Hike Cañon de Santa Maria, Baja California

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The hike down Cañon de Santa Maria (Arroyo San Francisquito) starts east of San Antonio de las Minas, about 2 miles from Rancho Santa Inés Airstrip. The canyon below the mission has one main repelling section. Make sure everyone has the correct gear to do this hike. Note: This is a one-way trip down the canyon unless you leave ropes attached for the return trip. We took a private plane to Rancho Santa Inés Airstrip and hired a truck to take us to the drop-off point. Then had a truck waiting for us at the end of the canyon. It's also possible to hike up the canyon (about 4.2) miles to Oasis Santa María o Poza la Escuadra. It's possible with a good 4WD to get to the Mission and be dropped off there. Otherwise get a ride as far as they will take you. If not at the mission pick a spot along the dirt road that looks like a good place to cross the countryside to the wash. From there either follow the wash to the mission or head across country following smaller washes (see map photos). This is a 1-2 day trek depending on how close to the mission the drop off is. Ideally spend the first night next to the ruins of Mission Santa María de los Ángeles. Mission Santa María de los Ángeles was the last of the missions established by the Jesuits in Baja California, Mexico, in 1767. The most spectacular part of the hike is Oasis Santa María o Poza la Escuadra, a large granite canyon carved the water. Some of the distances: Airstrip to Palm Oasis (via Road): ~12.5 miles OR Drop-off point to Palm Oasis: 9-10 miles Palm Oasis to Mission: ~1.3 miles Mission to End of 4WD Road: ~0.8 miles End of 4WD Road to Oasis Santa María o Poza la Escuadra: ~1.1 miles Oasis Santa María o Poza la Escuadra to End of Canyon: ~4.2 miles

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