Interesting Facts About the Sonoran Desert in Baja Mexico

Interesting Facts About the Sonoran Desert in Baja Mexico

east valley sunset image by Robert Freese from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The Sonoran desert in Baja California is a place of extremes. Only two inches of rain fall in an average year. Temperatures soar into the triple digits during the day, and fall rapidly at sunset. Yet it is also a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Geography

Arid coast
desert in spain image by Chris Edwards from Fotolia.com

Baja is a peninsula and is nearly 700 miles long. The west coast
borders the Pacific Ocean. The east coast opens on to the Gulf of
California. In between lies a vast desert, home to the 50 foot Saguaro cactus, Sonoran deer and very few people.

Considerations

Rough road
Desert Road image by creativschmiede from Fotolia.com

Travel in Baja requires careful preparation. Roads are rough in spots. Gas stations are far apart. Check with The U.S. Department of State regarding travel advisories and Mexico.

West Coast

Pacific surf
Surfing image by Dedanville from Fotolia.com

Surf on the west coast; Puntas Rosarito and Santa Rosalillita are
known for good waves. In winter, whale watching draws crowds; Scammon's lagoon is refuge for the California Grey Whale.

East Coast

Calm Gulf Waters
boat on a desert maldivian island image by Albo from Fotolia.com

The Gulf waters draw windsurfers and kayak enthusiasts. The water is warm and calm. Fishing and camping are very popular.

Inland

Date palm
date-palm image by Arkady Chubykin from Fotolia.com

Cross from west to east via highway 1. Stop-over at San Ignacio, an old colonial town. It is a real oasis, with date palms, water and a classic town square. The mission San Ignacio, finished in 1786, is considered one of the finest in Baja.

Fun Fact

Famed actor and motor enthusiast Steve McQueen participated in the Baja 1000. This off-road race runs the length of Baja.

Article Written By Barrett Barlowe

Barrett Barlowe is an award-winning writer and artist specializing in fitness, health, real estate, fine arts, and home and gardening. She is a former professional cook as well as a digital and traditional artist with many major film credits. Barlowe holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and French and a Master of Fine Arts in film animation.

Write for Trails.com
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