Hiking Mount Solmar in Cabo is already an adventure – stunning ocean views, steep climbs, and a pack of enthusiastic dogs guiding your way. But throw in a group of coworkers, and suddenly it’s less of a serene nature walk and more of a team building exercise.

Now, let’s be clear. I am not talking about travelling with random coworkers you barely know – the ones whose names you only remember because of reassigned files. No, I mean travelling with your work besties – the coworkers you spend all day sending memes to, the ones who have seen you cry over excel worksheets, and the ones who know your real coffee break is actually 90 minutes long. Taking a trip with them? That’s a whole different level of chaos.

The Hike

After a night of too many margaritas and at least one questionable decision, it’s time for the main event: hiking Mount Solmar. The hike starts at Enrique’s Dog Training Camp, where the first challenge isn’t the mountain – it’s convincing your coworkers that yes, we’re getting up early and this is a real trail and not some prank. There is always that one coworker who shows up over-prepared with a hiking backpack the size of a small car: Mark, and the skeptic who keeps asking, are we sure this is safe? Then there are dogs, fit, fearless and absolutely judgmental that can immediately sense who will struggle the most and possibly taking mental notes on human incompetence.

Then the real climb begins. The path turns steep, the ground becomes rocky, and suddenly it’s less of a hike and more of a controlled scramble. Hands become just as important as feet, grabbing onto rocks for balance. The dogs, effortlessly navigating the terrain, look back at us with what can only be described as mild disappointment.

The Ascent

Mount Solmar isn’t that high (443 feet), but you wouldn’t know it from the dramatic gasping noises echoing from 100 something group of people. It rises above the Land’s End peninsula, providing panoramic views of Cabo San Lucas, including the iconic El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Somewhere around the half way point, Colleen insists she is totally fine, but I know she is secretly questioning our friendship that led her there.

The View

After a solid mix of slipping, scrambling and coworkers offering unsolicited but helpful advice on Employment Standards we make it to the summit, sweaty and and a little exhausted but for a brief, glorious moment, nobody is talking about work files. Cue a 30 minute selfie session where at least one person pretends to be on a solo, spiritual journey for Instagram. Spoiler: Me.

It’s a rare kind of quiet at the top. Even the most chatty of the group fall into the moment of stillness, just taking it all in. Someone suggests staying up here forever to avoid going back to work. For a second, it almost seems like a real possibility.

From a geological perspective, the exposed rock formations at the summit are characteristics of the Baja Peninsula’s rugged coastal topography. The area provides an ideal setting for both observational photography and passive recovery before initiating the descent.

The Descent

Going down should be easier, right? Wrong. The descent requires careful navigation, as the steep incline and loose gravel create a bit of a risk of slipping.

The Logistics

• Schedule: The hike is available daily from Sunday to Friday, starting at 8am. Its advisable to arrive around early to ensure timely participation. The hike begins at Enrique’s Dog Training Camp, located near the marina. Upon arrival, you’ll notice a gated entrance; wait there until Enrique opens it for the hike.
• Duration: The ascent typically takes 1 hour, with the entire experience lasting approximately 2 hours or so.
• Difficulty: The trails is of moderate difficulty, featuring exposure, some steep and rocky sections that may require the use of hands for support.
• Cost: There is no set fee for the hike, but tipping Enrique is encouraged to show appreciation for his time and effort.

The Experience

Embarking on a hike up Mount Solmar with dogs – and coworkers – was a perfect mix of adventure and accidental team bonding. This experience, led by local guide Enrique perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of Cabo San Lucas offering opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Related

Hiking in Cabo is similar to hiking in Arizona, with rugged trails, arid landscapes, and stunning panoramic views, but Cabo adds the unique backdrop of the ocean meeting the desert.