BajaNomad - Road to Tembabichi...

Road to Tembabichi...

carlosg - 12-5-2016 at 03:56 PM

Hi BajaNomads,

We just got back from a great week long trip to Posada Concepcion in Mulegé, we enjoyed our stay and just couldn't make our minds to start driving back home.

Due to the Baja 1000 we drove Fwy 8 to Calexico then Mex 5 (graphic report to follow) to Mex 1 down to Bahía Concepción, came back north on Mex 5 to Tj and crossed at SY...

Now we're planning our next year trip, hopefully to Tembabichi, BCS... during spring break, this year spring break for our kids ends one week before "semana santa" begins for schools in México, so that's encouraging.

Has anyone driven the route to Tembabichi recently?

Road to Tembabichi.jpg - 78kB

(use this link for a "live" map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xreIeE-q_CShyLizZgi9Mq3i9X...)

Is this route doable on a Tacoma long bed, 2wd, 4dr?

I've seen a couple of posts regarding this route on BN but are not recent.

We have a boat but that would be OUT of the question because of the road.

I'm considering the possibility of installing a front hitch (http://www.autoanything.com/towing/curt-front-mount-trailer-... or https://www.realtruck.com/curt-front-mount-receiver-hitch/?u...) for a winch and also getting a "sand anchor" (http://www.discountramps.com/ground-anchor/p/GA-10000-V2/) to help our drive to the coast from Cd. Constitución... just in case...???

If the drive is not doable to Tembabichi for our 2wd then we're considering Puerto Agua Verde instead and then we could probably bring our boat along with us... if doable... at all.

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Muchas gracias compañeros Nómadas...!!!

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by carlosg]

David K - 12-5-2016 at 05:23 PM

The Baja Almanac and other maps and books spell it "Timbabichi" and with the correct spelling you can search Nomad and find the trip reports from TMW, 4x4abc, The squarecircle, Baja Tripper, Fernweh and more... here is a sample:

Here's one from 2013: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=66863

More photos and trip report from 2012: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=60000

On the road to Timbabichi, 2012: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59908

Huge report about a 2005 trip: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=57503

carlosg - 12-5-2016 at 05:53 PM

Thanks David for the links, I think I've gone thru most of them but any info is good info... :yes:

Regarding the spelling, you'll notice that on English documents it's spelled with and "i" (probably because of the translated sound of "e"...???... that's my theory anyway...) BUT if you look it up on Mexican documents (legal, college papers or thesis, even -local- facebook: https://www.google.com/search?q=camino+a+tembabichi&ie=u...) you'll see that it's spelled with an "e"... whether it's with an "i" or "e" I'm sure it's a beautiful place... one that must be explored before all the "big bucks" come along and start developing it and sooner than later there will be a starbucks somewhere around the area... :no:

David K - 12-5-2016 at 07:04 PM

No problem Carlos... I just wanted you to find the most info and spelling it with an i seems to work best. However, I do see links to Tembabichi on Google, too!

This could be like the Rancho Santa Ynez thing... The owner spelled it Ynez, but the maps spell it Ines, then gringos spell it all sorts of ways: Ynes, Inez, Innez, etc.

The spelling Timbabichi (with an i) is on Mexico's government topo maps (of course I can show you many places where even they are wrong, lol!).

The gringo spellings have ranged from Tambobiche (Ray Cannon, Sea of Cortez, 1966) to Tambibiche (Leland Lewis, Baja Sea Guide, 1971 and Arnold Senterfitt, Airports of Baja, 1987) to Timbabiche (Neil Kelly, The Baja Catch, 1988).

As long as you can find what you need, then it is all good!

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by David K]

carlosg - 12-5-2016 at 07:19 PM

David, I just read TMW's post from 2013... I can only say...WOW...!!! It may change a couple of our travel plans, specially because he mentions most of that route could be done on a 2wd with clearance and also shows the road to Tembabichi as a roughed one but not impassable on a 2wd... I'll keep on reading and being surprised... my family sure would enjoy visiting the beautiful Baja outback...

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by carlosg]

TMW - 12-5-2016 at 07:45 PM

Here are the two trip reports I did. It is a really cool and remote place. If you go take a run up the coast there are a couple of beautiful beaches maybe more. Karl (Nomad Fernweh) took us there. Going down and up the mountain is a kick in the pants, some may want to close their eyes, just not the driver.

2012 Trip with more info on the Hacienda
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=60000

2013 Trip
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=66863

carlosg - 12-5-2016 at 07:57 PM

Thanks TMW,

I just finished reading both of your reports and noticed that the route that I sketched over Google maps is the same as you have. I feel safer driving to Tembabichi now that I've seen the road even though is back in 2013, but I think that because we're traveling 03/17 thru 04/02/2017 conditions that may have occurred during this past rainy season will be fixed by then; if we don't go up to La Purísima we certainly will be going to Tembabichi-Ensenada Puerto Gato and Agua Verde... Maybe someone else may want to come along, we are a family of four: wife and I with two boys: 9 and 15... let's see what cooks up...

