If you’ve been looking for new ways to enjoy the green scenery the recent rains brought us, I’ve got a treat for you. Located in Sierra de la Laguna, roughly 50 miles — or about 1 hour 50 minutes — north of Cabo San Lucas, is Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, a private ecotourism operation including access to a waterfall. Yes, a waterfall in the middle of the desert, tucked in a geological paradise.
Cañón de la Zorra, also known as Cascada Sol de Mayo, is a waterfall in Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, located within the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, near the community of Santiago. It’s roughly a 40-foot drop from a slit through granite into a swimming hole. Beyond the paradoxical experience and enjoyment of a waterfall in the middle of the desert, there are many reasons why you should consider a trip there now.
Timing Your Visit After the Rains
I visited the waterfall during the last weekend of August, before the bulk of the major rainfall we recently experienced. Even then, the water was abundant and the greenery alive and fresh. The experience left me rejuvenated and recharged. I can only imagine how much lusher the landscape is and wonder about the size and pressure of the water falling off the rocks. You can certainly enjoy the waterfall year-round; it’s just seldom that green and full.
Ali Lohrman, owner of Cabo Vacations Concierge Service, moved to Cabo San Lucas when she was five. She is passionate about promoting and sharing unique local gems with those visiting the region. According to her, “Growing up in Cabo, Sol de Mayo was one of those places that reminded you just how special Baja really is. We live in the desert, so finding a beautiful freshwater waterfall tucked away in the mountains feels almost magical. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and honestly one of those places that never gets old, even after all these years. It represents the side of Baja Sur that a lot of people don’t know exists beyond the beaches and resorts.”
Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
Ali is not alone in promoting these lesser-known, uniquely Baja Sur attractions. This aligns with all three levels of government — municipal, state and federal — as it helps promote the ranch culture, support the smaller local communities and decentralize tourism. This additionally aligns with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, of which the region is a part. The ranch, including the waterfall, was decreed as part of the biosphere reserve in 1994 under Carlos Salinas, designed to protect, preserve and support the region.
A biosphere reserve is a living laboratory for sustainable development. According to UNESCO’s website, it’s a place where science, culture and inclusive governance come together, showing how biodiversity conservation and sustainable development can successfully go hand in hand. In this model, rather than separating people from nature, biosphere reserves are founded on the principle that communities and ecosystems thrive together. As you visit these communities and pay entrance fees, you help fund the ranch’s conservation work and preserve its ecosystem.
Ali reminds us: “My biggest advice is to respect it like it’s your own backyard. Take your time, enjoy the water, enjoy the scenery, but leave it exactly how you found it. Take your trash with you, don’t damage the natural surroundings, and be respectful of the local community. Sol de Mayo is special because it still feels natural and untouched, and I hope people come to experience that rather than change it. I would also remind people that getting there is part of the adventure. The roads are dirt roads and can be bumpy, so take your time and come prepared. There is also little to no cell service once you get out there, so it’s a good place to disconnect for a while. I always recommend bringing a cooler with plenty of water, drinks and snacks, but leave the cooler in the car. Most importantly, respect the land and leave no trace. That’s what helps preserve its beauty.”
I recommend going early to avoid the full heat.
Understanding the Biosphere Reserve
Throughout the biosphere reserve, Indigenous peoples and local communities, including civil society and business organizations, are active partners in protecting and restoring these ecosystems while building resilient, sustainable livelihoods. The core reserve covers 11,600 hectares, while the broader Sierra de la Laguna spans over 112,000 hectares, with 35 private properties and 6 ejidos.
Within this UNESCO biosphere reserve framework, the land is zoned under three distinct categories: core areas, strictly protected ecosystems; buffer zones, where activities compatible with conservation and sustainable resource use are encouraged, like Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo’s own ecotourism operation; and transition areas, where communities live and work. This promotes sustainable economic and human development, and often includes businesses run by the same family for generations.
What Else to See at the Ranch
Beyond the waterfall, you’ll find the pond is filled with life and surrounded by metamorphic rock and quartz formations. It is not uncommon to be greeted by a free pedicure from schools of fish as you enter the water. Cañón de la Zorra offers a window into the geological marvels of Baja Sur.
Plan to spend extra time at the ranch. They have a small farm with free-roaming peacocks and a regional restaurant that you don’t want to miss. Before you plan your visit, check out Ali’s Instagram for a video she recently posted from Cañón de la Zorra with instructions on how to get there and more: @cabovacationsconcierge.
Some places are worth the bumpy road.
