Finding a True Desert Oasis
Fox canyon cabo is a hidden natural wonder located about 90 minutes north of the resort areas. Known locally as Cañon de la Zorra, this secluded canyon features a 40-foot waterfall, freshwater swimming pools, and natural rock slides tucked into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
Quick Fox Canyon Essentials:
- Location: Near Santiago, inside Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo
- Distance: 90 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, 75 minutes from San Jose del Cabo
- Entrance Fee: 200-250 pesos per person (cash only)
- Hike Duration: 15 minutes to main waterfall, or 2+ hours for upper pools
- Best Time: October through April
- What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, swimsuit, towel, water, sunscreen
- Difficulty: Intermediate (rocky terrain, stream crossings)
Most travelers to Los Cabos stick to the beaches and resort pools. But go just an hour north into the desert mountains and you’ll find why locals consider Fox Canyon one of Baja’s best-kept secrets.
The canyon sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where towering Cardon cacti give way to a lush river valley. The main attraction is Sol de Mayo Waterfall, which cascades into a crystal-clear swimming hole perfect for cooling off after your hike. Beyond that, a longer trail leads to secluded upper pools where you’ll likely have the natural waterslides all to yourself.
Getting there includes a bumpy dirt road that’s not always easy to find. That’s why many families choose a private transfer with SJD Taxi—your driver knows the way, and you can even stop for groceries or snacks along the route.
Whether you hike the short 15-minute trail or explore the full canyon system, Fox Canyon offers a side of Baja that tour buses never see.
Planning Your Fox Canyon Cabo Adventure
Escaping the busy beaches of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo for a day feels like stepping into a completely different world. Fox canyon cabo offers exactly that—a rugged, beautiful slice of Baja California desert that most visitors never see. Planning your trip here doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little preparation goes a long way toward making your adventure smooth and memorable.
What is Fox Canyon and Where Do I Find It?
Fox canyon cabo, known locally as Cañon de la Zorra, sits tucked into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains near the small town of Santiago. This isn’t your typical tourist stop—it’s a privately owned ranch called Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo, which means you’ll pay a small entrance fee of 200-250 pesos per person (cash only) to access the trails and waterfall.
The star of the show is the Sol de Mayo Waterfall, a stunning 40-foot cascade that plunges into crystal-clear freshwater lagoons. After hiking through the desert, suddenly finding this oasis feels almost surreal. The pools are perfect for swimming, and if you explore further, you’ll find natural waterslides where smooth rock channels the water into deeper pools below.
What makes this place even more special is its location within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains protect unique ecosystems found nowhere else, and the designation means the area is carefully preserved. This is real, untouched Baja—not a manufactured attraction. If you’re curious about the broader region, we’ve put together a guide on the East Cape region that covers more hidden spots like this.
We always tell people that Fox Canyon is the kind of place you remember long after your vacation ends. It’s not polished or easy, but that’s exactly what makes it worth the drive.
The Hiking Experience: Trails, Terrain, and Wildlife
The hike at fox canyon cabo is rated as intermediate difficulty, which is a fair assessment. The good news? The main trail to Sol de Mayo Waterfall takes only about 15 minutes from the ranch entrance, making it accessible for most visitors who are reasonably fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, a longer 4-mile trail with about 260 feet of elevation gain takes you deeper into the canyon to more secluded pools.
The terrain is rocky and uneven, with stream crossings that can be slippery. Some sections might require using a rope to descend safely into swimming areas. This is why we can’t stress enough—wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Trail runners or hiking boots are your best bet. Sandals are fine for the beach, but they’ll make this hike miserable and potentially dangerous.
As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by towering Cardon cacti, some reaching 50 feet tall and living for centuries. In autumn, the desert explodes with wildflowers, painting the landscape in unexpected colors. Keep your eyes open for lizards sunning themselves on rocks and roadrunners darting across the path. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective), you might spot a rattlesnake, though they’re generally more afraid of you than you are of them.
The guides we’ve hiked with always have great stories about the local ecosystem. If you’re interested in more hiking around Los Cabos, check out our hiking in Cabo San Lucas guide for other trails worth exploring.
Getting to Fox Canyon
Getting to fox canyon cabo is part of the adventure, but it can also be a challenge. The drive takes about 90 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 75 minutes from San Jose del Cabo. You’ll head north on Highway 1 past the town of Santiago, where the final 20-minute stretch turns into a bumpy and dusty dirt road. With unreliable cell service in the area, finding your way can be tricky.