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by carlosg]

TMW - 12-5-2016 at 09:18 PM

On the first trip we camped at Agua Verde and took the road from the arroyo up the mountain that goes to Constitucion. That road has been washed out and not passable in a 4 wheel vehicle. It is even difficult on a motorcycle as Nomad dtbushpilot can tell you. I was back looking at it about a year ago and it was still no good.

The road from Consitucion to Timbabichi is a good graded road until a couple of miles before going down then it gets a little rough. The road down was in pretty good shape I assume from the locals or government grading it. The road along the beach is a 4x4 in places due to the sand.

Several ranches and farms along the way with very friendly people. Stop and chat with them as well as those in Timbabichi.

Have fun and be safe.

elfbrewery - 12-6-2016 at 11:59 AM

Don't know if trailering anything into Agua Verde is wise. When you get to the coast, there are some sharp curves and it's one lane with a few pullouts along the decline. You may want to get more info before you go. Have you read "King of the Moon?"

StuckSucks - 12-6-2016 at 12:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by carlosg

(use this link for a "live" map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xreIeE-q_CShyLizZgi9Mq3i9X...)

WOW - refreshing to see a non-paper map on BN!

BajaNomad - 12-6-2016 at 12:29 PM

I was just looking at some pics of the red sandstone rocks of Los Gatos (OR Puerto Gato) this morning.... just a little north of Tembabichi.

Strange to see this thread posted at the same time.

Fernweh - 12-6-2016 at 05:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaNomad

I was just looking at some pics of the red sandstone rocks of Los Gatos (OR Puerto Gato) this morning.... just a little north of Tembabichi.

Strange to see this thread posted at the same time.

Beautiful area, nice beaches.....I just found them by accident driving north

salttram - 1-11-2017 at 07:59 PM

I just returned from Timbabiche (or whatever) over the holidays. I think you can make it now, but you never know what each storm season will bring. Incredibly beautiful area with lots of exploring/boondocking opportunities.

It's an exciting and fun drive. Don't discount the hilly areas below the pass for great camping and exploring. We also visited Los Burros, which was somewhat disappointing. Just a fish camp occupying the 50-yards of beach, surrounded by goat ranches. An absolutely beautiful and exciting drive in, but you'll never be alone at the beach. Too bad . . . it's a stunningly beautiful bay. It also provides access to the hike to the ruin at Los Dolores.

Both of these roads are exceptionally steep with loose rocks. Considerable lengths have been cemented-over like a narrow driveway. One of these sections going in to Timbabiche has been undercut by water flow and looks a bit sketchy . . . but we made it!

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salttram - 1-11-2017 at 08:25 PM

Also, the road from Agua Verde to Cd Constitution has just been freshly dozed. Still rough, but a cinch for high-clearance vehicles . . . and the road through Arroyo San Jose and San Jose de la Noria is one of the most beautiful and dramatic driveable canyons in Baja.

We tried it in 2010, and got sick of doing half an hour of roadwork every few hundred yards and turned around. But it's GREAT now!

TMW - 1-11-2017 at 08:31 PM

Beautiful pictures. The third one up has the wow factor for sure.

TMW - 1-11-2017 at 08:41 PM

Thanks salttram about Agua Verde that's a good run.

salttram - 1-11-2017 at 10:29 PM

Thanks . . . sometimes, it's hard NOT to take great pictures around there!

carlosg - 1-12-2017 at 01:46 PM

WOW....incredible, beautiful views!!!!

Thanks salttram for posting your report on your drive to-from Tembabichi, that third picture TMW referenced where was it taken at: road to Tembabichi? Where you driving a 4wd? We'll be driving a long bed, 2wd, 4dr Tacoma, do you have any suggestions or recommendations for us? We plan to start our trip down there at the end of the third week of March hopefully these rains won't do much harm to the road; was it raining during your trip? Did you do any fishing or clamming, any shrimp or scallops available from the local fishermen? Any supplies in Tembabichi? Do you have any pics of the beach around Tembabichi? I would like to set up camp for at least 7-10 (?) days at one spot (Tembabichi, Los Gatos or...?) and explore the area from there, do you have any suggestions? If possible PLEASE post a trip report of your trip, it obviously was a great one....!!!! And very informative post.

[Edited on 1-12-2017 by carlosg]

salttram - 1-12-2017 at 05:19 PM

PM sent . . .

Gulliver - 1-13-2017 at 06:59 PM

This are the finest pictures of Puerto Gato I have ever seen.

The low bluff along the South side of the bay is full of ordinary looking rocks that look a bit like coconuts after a bad night. Crack one open and Voila! They are geodes and are full of crystals.

