If you like hiking, and you like dogs, you need to hike Mt Solmar in Cabo San Lucas! This post shares everything you need to know about this unique activity.
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The Cabo hike with dogs
If you told me I would go to Cabo San Lucas to hike up a mountain with a group of dogs I wouldn’t have believed you! But I am so glad I stumbled on this quirky activity during my trip planning.
I had read vague details about hiking a mountain, but you could only do it with a local guide who brought his dogs along with him. It was a little confusing and unclear, and it wasn’t until we arrived that I fully understood the context of the situation.
So I can confirm, that it is completely possible to go hiking in Cabo San Lucas, up a mountain offering stunning views, with a group of doggos!
In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know about Mt Solmar, and hiking the mountain with some furry friends.
Mt Solmar hike information
- ❓ What: a guided hike up Mt Solmar, on private property owned by a local man Enrique, who has a dog training camp
- 📍 Where: the hike leaves from the ‘Dog Training Camp‘ near the marina in Cabo San Lucas
- ⏰ When: Enrique offers the hike daily from Sunday – Friday (not Saturday) at 8:00 am, arrive around 15 minutes prior and wait for the gate to be opened
- 💰 Cost: the hike is free, but please leave a tip for Enrique who generously donates his time
- 🎟️ Reservations: you cannot book in advance or make reservations. This is a completely informal experience run by a lovely local man, just turn up on time (before 8:00 am)
- 🥾 Difficulty: the hike is moderate difficulty, with some steep, slippery sections and minor rock climbing required, the whole experience takes 1.5 – 2 hours
- 🎒 Bring: water, and sturdy walking shoes. Trainers are fine, but not flip flops
- ℹ️ Current information: Enrique changes times and days periodically, before you hike please check the latest information on his Facebook page Ascenso al Cerro del Vigía
Mt Solmar in Cabo San Lucas
Mt Solmar is a rocky peak that rises approximately 135 metres (443 feet) above the popular Lands End peninsula area in Cabo San Lucas.
This is where you find the iconic El Arco (The Arch), Playa de Los Amantes (Lover’s Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach).
The peninsula marks the southernmost point of the Baja Peninsula and juts out into the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.
You can see the mountain from Medano Beach, and when you’re up there on the summit you’ll have sweeping views across the Bay of Cabo, the Marina and Medano Beach.
Our experience hiking Mt Solmar
This is where things start to get a little clearer…
After we did the hike, the whole process made a lot more sense, so let me share it with you and help clear things up.
The land where Mt Solmar sits is private property, and there is no public access to the trailhead.
It is possible to hike the mountain but only accompanied by a local guide who provides access to the area on certain days and times.
A local man called Enrique runs a dog training centre on this land. The centre also doubles as a kennel and dog daycare centre (not a rescue centre as I previously thought).
Enrique is practically a dog whisperer, and once you arrive you will be sure to meet furry friends of all shapes and sizes.
Every day (except Saturdays, at the time of writing) Enrique leads a hike up the mountain, bringing along a group of dogs for a walk. All are welcome to join, and you need to arrive at his dog training centre before 8 am.
Just put ‘Dog Training Camp‘ in your map, and you won’t have any doubt if you’re in the right place. Wire fences and a chain-linked gate line the entrance to the camp, and there are several different enclosed areas, with different groups of dogs.
We heard the place before we saw it, and arrived to find a gorgeous girl, ‘Lady’, making noise at the fence line to attract attention and pats! The dogs get increasingly vocal like they know the time and what is coming.
At around 8:00 am, Enrique will come out, and let select dogs out of their enclosure to join on the hike. It was such a spectacle watching all the dogs running out, eager to start the walk.
Enrique will give a brief welcome and explanation before he heads off up Mt Solmar with the dogs leading and the group following.
It was so lovely to watch the dogs rush up the mountain. You can tell they have done the hike before, as they were all jostling to get to the front of the pack leading the way.
As dog lovers, we were in heaven getting to cuddle dogs of all shapes and sizes! There were some expected tiffs between dogs, and if you’re familiar with dog behaviour it was hilarious watching who was the instigator and who really just wanted to be left alone!
There was one particular pest who kept razzing all the other dogs up, and Enrique had to put him on a lead for some time out.
