We first found Cabo Pulmo in 2023 for its incredible snorkeling and we have taken many snorkeling tours in Cabo Pulmo since. When we returned in 2024, we knew we wanted to stay here longer and get to know it better. When we got here in Feb 2024, we linked up with our new outfitter partner, Arturo from Cabo Pulmo Travel and he noticed my Garmin watched and asked if I was a runner. It turns out that he likes to trail run and bike trails nearby. [Insert record screeching to a stop sound], did you say trails?? We immediately started chatting about the amazing trail system and how it all connects. I couldn’t get out for a ride with Arturo as he was heading out of town but Julie and I managed to get a few rides in during our stay.

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Cabo Pulmo Mountain Biking Trails

For those eager to hit the trails self-guided, here’s a quick video overview of the network. If you’re looking to maximize the experience, consider a guided mountain biking tour in Cabo Pulmo.

Day 1: Bench trail with a new friend

The Bench Trail was our first ride, renowned as the most popular (and the only one listed on Trailforks in Cabo Pulmo), making it our go-to. The trail, easy to locate and impeccably maintained, led us to other trails just across the dirt road at the Bench Trail’s end, though they aren’t listed on any trail apps.

While climbing the trail, we crossed paths with Glenn, a Cabo Pulmo veteran of 30 years, who has dedicated his time to trail building with a dedicated crew. At 62, Glenn shredded the trails and shared invaluable beta about the area’s evolution over three decades. Initially drawn by windsurfing, he noted the area’s waning wind sports scene.

The Bench trail rides up a relatively smooth and flowy grade with a few punchy and loose climbs. At the top, you can add on an extra little loop or head west on the Nasty Trail which drops into the mountains to the west and into the canyon. We decided to do the extra loop and Glenn decided to guide us for the rest of the ride. It was amazing to follow him and get the local beta on the trails.

At the bottom of the bench trail, you can cross over the road and connect to additional trails that take you out to the Oceanside where you can often see whales breaching. That was a first for us, mountain biking down a trail and seeing humpback whales playing around. Hence the inspiration for the featured image for this post.

You can see our Strava ride to find more details.

Day 2 | Junior trails

We found that the best app for finding trails in Cabo Pulmo was Alltrails. Almost all of the trails in the area (that we know of) were listed on the app but not all of them had recent trail updates or reviews. So we decided to get out there and ride as many of them as we could.

Next up, we rode what ended up being one of our favorite sections of the system, the Junior trail. This trail system made you feel like you were riding sections of the Moab Brand trails (medium tech trails with rock features) but with Sandy washes and cacti to remind you that you were in Mexico. We could ride this system over and over and over…

Day 3 The Floating Rocks Loop

Here is our mountain biking ride out to Floating Rocks on Strava. The Floating Rocks area was one of the most scenic trails and reminded us of mountain biking in the southwest. These trails have a ton of future potential as they get developed in the future. The terrain is incredible and allows a variety of riding options for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.

Cabo Pulmo | Visit and Protect

Most visitors come to Cabo Pulmo as a day trip from Cabo, buzzing through without truly soaking in the splendor of its natural wonders, particularly the treasures hidden away on land. As I type out our experiences, I’m torn. Sharing this slice of paradise feels like a double-edged sword – the very essence of what makes it magical is its serenity, untouched by the heavy footprints of over-tourism.

Finding the balance between unveiling this gem and preserving its uniqueness is a collective duty we all bear. It’s paramount that as we venture into such pristine locales, we tread lightly, respecting the natural habitat and the local communities that steward these lands. Here are a few tips to ensure we can all contribute to traveling responsibly:

1. Embrace the Leave No Trace Principles: Beyond planning and preparation, be mindful of your impact on the environment. Pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, and minimize campfire impacts.
2. Support Local: Engage with and support local businesses. Choosing local guides and outfitters not only enhances your experience but also contributes to the local economy. Take a snorkeling or diving tour with a company that is owned and operated out of Cabo Pulmo so that the money stays in the economy. Drop by MTB Cabo Pulmo Tours and Rentals and take a tour or get a rental.
3. Conserve Water: In regions like Cabo Pulmo, where water is a precious resource, use water sparingly. Simple actions like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can make a difference.
4. Stay on the Trail: Whether biking or hiking, sticking to marked trails helps protect the fragile desert ecosystem and ensures the longevity of these paths for future adventurers.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the area you’re visiting – its history, culture, and environmental challenges. Share this knowledge with your fellow travelers to foster a community of informed and respectful visitors.
6. Donate: bring some pesos or dollars along for the ride, at the beginning of the bench trail, there is a donation box where you can help support the trail building and maintenance efforts. The local community that built the trails, collects the funds and pays Enrique to build the trails on top of the volunteering efforts.