I got nipped on the calf by a fiddler crab one night there at my 50th. birthday party back an embarrassing number of years ago. Like 1992 I think.

salttram - 1-15-2017 at 10:37 AM

We camped at de la Pargo this time. There are things about camping on a cobble beach that recommend it. Easier to keep your feet clean, and you can hear the coyotes creeping up on you at night!

surfhat - 1-15-2017 at 10:58 AM

That is the Baja that I hold onto so dearly. Being able to find a solitary spot on a beach to your own and leaving it without a trace, other than a few tire tracks.

It is rewarding to know that this is still possible after forty plus years.

Thanks to all here who contribute to all of our passion for a land that deserves all we can do to continue to enjoy it as we have for so long.

salttram - 1-15-2017 at 11:25 AM

Agree 100%!

After visiting here, Los Burros, and getting tantalizingly close to the Mission Dolores del Sur ruin . . . I can't wait to go back. I could see possibilities on a mountain bike or backpacking, as there is quite a bit of water in the canyons.

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David K - 1-15-2017 at 06:51 PM

Very nice photos... and looks like you were very near the 9th California mission (located down there from 1721-1741).

salttram - 1-16-2017 at 06:06 AM

Yeah, I'm kicking myself for not making the time to scramble down and see it . . . next time!

The whole region is so remote and beautiful . . . I just wanna eat it up! I'd like to go back and do the route between Gonzaga and San Evaristo again too. I've never had the feeling of "Old Mexico" so much as in that region, at least in Baja.

David K - 1-16-2017 at 09:40 AM

Great... Maybe see the ruins and graves near Rancho La Presa (also advertised as a 'Dolores' site)... Mission Los Dolores did move in 1741, to La Pasión (also called Chillá), two miles east of La Presa. It is called Rancho La Capilla in the Almanac and at last Nomad visit, was a goat ranch on the crumbled ruins of the mission.

Here are Jack Swords photos at La Presa:
http://www.vivabaja.com/swords/page4.html
http://www.vivabaja.com/swords/page5.html

Photos at both sites for Los Dolores are on this page: http://www.vivabaja.com/missions1/page5.html

carlosg - 1-16-2017 at 10:55 AM

Thanks for the exceptionally beautiful images posted, this just makes me re-consider our possibilities of visiting Tembabichi next spring since we don't have a 4x4 or even a TRD... but as salttram mentioned: "... doing the most with the least . . . " and also: "...The locals do it in all kinds of vehicles, and with lousy tires to boot . . . so there's that. The village is very small, but the people are friendly, and it won't be too far to walk if you need help...." We may just end up on the trail to Tembabichi anyway... it's all part of the adventure and discovering "old Baja" before it disappears to golf greens and marinas. We've had our share of adventure and mishaps during our voyages down Baja... it just makes it more interesting and joyful when you talk about it later on... VIVA BAJA...

JZ - 5-4-2018 at 03:38 PM

Damn, I want to go here!! We took a boat from Loreto to La Paz a couple years ago, and pulled into Los Gatos for a quick stop. Looks like a great drive in from Constitution.

[Edited on 5-6-2018 by JZ]

Mulege Canuck - 1-20-2019 at 06:38 PM

I am going to convince my buddy to head out there with me. I have a Bigfoot camper on a F350. Will I have any clearance issues along the rock cuts? Iâ€™ve been down to Aqua Verde lots before they fixed the road up. I am assuming the road condition will be similar?

If I get in there I will post a report.

JZ - 1-20-2019 at 08:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by salttram

....and the road through Arroyo San Jose and San Jose de la Noria is one of the most beautiful and dramatic driveable canyons in Baja.

Where is this?

[Edited on 1-21-2019 by JZ]

Mulege Canuck - 1-20-2019 at 09:12 PM

East of Constitution

4x4abc - 1-21-2019 at 08:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by salttram

....and the road through Arroyo San Jose and San Jose de la Noria is one of the most beautiful and dramatic driveable canyons in Baja.

No Arroyo San Jose in the area east of Constitucion
the Arroyo leading up to San Jose de la Noria is Arroyo San Juan

Mulege Canuck - 1-21-2019 at 09:02 AM

Thought you were talking about Tembabichi. My mistake.

How narrow is the road grade along the rock cuts?

tobias - 1-21-2019 at 09:06 AM

I also am thinking of heading to this spot soon.
Does anyone have any recent road reports? I have an awd chevy express with KO2s , pretty light ,its great in sand and can get through rough patches but is not up for rock crawling.

JZ - 1-21-2019 at 10:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

the Arroyo leading up to San Jose de la Noria is Arroyo San Juan

Is this on the route to Timbabichi. Or is it on the back door route into Agua Verde?

