Hundreds of palm trees along the river make Santa Gertrudis stand out from the desert landscapes of Baja California peninsula. Founded by a Jesuit missionary in 1751, Misión Santa Gertrudis operated until 1822, when it was finally abandoned. Later, when new migrants settled in the area the church was brought back to live. Recently renovated building is smaller than the original complex; it lacks the utility premises once used by Indians and missionaries. The church has extremely simple design, flat roof, no decorations, and no tower.
