Cacti, Milky Way Stargazing, Baja

The vast, oblong state of Baja California awaits just past what's by far the busiest United States border crossing, but many US visitors don't venture further south than Ensenada. Those who do press on down the peninsula will discover not only some fantastic fish taco stands, but a rugged, thinly populated strip of desert paradise bounded by seas and set far afield from Mexico's major cities. The Baja backcountry's lack of light pollution lends to spectacular Milky Way views, like this one accented by giant, alien-like cardon cactus.