[Edited on 1-21-2019 by JZ]

JZ - 1-21-2019 at 10:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by tobias

I also am thinking of heading to this spot soon.
Does anyone have any recent road reports? I have an awd chevy express with KO2s , pretty light ,its great in sand and can get through rough patches but is not up for rock crawling.

Lots of ranches along that route, and it sounds like it's pretty well maintain. No rock crawling.

Mulege Canuck - 1-21-2019 at 12:26 PM

Thanks JZ

TMW - 1-21-2019 at 12:41 PM

If you are talking about the road to Timbabichi it is a good road until maybe a couple of miles before the drop down the Mtn. That section is a little rougher but not 4x4 bad. Just the rains cause ruts and carry rocks onto it. The drop down is spectacular. It's a single lane with wide areas to pass so keep an eye for on coming vehicles if any, not much traffic. There is not much English spoken there so brush up on your Spanish.

tobias - 1-21-2019 at 02:57 PM

Thanks for the updates guys.
If I make it out there in the next week or two , I will leave a report.

Mulege Canuck - 1-21-2019 at 05:30 PM

Thanks TMW

Should be fun

Con Kso - 1-21-2019 at 10:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

the Arroyo leading up to San Jose de la Noria is Arroyo San Juan

Is this on the route to Timbabichi. Or is it on the back door route into Agua Verde?

That arroyo is the backdoor out of Agua Verde. We rode out of AV up that road three years ago. It's steep and in some place has some loose scrabble to moto over but it wasn't particularly difficult - we lucked out and it had just been worked on. As was stated the ride, once you climb up to San Jose de la Noria is epic, old time Baja canyon riding on nice dirt roads - there is a lot of water back there. You pop out at Ciudad Corrupcion or you could take a side route to the south and I suppose hook into the road to Timbabichi - I've never done that... but I want to now.

JZ - 1-21-2019 at 11:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Con Kso

That arroyo is the backdoor out of Agua Verde. We rode out of AV up that road three years ago. It's steep and in some place has some loose scrabble to moto over but it wasn't particularly difficult - we lucked out and it had just been worked on. As was stated the ride, once you climb up to San Jose de la Noria is epic, old time Baja canyon riding on nice dirt roads - there is a lot of water back there. You pop out at Ciudad Corrupcion or you could take a side route to the south and I suppose hook into the road to Timbabichi - I've never done that... but I want to now.

Thx. About a year ago we thought about taking that route.

Took two bikes and my truck up the wash to where the trail starts.

Rode the bikes up a mile or two. It was totally washed out. We went until a gate. Two large patches of rock slides. Thousands of rocks. We could have done it on the bikes, but I had the truck.

Hoping to give it another shot. Send the truck around the otherside this time.

I didn't know the canyon was so good once you got up there. Makes it even better.

[Edited on 1-22-2019 by JZ]

Con Kso - 1-22-2019 at 10:09 PM

Yes the gate - I remember that part of the road.

There were no rock slides when we went through - it was pretty smooth sailing. I wonder if it's been cleared out by now.

I got my info from a cool South African living here in San Diego who had just done it with his wife (she was riding a 250) - I had my doubts about the route but he encouraged me to do it - glad I did.

Good luck and ride safe - I should be down there buzzing around over Spring Break for a couple of weeks.

Mulege Canuck - 1-27-2019 at 07:52 PM

Just read a 2015 post about the road into Tembabichi. He noted that he had a hard time getting a F250 around a tight corner without grinding the truck against the rock wall.

I have an F350 and a Bigfoot camper ðŸ¤”. I might be turning back I guess. We are heading out on Tuesday.

TMW - 1-28-2019 at 10:46 AM

Go ahead and give it a try. The road up and down the mountain can be a little nerve racking in places but once you've made the trip out and back you'll be thankful you did.Get out and walk ahead if you feel there is a problem.

Mulege Canuck - 1-28-2019 at 01:55 PM

You bet TMW.

I have done the road from Mulege to San Juanico over the mountain with my camper. This route has to be better than that. I will walk ahead and check the canyon out when I get to a good turnaround.

TMW - 1-28-2019 at 02:16 PM

If I remember right the sharpest corner is at the top, almost a U turn. After that there are only a few places to pass so you need to keep an eye out for on coming traffic.

Mulege Canuck - 4-4-2019 at 01:13 PM

Made it in there in February. Majority of the road is easy but the 900m canyon is tight. Just made it with my F350 and Bigfoot camper. Main problem was the brush. I had to cut back a lot of it to get in there to Puerto Los Gatos.

The beach is spectacular! They donâ€™t get many tourists down there for sure. Once on the beach you will meet the local â€œSecurity Guardâ€ Manuel. He is a nice guy but he will be your breakfast, lunch and dinner guest every day if you feed him.

Lots of fishing closure areas noted on signs down there so be careful to stay out of them. I ended up getting P-nched by a local government official for cutting brush without a permit.

Nice spot.

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