Everyone knows about the popular summer beach activities available in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, but the fun doesn’t end in the summer. From beachside camping to biking the trails around the El Pinacate Biosphere, there is plenty to see and do in the fall near “Arizona’s Beach,” known commonly as Rocky Point.
Once a training site for Apollo 14 astronauts, the crater area of El Pinacate is now open to public viewing about 30 miles from the main road in Rocky Point. The surface found near the craters is similar to lunar soil, making the area an effective NASA training site back in 1970s.
Nearby, visitors can also see the El Elegante, El Tecolote and Cerro Colorado craters. Various information stations help guide visitors along the trails, and the area is a popular spot for mountain biking.
Riding through the mountains near the craters, cyclists can spot more than 500 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, and 40 species of reptiles. It is not uncommon to see bighorn sheep, Gila monsters or desert tortoises.
“Puerto Peñasco is more than just family fun on the beach. We’re also a great destination for thrill seekers, and the excitement doesn’t stop when summer ends,” said Hector Vázquez del Mercado, President of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Visitors can also take in the distinct beauty of the craters by camping overnight in two camping areas inside the biosphere reserve around El Tecolote and el Cono Rojo.
Rocky Point is the largest certified clean beach in Mexico, accomplished through the combined efforts of the Clean Beach Committee, local businesses, hotels and resorts, and several government offices.
For more information on traveling to Rocky Point, please visit http://cometorockypoint.com.
