Mountain 35 km northwest of Santa Rosalía
Three volcanic peaks rising beside Highway 1 northwest of town; climbing the tallest is a hard, guided hike in the El Vizcaíno reserve.
Las Tres Vírgenes is a volcanic complex of three peaks, La Virginita, El Viejo and El Azufre, rising from the desert about 35 kilometers northwest of Santa Rosalía. The tallest reaches about 1,900 meters, and on a clear day the volcanoes dominate the view from Highway 1 on the way to San Ignacio. They lie within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve.
The complex is young in geological terms, formed in the last few hundred thousand years, and Jesuit missionaries reported volcanic activity here in the 18th century. The heat has not gone away: fumaroles and sulfur smells still mark the area, and a geothermal power plant nearby uses the underground heat.
Around the base, black lava flows meet cardón and other desert plants, and the slopes are home to desert bighorn sheep, coyotes and hares. Climbing to the summit is a demanding hike, usually done over two days with a guide.
What to see and do
Stop along Highway 1 to photograph the three peaks rising over the lava fields.
Climb the main volcano with a local guide, usually a two-day trip with a night on the mountain.
Look for desert bighorn sheep and desert plants around the base.
Stargaze on a clear night far from city lights.
Getting there
Drive northwest from Santa Rosalía on Highway 1 toward San Ignacio; the volcanoes rise beside the road after about half an hour, with a turnoff toward the small Tres Vírgenes settlement. The climb is long, steep and has no water, so it should only be done with an experienced local guide, in the cooler months, and with respect for the rules of the biosphere reserve.
35 km northwest of Santa Rosalía
Directions from Santa Rosalía on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Volcán Las Tres Vírgenes shares the climate of Santa Rosalía, 35 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Apr, May, Nov.
Make Santa Rosalía your base
Volcán Las Tres Vírgenes is an easy trip from Santa Rosalía, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Santa Rosalía
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Mulegé
· Town · 57 km away
A river oasis town of date palms about an hour south, with a Jesuit mission on a hill and a museum in its old prison. -
San Ignacio
· Town · 62 km away
A desert oasis of date palms around a lagoon, with one of Baja's finest stone missions; the base for whales and cave paintings. -
Sierra de San Francisco
· Cave · 79 km away
UNESCO-listed mountains with giant prehistoric cave paintings; Cueva del Ratón is reachable by road, the rest by mule with a guide. -
Bahía Concepción
· Beach · 83 km away
A long, calm bay south of Mulegé lined with white-sand coves like Santispac and El Requesón, ideal for kayaking. -
Laguna San Ignacio
· Nature reserve · 104 km away
A Pacific lagoon where gray whales give birth each winter and often swim right up to the small boats.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.