As you head to Rocky Point on highway 8, you can find the Schuk Toak Visitor Center if you take a detour at km 73. Just by following the paved road for about 10 minutes you will end at the visitor center.
This is the first building in Mexico that is completely self-sufficient energy wise. It’s 36 batteries are charged with 132 solar panels to produce 17,000 watts. What is also to notice, is that these facilities were built on top of a flow of lava, next to a contrasting light colored sierra.
Outside the facilities you can contemplate the highest volcano called Santa Clara also known as Pinacate Peak, the majestic sand dunes, and the persistent vegetation growing in the gaps between the lava, among other interesting things.
There are many different displays where you can observe remains of the most characteristic species that inhabit the reserve, like the big horn sheep, Sonoran pronghorn antelope, deer angler, choya, palo verde and palo fierro skeletons.
In the audiovisual auditorium you can view documentaries and presentations regarding animals, plants, geological aspects of the Sonoran Desert and El Pinacate & the Altar Desert. By the way Schuk Toak means Sacred Mountain in the O’Odham language.
Full tours and educational excursions available.
