Ensenada
1857 Constitution National Park

(Photos Under Construction)

HOW TO GET THERE

Taking federal highway No. 3 between Ensenada and San Felipe, You will find the park entrance southeast of Ensenada. At Km. 43.5 is the junction to Ojos Negros road. From this town, the national park is 40.2 kms. going towards Sierra de Juárez. Another entrance to the National Park is from the federal highway No. 3 at km. 55.2. You will see on your left a sign "Laguna Hanson" and the beginning of the dirt road that will lead you to the national park. From the highway. The distance to the park is 35 km. this road the Ojos Negros dirt road. This entrance is faster and in better condition than the Ojos Negros entrance.

ORIGIN

In 1882, the Northern Territory of Baja California sold much of the present park land to a Norwegian named J.B. Hanson; an earlier name for the lake "Laguna Hanson" was derived from the name of this early settler. Because of its extraordinary beauty, and natural attributes, the area was declared a National Park in 1962 with the purpose of proteging and preserve it in 1983, the park was included in Mexico's System Of Protected Natural Acres (SINAP).

DESCRIPTION

The 185 Constitution National Park is in the Sierra de Juárez, mountain range, approximately 45 miles east of Ensenada. Within its 5,009 hectares (12,400 acres), is one of interior Baja California's few semi-permanent bodies of water, Laguna Hanson. Several factors underscore the importance of preserving and maintaining the park as a natural area. The 1857 Constitution National Park represents only 0.07% of the state of Baja California's land area, but encompasses a significant share of the state's oak and pine woodland. Forests are only a part of the park's natural resources. Chaparral zones, boulder-studded peaks, grassy meadows and the lake itself contribute to a rich ecosystem supportive of many kinds of plants and animals life. Hanson Lagoon is an important stopover for certain migratory birds. The environmental health of the park and the surrounding areas play a significant role in regulating the regional climate and maintaining the quality of the local soils and groundwater. Pines are represented by two species: the Jeffrey pine and the Parry pine. Oaks are found in scattered locations. In drier areas, shrubs like manzanita, red shanks, chamise and great basin sagebrush carpet the landscape. The park shelters at least 80 spicies of mammals, various reptiles (including rattlesnakes), amphibians, and fish. Forty-four species of birds, including both residents and migrants have been spotted in the Park. Mammals include deer, coyote, bobcat, mountain lions, gray fox and rabbits. Common birds include the pinyion jay, the acorn woodpecker, two species of quail, several species of hawks and various ducks.

ACTIVITIES

The park is staffed by rangers and other personnel who maintain the grounds and supervise activities within the park, subject to space availability, visitors may stay in either an 11 room lodge or in any of the seven detached cabins. These facilities are comfortable, but rustic. Water is drawn from a well. Visitors may also set up in designated camping areas. Other facilities within the park include administrative offices, storage buildings and a nursery for tree seedlings. The park is an ideal place for ecotourism, camping, walking, jogging, mountain-bike ride, horseback riding, admiring the beauty of nature, its flora, fauna, waterfalls and the lagoon itself.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Camping or picnic only in designated areas. Use extreme caution when making campfires, never leave a fire burning unattended. Do not litter. Dispose of litter in the proper containers located around the park, or take it back home. Do not dump anything into the lagoon. Do not cut boughs or branches for fire wood or bedding material. Bring the appropriate clothing and equipment. In winter it snows, and in summer it is very hot. If walking a long distance, inform the park ranger. Report accidents and emergencies to the park ranger. Motorized boats are prohibited no the lagoon. Non-motorized watercraft are welcome. Off-road vehicles may not be driven off the established roads within the park. All vehicles must be operated at safe speeds. Excessively noise vehicles that disturb the native wild life and other park users are also prohibited. Fishing is not permitted from shore or boats. The park is yours, promote among your family and friends a respect for nature, here and elsewhere in Baja California.