The hike takes around an hour to get to the summit, including a few stops along the way to learn more about the area and take some photos of the beautiful views.
The last part of the hike as you reach the top is very steep and requires a bit of rock climbing. It was a good workout for us, but nothing too challenging.
If you are older, have young kids or are unsteady on your feet, this might be difficult for you. It is very slippery with dust and loose rock, and there are times when you need to use both hands to climb and haul yourself up. You can go at your own pace, but the trail can be very crowded in peak season so there’s not a lot of margin for error when there are people in front of and behind you.
Anyone with reasonable fitness can do this hike easily and enjoyably, but I just want to make you aware that it’s not necessarily easy.
Enrique is very knowledgeable about the local area, and the lands you are hiking on. Along the way, he will stop to share information about the geology of the area, and folklore about the mountain and the waters surrounding it.
He talked about connecting with the energy of the earth and being more mindful and present in the moment. It was very inspirational and a great reminder of the ‘two lives’ we all lead – one inside our head and one in the real world.
I won’t share any more of Enrique’s wisdom here… I would really encourage you to go and learn from him for yourself!
Once you reach the top, Enrique gives you plenty of time to take photos, admire the stunning views and play with the doggies. The views looking over Cabo Bay, Medano Beach and the Marina were simply stunning. But what we enjoyed more was looking south over the famous Playa del Divorcio and Playa de Los Amantes.
If you haven’t already visited El Arco and this iconic part of Cabo before doing the hike, it’s likely that you will at some point afterwards. It’s great to get a different perspective on the area.
The ocean vista is breathtaking, we could have stayed up there for hours just soaking it all in!
If you’re visiting in the winter months (December – April), you’ve got a good chance of seeing whales too! We spotted a few spouts and whale watching boats.
Do note that there is no access to the beach. Although some people do try and hike over the rocks to Playa del Divorcio I wouldn’t recommend it, and Enrique will not allow you to try and divert from the path on this hike. It’s not safe, and getting to the area by boat is a much better experience anyway.
Boats floating off Lover’s Beach (left) and Divorce Beach (right)
After spending quite a while at the peak of Mt Solmar, you return down a different path. It is less steep but the rocks can be a little slippery at times.
We took our time on the way down, going very slowly and stopping to take lots of photos. The view shifts to the west, and you overlook the fancy Pedregal area with its luxury resorts.
The group dispersed as the path was clearly marked and there was no chance of getting lost. We were one of the last down, soaking up the vistas and enjoying the walk.
More stunning views from the hike
Important details for hiking Mt Solmar
To find the starting point of the hike, put Dog Training Camp into your Google Maps. It is on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina. You are sure to see and hear doggies, to confirm you’re in the right spot!
Arrive around 7:45 am, and by 8:00 am, Enrique will open the gates and let the group in. As of 2024, Enrique offers the hike every morning except for Saturday.
His schedule changes with the seasons, so I would advise you to check in advance on his Facebook page Ascenso al Cerro del Vigía.
Occasionally Enrique offers sunrise, afternoon, sunset or evening hikes for special events. These will be published in advance on his Facebook page.
There is no cost to do the hike, but there are some boxes around to leave a tip, which I encourage you to use.
All up, it took us around two hours to get up and down, meaning we were back just after 10 am.
Hiking Mt Solmar – A must do in Cabo
This was such a fun and unique thing to do in Cabo San Lucas, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting the area.
The hike was a great workout, the views were incredible, Enrique was a friendly, wise man and of course, the dogs were adorable.
It is such a great way to start your day in Cabo and enjoy some of the more natural, tranquil parts of the area.
Once you finish you are in the heart of the Downtown / Marina area, and you’ll most likely be hungry! Check out our post on the best local restaurants in Cabo to find somewhere to refuel.
MORE CABO SAN LUCAS POSTS
The Comments
Sierra L.
