Catavina
and the area surrounding this very small town, is
one of the most beautiful, natural regions of Baja.
It is known as the "rock garden" and is surrounded
by huge boulders, cactus and other desert plants.
The
town is located about 110 miles from San Quintin.
Importance to Baja travelers, this is the only reliable
source of gasoline, for more than a hundred miles,
north or south. This is a small town with one hotel,
a mechanic, a couple of restaurants, and a closed
Pemex station.
The
Hotel
La Pinta is one in a successful chain of hotels
stretching through the peninsula, owned by the government.
The hotel has a pool, a recreation room and a restaurant.
Rooms are very clean, and well kept.
Indian
rock carvings/paintings may be found in the region.
The desert is also home to many endemic non-cactus
species, including two almost identical looking but
unrelated versions of the elephant tree, and the cirio,
or boojum. Baja's signature contribution to the world
is its unusual flora.
The
Catavina Boulder Field contributes to this strange
landscape. Its hills and valleys of smooth, rounded
rocks, ranging in size from marbles to boulders the
size of buildings. In fact, the rocks were shaped
by the wind, blowing like airborne sandpaper across
the desert for millions of years. Soil is scarce here,
and weird vegetation often appears to be growing right
out of the rocks.
It's
wise not to attempt off-the-road explorations here
without a four-wheel-drive vehicle - it's too easy
to get stuck. But with the proper vehicle, do explore.
And, with proper hiking boots, explorations on foot
anywhere around the Catavina area make for terrific
photo opportunities.
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