Sunrise Over Cabo: A Hike to Remember

Sunrise Over Cabo: A Hike to Remember

The meeting spot was just around the corner from our Grand Solmar timeshare, on the sidewalk outside a Cabo dog shelter, across from the Marine base—a quiet, unassuming place away from the tourist buzz of Cabo San Lucas. As I arrived at 7:40 a.m., I was greeted by a line of about twenty people.

Enrique, our guide, opened the gate at 8:00 a.m., and as we walked through, his warm smile and firm handshake immediately put the group at ease.

Enrique, a retired Army veteran and former drill sergeant, carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who’d seen it all. His safety briefing and instructions were crystal clear, his passion for the land and its creatures evident in every word. A dog lover with a bond rivaling Cesar Millan’s, he had an almost magical ability to connect with the shelter dogs that bounded out to join us. Leading the pack was a striking Great Dane with one piercing green eye and a Dalmatian-like spotted coat, flanked by three scruffy, joyful pups, all wagging their tails and eager to guide us up the trail. “Don’t worry,” Enrique said, “these guys clear the path of any snakes. One of them is like most of us, never having hiked to the top.” The group chuckled, and with that, we set off.

The hike was nothing short of incredible. The trail wound up a rugged hillside, steep for about 80% of the climb, demanding focus and a high level of fitness. My calves burned, but every step was worth it. The hike then turned into a climb.

The views unfolded like a painting—sweeping vistas of Cabo’s coastline, where turquoise waves crashed against golden cliffs under an endless sky. The winds were calm, and the air was warm and soothing.

This is the ultimate vantage point for photographers. At the summit, we paused to catch our breath, the dogs flopping down happily beside us.

Enrique shared stories of the land’s history and his own journey from military life to guiding adventurers like us. He sometimes makes this hike three times per day.

What made the experience so heartwarming wasn’t just the scenery, but the authenticity of it all. This wasn’t a polished tour with waivers and insurance—it was raw, real, and deeply personal.

Enrique’s passion for the hike, the dogs, and sharing this slice of Cabo with us was infectious. There was no set price, just tips, and I found myself digging deep into my wallet at the end, wanting to honor the experience he’d crafted.

The climb took about 40 minutes up and a little less coming down, the steep descent testing our balance as much as the ascent tested our endurance. The dogs scampered ahead, occasionally glancing back as if to cheer us on.

Enrique, ever watchful, offered tips on navigating the trickier sections, his drill sergeant instincts subtly ensuring we all stayed safe without ever feeling micromanaged.

Back at the shelter, I lingered and chatted with Enrique’s assistant. He spoke of their work with the dogs and how Enrique makes an additional trip just to pick up the dog poop.

“They teach me more than I ever taught recruits,” he said with a laugh, tossing a tennis ball for several of the pups.

If you’re in Cabo and love adventure, nature, and a challenge with a major reward, this hike is for you.

Just bring sturdy shoes, a bottle of water, and an open heart. Enrique and his canine crew will take care of the rest. And don’t forget a tip for the dogs.

Ralph