Thank you for this very insightful post. We are going to be in Cabo this month- around the time you were there a year ago it seems like. I am 22 weeks pregnant – is this something you think a pregnant woman can do? I am a pretty active hiker and I plan on bringing proper hiking boots and even poles for this hike but I am just worried about the extent of bouldering or the need to jump- as that is something I shouldn’t do. Any input is appreciated! Wishing you more adventures in 2023 🙂
Sally
Sierra L.Hi Sierra, thanks so much for your comment and kind words ☺️ You have a very exciting trip ahead of you, and yes we were there in January 2022, an absolutely perfect time to visit with amazing weather! It’s tough to judge anyone else’s physical ability and I would hate to put you in a dangerous situation, but I think it would be okay for you. If you are experienced, I don’t think you’ll have any problems. It’s more climbing than jumping, and its only for the final stretch right near the summit. You’ll need to hands spare, but it’s a pretty easy ascent to navigate with plenty of spots for hands and feets, and just a little pulling up required. On the way down, you are more likely to be sliding down on your bottom than jumping from any great heights. Enrique is lovely, and if you are feeling uncomfortable at any point, I’m sure you could just turn around – you are also able to go at your own pace and hang at the back of the group. I hope you have a wonderful time and around Cabo – be sure to take some day trips outside of Los Cabos, the real beauty is away from the busy areas! All the best, Sally xx
Larry hanson
Sierra L.Thanks Sally !!! This was very informative!
Sally
Larry hansonMy pleasure Larry. So glad it helped! Enjoy the hike.
Michell
Hello, I am intesting to go and hike to Solmar. The only question I have is, if it’s possible to go with my baby daughter she is 7 months almost 8. Is the first time that my 3 friends from US came to visit me. So I would like to have this experience with them. Is that possible?.
Sally
MichellHi Michell, thanks for your comment. I don’t have kids, so I can’t really say for sure what you would deem appropriate. But I would say no, it’s not suitable to do with a baby. There are parts of the hike that are a very very steep climb, and you need two hands to hoist yourself up. It would be difficult, and I would say dangerous with a baby. Of course, it’s completely up to you to make the decision, but I hope this helps. Sally
maggie
hi sally,
where can i book this tour at? what site did you use?
Sally
maggieHi Maggie, as outlined in the blog, this isn’t a formal guided tour by a tour company. Enrique is a local man who runs the dog training centre, on the land which Mt. Solmar sits. He generously gives up his time most days to lead a group up to the summit. It’s informal, and you just turn up on the day following the instructions I’ve provided. Enjoy – Sally.
Daisy Reyes
This post was very helpful! We had a delightful time on the hike! Thank you for sharing!
Sally Rodrick
Daisy ReyesI’m so glad Daisy! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your time in Cabo!
Michelle Plouffe
We would like to do this on Saturday morning. Where do we sign up, etc?
Sally Rodrick
Michelle PlouffeHi Michelle, as it says in the post, you don’t need to sign up. You just have to turn up on the day. However as I’ve also mentioned, he doesn’t run the hike on Saturdays. Check his Facebook page that is linked for the latest information. Sally
Michelle Plouffe
I couldn’t find the schedule. Is it happening this Sunday?
Sally Rodrick
Michelle PlouffeHi Michelle, as per his Facebook page, the hike runs from Sunday – Friday each week.
Enrique
Hola Sally, very nice i formation about the activity, if you can update the information.
We are doing just one guided hike a day at 8 am.
The afternoon hikes no longer happened.
Thank yoy
Sally Rodrick
EnriqueThanks so much for your comment Enrique. The post was due to be updated, so I’ve just made those changes and removed the afternoon hike information 🙂 I can’t wait to come back and hike again soon! All the best, Sally
Randi
Thank you for this post! I found your blog and it inspired us to do this hike last week. Enrique was an incredible guide and entertainer and we had a great time.
For future hikers, definitely arrive on time. We got there about 8:10 thanks to a traffic accident and missed much of the background talk Enrique gave. Our Uber driver had no problems finding the dropoff location though! And you really can just show up with no prior arrangements.
We (two of us) shared one of those giant bottles of water from our hotel room, but could have easily drank two. Enrique told us about a little storefront around the corner where you can buy bottled water and small snacks afterwards, but they only accept pesos (not cards or US cash).
If I were to do it again, I’d wear proper hiking shoes (gym shoes were fine, just very slippery on a few dirt/gravel patches and now forever stained lol), bring more water, and bring some binoculars!
Sally Rodrick
RandiHi Randi, so glad you enjoyed the hike! Enrique is a very interesting person and the scenery is just beautiful isn’t it. Thanks for sharing your updated experience, I appreciate it and I’m sure it will be helpful for other readers 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your time in Cabo! Sally