
El Salto Canyon La Misión
An accessible canyon adventure with a beautiful waterfall, perfect for weekend hikes and lively camping near Ensenada.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trailhead is open

El Salto Canyon La Misión
Best Time
Trailhead is open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An accessible canyon adventure with a beautiful waterfall, perfect for weekend hikes and lively camping near Ensenada.
"Easy hike, great payoff, but camping is lively, not quiet. Plan for weekends!"

👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
The rocks in the stream are slippery smooth. Protect yourself from falls!
🚗 Weekday Access Issues
The dirt road is often gated on weekdays. Plan for weekend visits only.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Waterfall
End of the main trail
A beautiful payoff after an easy, short hike. Perfect for a refreshing dip!

Camping Area
Designated spots
Equipped with grills, trash cans, and tables for a fun outdoor experience.

The Canyon Trail
Main trail
An easy, pet-friendly 20-minute hike with scenic views, especially after rain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday Access is Limited
Camping Vibe: Fun, Not Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
The rocks in the stream are slippery smooth. Protect yourself from falls!
🚗 Weekday Access Issues
The dirt road is often gated on weekdays. Plan for weekend visits only.
🏕️ Camping is Lively
Expect music and cheering, great for parties but not for quiet relaxation.
💧 Bring Your Own Toiletries
Bathrooms lack toilet paper, soap, and lights. Come prepared!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
The rocks in the stream are slippery smooth. Protect yourself from falls!
🚗 Weekday Access Issues
The dirt road is often gated on weekdays. Plan for weekend visits only.
🏕️ Camping is Lively
Expect music and cheering, great for parties but not for quiet relaxation.
💧 Bring Your Own Toiletries
Bathrooms lack toilet paper, soap, and lights. Come prepared!
💰 Price Increase Noted
Camping fees have risen significantly. Be aware of current pricing.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trail
Bring your furry friends along for the easy canyon hike!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Salto Canyon La Misión offers a beautiful waterfall payoff after an easy hike, making it a popular weekend destination for families and pet owners. While the natural scenery is praised, campers should be aware of the lively atmosphere with loud music and cheering, and be prepared for basic amenities and increased fees. Weekday access is often restricted, so weekend visits are essential.
"Nice begginer hike to the waterfall, really fun and has a really nice camping area, and beautiful sights, the pictures don't do it justice. My doggies loved it so I'm definitely going back. Wear non slippery shoes because the rocks in the stream are slippery smooth"
arturo ibarra
"A nice little hike with a great pay off . Taken with a great local guide."
Don Nisbet
"Hiking experience:
The main trail is easy, child and pet friendly, with a beautiful view, and it takes like 20 minutes. This place is better after the rains for sure.
Our Camping experience:
If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature and relax, this isn’t the place, laud music will be played until very late (2-3 am) and in the next day around 6am, there was a group of people cheering and screaming… so not the best place to relax, but it’s cool if you want have fun with friends.
Amenities:
Every comping spot will have its own grill, trash can and wooden table.
Bathrooms don’t have toilet paper, soap or light.
The guys in the entrance are clueless, and little bit rude.
“La tiendita” doesn’t toilet paper (at least when we went they didn’t) and is expensive as expected.
The price to camp is $200 pesos per person, it definitely increase a lot since the last time I was there it was only like $100 pesos
The place is secure and clean.
Overall, it’s definitely not what it used to be, it’s still a good place, but I think it’s expensive for what they offer."
Alexis Barrios
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The canyon is accessible via a dirt road. However, this road is often gated and locked on weekdays, with access typically limited to Saturdays and Sundays. It's best to plan your visit for a weekend to ensure you can reach the trailhead.
No, the road leading to the trailhead is a dirt road. It's advisable to have a vehicle suitable for unpaved surfaces, especially if you plan to visit after rain.
Unfortunately, weekday access is often restricted as the dirt road to the trailhead is frequently gated and locked. It's highly recommended to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
Using a GPS or a reliable navigation app is recommended. Be aware of the weekend-only access, as indicated by signs and traveler experiences.
While specific directions can vary, travelers often mention it's a drive from Ensenada. The key is to aim for the trailhead, keeping in mind the weekend access limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The price to camp is approximately $200 pesos per person, which has reportedly increased significantly in recent years. Day use fees may also apply, so it's wise to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required. Entry is typically handled at the entrance, especially for camping. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific booking requirements, particularly during peak seasons.