For a truly stress-free experience, a private transfer with SJD Taxi is the easiest way to go. Our drivers make this trip regularly and know the route by heart, including the tricky dirt road sections. We pick you up at your hotel, resort, or rental anywhere in Los Cabos and drive you straight to the ranch entrance. After your hike and swim, we’re waiting to take you back.
The comfort factor is real—after a hot hike, climbing into an air-conditioned vehicle feels like a luxury. Our drivers are friendly, speak English, and can share local insights. And here’s a favorite feature—we can stop at a grocery store on the way to or from the canyon if you want to grab snacks, drinks, or supplies for a picnic.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, we have vehicles that accommodate groups comfortably. Check out our Cabo group transportation options to see what works for your party. Having everyone in one vehicle makes the trip more fun and keeps your group together.
What to Know Before Your Fox Canyon Cabo Hike
Before you head out, let’s talk about what you actually need to bring and what to expect. The desert environment is beautiful but unforgiving, so preparation matters.
First, be honest about your fitness level. The short trail is manageable for most people, but the longer hike is genuinely challenging. If you have back problems, you’re pregnant, or you have serious medical conditions, stick to the shorter route or skip the hike altogether. The terrain is rocky and requires balance and stamina.
Pack these items for a comfortable trip: Sturdy closed-toe shoes are number one—trail runners or hiking boots work best. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes or bring it for changing. A quick-dry towel saves space and dries fast. Bring at least two bottles of water per person—there are no facilities at the waterfall. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Reapply after swimming. Throw in some granola bars or trail mix for energy. Bring cash for the entrance fee and any local purchases. A waterproof camera or phone case captures the best moments. Depending on the season, insect repellent might be useful near the water.
The best time to visit is October through April. The temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and the desert landscape is at its most beautiful. Autumn brings wildflowers, and the cooler months make the physical activity much more enjoyable. Summer months (June through September) are brutally hot and not recommended for this kind of outdoor adventure. We’ve found that early morning visits beat both the heat and the crowds.
Los Cabos is one of the safest regions in Mexico. Still, it’s wise to stick to marked trails, especially if you’re going without a guide. Our drivers know the area well and can offer tips if you book a transfer with us. For general safety information about the region, read our guide: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?
Ready to start planning your Fox Canyon adventure? Book your private transportation and let us handle the driving while you enjoy the scenery.
Is This Day Trip the Highlight of Your Cabo Vacation?
A visit to fox canyon cabo might just become the story you tell most when you get home. It’s one of those experiences that shows you a completely different side of Los Cabos—the wild, untouched Baja that exists beyond the poolside margaritas and beachfront resorts.
This isn’t for everyone, and that’s part of what makes it special. If you’re the type who craves adventure, loves nature, and wants to see where locals go on their days off, Fox Canyon delivers. It’s for families who want to show their kids something truly memorable. It’s for couples looking to share an experience that doesn’t involve a crowded tour bus. It’s for anyone who feels that tug to explore beyond the tourist trail.
There’s something about hiking through the desert and suddenly stumbling upon a 40-foot waterfall cascading into crystal pools that resets your whole vacation mindset. The moment you slip into that cool, clear water after a dusty hike—that’s when it hits you. This is what you came to Mexico for.
Many visitors combine their canyon adventure with lunch in nearby Miraflores, a small town where you can taste authentic Baja cuisine. Picture yourself at a family-run restaurant, savoring fresh fish tacos, perfectly seasoned beef, or tender chicken, all served with homemade salsa, creamy guacamole, warm tortillas, and ice-cold agua fresca. These local stops add flavor to your day—literally and figuratively—and connect you to the real rhythm of Baja life in a way resort dining never quite captures.
From the towering Cardon cacti to the hidden swimming holes and natural waterslides, Fox Canyon offers something you won’t find anywhere else in Los Cabos. It’s rugged and beautiful and surprisingly peaceful once you’re there. The contrast to the busy beaches makes it feel like a secret—even though it’s been there all along, waiting for travelers willing to make the drive.
We’ve seen so many guests come back from Fox Canyon with that glow people get when they’ve had a truly great day. The photos are incredible, sure, but it’s the feeling that sticks with you. The sense that you found something real.
If you’re ready to trade your beach chair for hiking boots—even just for one day—this is your chance. Let us take care of getting you there safely and comfortably, so all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Book your private transportation with SJD Taxi and let’s make this the day trip you didn’t know you needed.
