Cabo’s Fox Canyon (and to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall)

So you’ve heard whispers of a secret waterfall you can hike to in the Canyon of the Fox?

You’re right!

About a 90-minute drive from Cabo, a whole different world awaits – lush riverbeds, swimming holes, canyons and the stunning Sol de Mayo Waterfall.

When we crave a unique adventure, hiking the canyon and cooling off in the waterfall’s pool is always the perfect escape.

Now, you can do a short hike just to the waterfall. But for us, the real fun is venturing further up the canyon riverbed to its hidden freshwater swimming holes.

We’ve hiked this area three times now, and the wild beauty and solitude never get old. The waterfall draws visitors, but few tackle the longer hike to the secluded upper pools.

Whether you plan a DIY day trip or join a guided tour, here’s everything you need to know about hiking Fox Canyon and swimming at the Sol de Mayo Waterfall.

Visitors in swimsuits relax under an orange umbrella by the Sol de Mayo Waterfall.
Taking it easy by the Sol de Mayo Waterfall (Credit: High Tide Los Cabos)

Where is the Canyon of the Fox and the Sol de Mayo Waterfall?

Fox Canyon (Canon de la Zorra) is a rugged desert canyon carved inside the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, with a river running through it. It’s located about 50 miles to the northeast of Cabo San Lucas.

The mountain range is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in Baja California Sur.

Home to diverse flora and fauna, it’s a haven for nature lovers. (You won’t believe the towering Cardon cactus – some 400 to 500 years old, growing up to 50 feet high!)

The Sol de Mayo Waterfall (Cascada Sol de Mayo) is a highlight here. The 45-foot (12-meter) waterfall plunges down into a crystal-clear swimming hole, surrounded by desert scenery that looks like a mirage.

This natural wonder is accessible via a short hike from the Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo, a privately owned ranch outside the quaint oasis town of Santiago.

Getting to the Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo

Sign for the Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo
The hiking trail starts at a small private ranch, where you can see goats and other creatures

The scenic drive to get to the ranch is an adventure in itself.

From Cabo San Lucas, take Highway 1. About an hour in, turn left and pass through Santiago, with its hibiscus-lined boulevard and gardens nurturing mango, orange and banana trees.

Beyond Santiago, the road north out of town climbs up a hill. Stop at the Mirador de Santiago for an amazing view of the palm-filled oasis below.

The final stretch continues as a bumpy strip of red earth – requiring dusty gear-grinding maneuvers around potholes and the occasional cow. Follow the Rancho signs and you’ll eventually arrive.

The Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo is where you park, pay the small entry fee and set off on your hike. There’s also a simple restaurant here, which has been open the last couple of times we visited.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the ranch’s small farm-like zoo, with goats, donkeys, Mexican hairless dogs, turtles and other animals.

Hiking to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall

The gorgeous waterfall

The hike to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall is actually quite short – only 15 minutes. Most reasonably fit people (even kids) can do it with ease.

From the ranch’s main buildings, follow the sign-posted dirt path to the right.

The rock-strewn trail meanders up and down through desert-like terrain, then splits at a fork. Take the left path down. Steep rock stairs, with handrails and ropes for support, lead you to the base of the waterfall.

And what a sight it is! The sparkling pool practically begs you to slip in for a swim.

Feeling brave? Try jumping from the top of the 45-foot cliffs into the water. (Our son did it several years ago.)

A rope helps with climbing up the rocks to the top of the waterfall. And for safety, you’ll want to check the depth of the pool first.

Be aware there’s usually no sandy dry spot to spread out a towel to lounge by the pool. But you can perch on a sun-warmed boulder to dry off and enjoy the views.

Go beyond the waterfall on a longer hike

It’s spectacularly scenic on the way to the upper pools

We love continuing on the longer hike beyond the Sol de Mayo Waterfall.

Most people don’t go any further than the waterfall, so the upper canyon pools are usually blissfully tranquil. Each time we’ve gone, it’s been just us, our guide and nature’s quiet symphony – cool water, green palms and the breeze rustling the bushes and leaves.

To get there, take the right fork (not the left down to the waterfall). You’ll come to a place where you have to cross a stream – but it’s fairly easy to step on rocks to avoid getting your feet wet.

The trail is moderately challenging, with some rock-hopping.

But it’s oh-so-picturesque! We’ve seen tiny turquoise frogs jump out from rock pools, white winged doves flutter above scraggy pine trees and brilliant Monarch butterflies flit from bush to bush. And just look at those ghostly elephant trees with their white peeling bark!

Then come the pools, cradled by massive granite boulders. Some even have natural rock slides.

