Sierra de San Pedro Mártir Alpine Circuit

At 10,157 feet, Picacho del Diablo towers over Baja California, but it’s the 9,500-foot Observatorio Nacional that draws overlanders up the serpentine dirt roads threading through Mexico’s most surprising landscape — actual pine forests with snow in winter. The route climbs from Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir entrance through Jeffrey pine stands that wouldn’t look out of place in Colorado, terminating at the astronomical observatory where you can literally touch the stars. Technical challenge comes at El Mirador switchbacks, where loose shale and 15-percent grades separate weekend warriors from serious mountain drivers.

Moderate-to-difficult depending on season, requiring high-clearance 4WD with good brakes for the descent. May through October avoids snow closures, but July-August brings afternoon thunderstorms that turn dirt to soup. No permits but park entry fees apply. Fuel and water in San Telmo before heading up — it’s a long way down if something breaks. The payoff is camping among pines at elevation where you can see both Pacific and Gulf coasts on clear days, a perspective that redefines what you think you know about Baja.