Congratulations to the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and Grand Desert of Altar in having been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 21, 2013!!!
Republished from Jan. 2012
The Pinacate and Grand Desert of Altar are wonderful jewels surrounding our seaside town. In addition to a visit to the fascinating Maar craters of the Pinacate Reserve (entrance gate just less than halfway to Sonoyta along the Highway 8 heading north of town), in 2009 the Schuk Toak Visitors Center of the reserve opened and offers nature walks, informational videos, gallery/museum space, and information (and sometimes guided tours) about the dunes just beyond the Center.
Opened in 2009, the Schuk Toak Visitors Center of the Pinacate Reserve is located along Peñasco-Sonoyta highway No. 8 at km. 72, about 15 minutes outside of Peñasco as you head north. The well paved access road winds along the side of Sierra Blanca before reaching the building, built atop the Ives lava flow.
http://elpinacate.conanp.gob.mx/