A swimmer floats on his back in a secluded freshwater pool in the Canyon of the Fox
Ahhh… Floating in a freshwater pool in the Canyon of the Fox

After exploring and swimming upstream, make your way back to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall for a final refreshing dip.

The full hike takes about two hours roundtrip, plus extra time for swimming and soaking in the scenery.

Our final reward – cooling off in the Sol de Mayo Waterfall pool!

Should you book a guided tour?

If you want to visit the waterfall on your own and have a rental car (preferably a 4-wheel drive), that’s totally doable. But for a stress-free outing, consider a guided tour.

For the longer hike, we definitely recommend going with a guide – not just so you don’t get lost, but also for safety. On our last hike, our guide spotted a rattlesnake on the trail, a reminder of the area’s wild nature!

We’ve had great experiences hiking with both of the following local operators. (Lunch is included at a taqueria in Santiago or Miraflores at the end of both tours.)

Cabo Outfitters

Two hikers in the Canyon of the Fox
Hiking the upper trail that leads to the upper canyon pools, with Casey leading the way

We’ve gone a couple of times with Casey, the owner of Cabo Outfitters – and he’s fantastic. He’s knowledgeable and full of fun facts about all the different trees, birds, butterflies and local ecosystem.

He always offers a helpful hand so you can better scrabble down slippery slopes or across the stream.

And he knows the area very well. Last time, he took us up a higher trail that skirted the canyon stream and joined up at the upper pools, bypassing some tricky spots along the riverbed.

High Tide Los Cabos

George negotiating the lower, rocky riverbed trail on the way back down from the upper canyon pools

This company also offers excellent hiking tours in Fox Canyon, with an extra perk. Their guides bring along sun umbrellas – perfect for relaxing by the waterfall or pools in comfort without getting sunburned!

On our tour with them, we hiked with another family with three kids. The dad stayed back with the youngest at the waterfall while the rest joined us and the guide for the longer trek. He probably really appreciated the umbrella while waiting for us to rejoin him!

Our guide led us up the stream route, unaware of the higher trail – but it still made for an adventurous and scenic hike.

Cranberry-red mezcalitas and guacamole-and-chips
Mezcalitas, guac-and-chips and shrimp tacos after our guided hike

When is the best time to visit Fox Canyon?

The ideal months to hike here are from December through April.

The landscape is lush, wildflowers bloom and birdlife is abundant. Plus, the waterfall pool is still waist-high at the edges (and deeper in the middle) from the late-summer rainy season.

We always go in January, and the air is crisp and cool in the mornings (Fox Canyon is at a higher elevation than Cabo San Lucas).

But the desert heat kicks in fast, even in winter, and it gets hot out in the open sun. By mid-day, we’re sweating up a storm.

It’s hot out here – and we can’t wait to go for a dip!

As for June or the hotter summer months?

We can’t imagine attempting this hike in that heat – it’s probably an outing to skip until cooler weather returns.

Tips for your waterfall visit and hike

What should you wear?

When thinking about what to pack for your hike:

  • Bring water: We always carry at least two bottles each.
  • Wear a sunhat: It’s essential out in the open.
  • Slop on sunscreen: And reapply after swimming.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes: Running shoes are okay, but trail runners or hiking boots are better for the longer hike. Skip the sandals and flip-flops.

Is there a bathroom at the waterfall?

You can use the washrooms at the Rancho’s restaurant for a small fee. But just a short way into the walk to the waterfall, there’s a free wooden toilet hut. It’s also a good place to change into or (out of) your swimsuit.

Other tips for your visit

  • Plan ahead: Cell service is spotty, so let someone know your plans before heading out.
  • Arrive early: Most people don’t arrive until later in the morning. (Also, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays.)
  • Bring cash: Entry fees are cash-only at 250 pesos p.p. (included on guided tours). And your guide will appreciate a tip if you’re on a tour.
  • Leave no trace: Respect nature and pack out all your trash.

Why you shouldn’t miss Fox Canyon

Woman in red shirt, with two others, hiking in Fox Canyon
Stepping out in Fox Canyon (Credit: Cabo Outfitters)

If you’re interested in hiking in Cabo, Fox Canyon is more than just a trail – it’s an untamed adventure. With dramatic canyon scenery, the Sol de Mayo Waterfall and hidden swimming holes, it offers a refreshing contrast to Cabo’s buzzy beach scene.

Whether you’re cooling off in the waterfall’s pool or tackling the longer canyon hike, it’s worth adding to your Cabo itinerary – no question!


Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

  • Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
  • Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
  • Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
  • Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.

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About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor, they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!