BajaNomad

San Javier Rd to Hwy 53

TMW - 11-26-2013 at 09:54 AM

During my vacation trip to Baja Sur I traveled the hwy from Loreto to the San Javier mission and then the dirt road west to hwy 53 north of CD Insurgentes.

The hwy to the mission has some damage but road crews are working on it. It will take a while to completly fix it but it is passable without any problems in a car.

The road west from the mission is for high clearence vehicles only for about 15 miles or so. You are crossing the arroyo several times often in water 4 to 8 inches deep. The first part is the worse section but not a problem. A 4x4 is not necessary. There is one water crossing where you hug the left side and at first it looks like no way will I get thru. But no fear the bottom is hard rock and the water maybe 6-8 inches deep and you can see the bottom as you drive thru it.

After about 20-25 +/- miles the road is mostly smooth sand with some slow downs and you'll need to watch your speed as there are horses and cows along the way.

Hwy 53 and Hwy 1 have repair sections with bypass roads.

Beautiful country with ranchos along the way.

[Edited on 11-26-2013 by TW]

tiotomasbcs - 11-26-2013 at 10:14 AM

Thanks, TW, for the report. I nosed around this area last spring from both sides but did not pass thru the mtns. Beautiful country and my little Tacoma loves it up there. Gracias. Tomas

wessongroup - 11-26-2013 at 10:26 AM

TW, when, if ever do you "stop" moving ... :):)

and BTW ... thanks for NOT stopping

[Edited on 11-26-2013 by wessongroup]

David K - 11-26-2013 at 12:12 PM

Thank you Tom...

Here is the entire road on a 2010 AAA map, the pavement to San Javier from Loreto is not shown.

StuckSucks - 11-26-2013 at 04:54 PM

Also that stretch of road west of San Javier is commonly used as Baja 1000 course.

BajaRat - 11-26-2013 at 06:18 PM

Cool report, thanks :cool:

Tio, I see you've moved up in car class :yes:

Cadiff_Kook - 5-20-2018 at 06:45 AM

FYI- I just attempted the dirt portion on the road W. of the mission on a R 1200 GSA. It was too much for me, especially solo.

I only got about 5 of the 40 miles in and turned around.

Dumped the bike when I hit a submerged rock in about 6 inches of water. Slick rocks.

Sr.vienes - 5-20-2018 at 07:03 AM

Used to see smoke coming out of the ground where the farmers were making charcoal. We would stop and buy some for BBQ’s on the beach.Those folks truly live off the land.

TMW - 5-20-2018 at 02:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Cadiff_Kook  
FYI- I just attempted the dirt portion on the road W. of the mission on a R 1200 GSA. It was too much for me, especially solo.

I only got about 5 of the 40 miles in and turned around.

Dumped the bike when I hit a submerged rock in about 6 inches of water. Slick rocks.


I can see it is a handful on a heavy street bike, fun on a dirt bike.