El chorrito, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

## Overview El Chorrito is a public drinking spring located along the route to the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir in Baja California, Mexico, near the municipality of Ensenada. Situated at an elevation along the descent from the sierra, this natural spring offers a continuous flow of water and has historically served as a refreshment stop for travelers heading into one of Baja California's most spectacular mountain landscapes. The Sierra de San Pedro Mártir is home to the highest peak on the Baja California Peninsula — Picacho del Diablo (3,096 m / 10,154 ft) — and the surrounding national park is renowned for its pine and fir forests, dramatic granite formations, and the National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico. El Chorrito is publicly accessible, flows continuously, and there is no fee to visit. The name "El Chorrito" — meaning "the little stream" or "the little spout" — is a common name for natural springs throughout Mexico, reflecting the modest but steady trickle of water that emerges from the rock. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water quality can vary with seasonal and environmental conditions. ## Directions 1. From Ensenada, head south and then east toward the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir along the road to the Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. 2. The spring is located approximately 75 km along this route, as you descend from the sierra. 3. GPS coordinates: **30.866903, -115.568108** — use these for precise navigation, as signage may be limited in this remote area. 4. The road to the national park can be rough and unpaved in sections, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially during or after rain. ## What to Expect El Chorrito is a roadside natural spring with a continuous flow of water. The surrounding landscape transitions between arid desert lowlands and the forested highlands of the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, offering striking scenery along the drive. The spring itself is modest — a small spout or trickle emerging naturally — but it provides a welcome stop in an otherwise remote and dry stretch of road. The area is rural and undeveloped, so visitors should come prepared with supplies, fuel, and navigation tools. Cell service is unreliable along much of this route. The road to the national park is a popular route for hikers, stargazers visiting the observatory, and nature enthusiasts, so you may encounter other travelers. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter conditions at higher elevations can bring snow and cold temperatures.