Explore Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857, Baja California, Mexico

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Located in the Sierra de Juárez mountain range and with an average elevation of about a mile above sea level, this park is covered in a variety of coniferous trees and receives snow in the winter. There’s lots of great hiking and the weather is mild from the spring to fall. There are 10 camping areas or there are rustic cabins available to rent throughout the park. Laguna Hanson (also called Laguna Juárez), a seasonal high-meadow lake nestled into the pine trees. Trees and plant species include Jeffrey and Stone Pines, and lots of Manzanita. Animals such as bighorn sheep, cougars, bobcats, deer, eagles and flacons call the park home. There are two main points of access. From the north, there’s a dirt road turn off on Mexico 2 between Tecate and Mexicali at Km. 71. For southern access, there’s a dirt road turn off on Mexico 3 (from Ensenada to San Felipe) at Km. 53. Why We Love It: Nestled into the mountains and pine trees, this national park is in the highest part of the Sierra de Juárez mountain range and covers over 12,000 acres. It’s a protected refuge for wildlife such as bobcats, foxes, coyotes, eagles, and hawks. The high elevation brings snows in the winter, but provides beautifully fresh weather during the summer. What To Do: Laguna Hanson (officially Laguna Juárez), a beautiful high meadow lake, is one of the main attractions here. While the shallow lake has mostly dried up in recent years, it does have some water certain times of the year depending on recent rain fall. Regardless of water levels, it’s a beautiful and serene spot for camping and exploring and the marshlands attract a variety of birds making Laguna Hanson a great place to camp, hike, and bird-watch. Large granite boulders and pine trees offer scenery very different from the rest of the peninsula. Where To Stay: Many people tent camp as there are nine camping areas within the park. There are also a few rustic cabins available starting at US$28. How to Visit: The park can be accessed from the north on Mexico 2 at Km. 71, or from the south on Mexico 3 (Ensenada-San Felipe) at Km. 53. There are administration buildings at both entrances where visitors will need to register and pay the park fee. Overnight camping is included in the park fee. DBTC Insider Tip: Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 is one of only two national parks in the state of Baja California (norte)—the other is Sierra de San Pedro Mártir.

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