The Cerro del Centinela — Sentinel Hill — is the conical peak dominating the western horizon as you look out from Mexicali. The hill rises sharply from the desert floor and is the area's only significant landmark in an otherwise dead-flat agricultural valley. A road climbs partway and a hiking trail finishes the ascent in about 90 minutes from the parking area.
From the summit you can see the whole grid of irrigated farmland that defines the Mexicali Valley, plus the city itself sprawling east to the border with Calexico. The Cucapah mountains rise to the south. Time the hike for sunrise in summer or for any time of day from November to March. Bring far more water than you think you will need.