Explore The northwest and Copper Canyon
Not long ago, Puerto Peñasco was little more than an inoffensive shrimping port, a mere handful of rudimentary houses. It was so unknown, in fact, that Al Capone used it as a secret base for his liquor-smuggling racket during Prohibition. In the past few years, though, the town has exploded into a major resort for Arizona’s beach-starved masses, and it is now filled with high-rise condominiums. Events in 2009 (see The new millennium) and the US recession hit Puerto Peñasco hard, but once things settle down the development is sure to continue: a new highway along the coast (reducing driving times from California) opened in 2008, and the Mar de Cortés International Airport should be open by 2011. If you like resorts, golf or just fancy a couple of days on the beach before heading south, “Rocky Point” (as the expat community calls it) can be fun. Note that temperatures regularly top 40°C (104°F) in the summer.
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Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar
Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar
The region’s most impressive natural attraction, the Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar (ranger station daily 9am–5pm; M$40; t638/384-9007), lies 52km north of Puerto Peñasco on Hwy-8. NASA used this otherworldly expanse of volcanic cinder cones and craters to train its astronauts for lunar landings. One of Pinacate’s largest and most awe-inspiring craters, “El Elegante”, is 1.6km wide and 250m deep and can be seen from space. Camping is allowed by arrangement with the ranger station at the edge of the park; permits are given on a first-come, first-served basis but there are no facilities. No public transport runs to Pinacate, so you’ll have to drive or join a tour.