Access to the trail is primarily available on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday access is often restricted due to the gated road.
While the hike itself is part of the experience, there is a fee for camping, which has seen an increase. Day visitors might also encounter a fee.
It's advisable to bring cash, as smaller establishments and entrance fees may not accept credit cards. 'La tiendita' might be cash-only.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking to a beautiful waterfall, rappelling, and climbing. The main trail is easy and pet-friendly, taking about 20 minutes.
Yes, the main trail is described as easy, child, and pet-friendly, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Camping spots come with their own grill, trash can, and wooden table. However, bathrooms are basic and often lack toilet paper, soap, and lights.
While it offers a natural setting, campers should be aware that it can be lively with loud music and cheering, especially on weekends. It's better suited for fun with friends than for quiet relaxation.
The main trail to the waterfall is a relatively short and easy hike, typically taking around 20 minutes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a formal restaurant. 'La tiendita' is available for basic supplies, but it's expensive and may not have essentials like toilet paper. It's best to bring your own food and drinks.
Your primary option is 'La tiendita,' a small store on-site. However, it's known to be pricey and may have limited stock. Bringing your own provisions is highly recommended.
Yes, each camping spot is equipped with its own grill, making it easy to cook your meals outdoors.
Given the limited on-site options, pack all your meals, snacks, and beverages. Don't forget essentials like water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
The 'La tiendita' on-site offers some items, but it's expensive. It's advisable to purchase groceries in Ensenada or a larger town before heading to the canyon.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall is a prime subject, especially after rain when it's more impressive. The canyon itself offers scenic views, and the camping area can provide interesting shots of outdoor life.
While not explicitly mentioned, drone usage might be subject to local regulations. Always check for any restrictions before flying. The open canyon areas could offer good vantage points.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the canyon's expanse and the waterfall. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing water movement.
The end of the main trail offers a direct view of the waterfall. Exploring slightly off the main path (safely) might reveal other interesting perspectives of the canyon.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh, but can also create dramatic contrasts in the canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
🏕️ Campers Seeking Fun
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating El Salto Canyon La Misión
When you do arrive on a weekend, expect a lively atmosphere. The camping area is equipped with basic amenities like grills, trash cans, and wooden tables, making it functional for outdoor stays. However, the camping experience is geared towards fun and socializing rather than quiet relaxation. Reviews mention loud music playing late into the night and early morning cheers from groups. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, this might not be the ideal spot. Conversely, if you're going with friends and want a vibrant, energetic camping experience, El Salto Canyon La Misión delivers.
For those planning to hike, the main trail is an easy, pet-friendly 20-minute walk that leads to a beautiful waterfall. This makes it accessible for families and those with dogs. The scenery is particularly striking after rainfall, enhancing the lushness of the canyon. When it comes to amenities, be prepared: bathrooms are basic and often lack essentials like toilet paper, soap, and lighting. 'La tiendita,' the on-site store, offers some supplies but is known to be expensive and may not carry everything you need. It's highly recommended to bring your own food, water, and toiletries to ensure a comfortable visit.
Activities and Adventure at El Salto Canyon
The most accessible activity for most visitors is the hiking trail to the waterfall. This is a relatively short and easy trek, taking about 20 minutes to complete. The payoff is a beautiful waterfall, which is especially impressive after periods of rain, making the landscape more vibrant and the water flow more substantial. The trail is also noted as being child and pet-friendly, making it a great option for families looking for an outdoor excursion.
Beyond the waterfall, the canyon itself offers a visually appealing environment. The picturesque views are often described as not doing the place justice, suggesting a beauty best experienced in person. Whether you're rappelling down a cliff face, enjoying a leisurely hike, or simply taking in the natural beauty, El Salto Canyon La Misión provides a memorable outdoor experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially non-slip shoes, as the rocks in the stream can be very slippery.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit