BajaNomad - Past the mission, mi. 16.1 (from Sta.Ynez)

Past the mission, mi. 16.1 (from Sta.Ynez)

David K - 6-27-2005 at 06:30 PM

The tracks in the arroyo end here. Arroyo continues to Gonzaga Bay (between Alfonsina's and Punta Final) via a waterfall and rocky canyon.

At Mile 15.8 (1.3 from the mission) tracks climb north out of the arroyo and was the route of road construction (attempt) to go on to Gonzaga! It was possible to only go 0.3 mi. before deep erosion and boulders stopped our rigs. We hiked to the end of the bulldozed roadbed (1/4 mi.) for the view down the canyon...and to see petroglyphs...

David K - 6-27-2005 at 06:35 PM

An Indian trail (also the early El Camino Real) continues on, dropping into the canyon...

The newer Camino Real heads north, up the mountain at approx. the vehicle end of road point, then goes east and stays above, out of the big canyon. See http://www.southcoastfarms.com/gonzaga_to_mission_santa_mari... for details!

gringette - 6-27-2005 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

wow, i want to go!!!!

David K - 6-27-2005 at 11:45 PM

You should!!! Look at all the photos... You do need a good 4WD rig (Jeep,Toyota,Isuzu)

gringette - 6-28-2005 at 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You should!!! Look at all the photos... You do need a good 4WD rig (Jeep,Toyota,Isuzu)

ah - I'm not near experienced enough yet in Baja travel to risk it, tho i really think my 87 Pathfinder 4x would LOVE it - more so than the LA stop n go. he hates that.

cars have souls, too? right

but, that brings up a thought - what do you all recommend to make car baja "worthy"? i'm a gal and i know as much about mexico as i do about cars.

how did you first drive down to baja - ?

gringette - 6-28-2005 at 01:51 AM

oh, and do you have a special 'rig' you drive to baja, or is it your regular vehicle or what?

Neal Johns - 6-28-2005 at 08:23 AM

gringette,

In order of bang for the buck:

1.The biggest B. F. Goodrich All Terrain Light Truck T/A KO tires that will fit in your wheelwells.

2. New off-road shocks

3. A lift kit or lift springs to raise you up to clear the rocks.

4. A locking differential.

[Edited on 6-28-2005 by Neal Johns]

David K - 6-28-2005 at 08:24 AM

There is a lot of good prep info. already posted on Nomad... if you search for it. Good tires are important, for sure. A locking rear differential can make climbing the Widow Maker easier. As Fishuntr mentioned, when we were camping at the mission, a Jeep club arrived... took an hour or so for all of them to enter the valley. They camped in the palm grove past the mission. Among them were Jeep Cherokees, so a Pathfinder or 4runner should make it.. just go real slow in the rough, and don't freak if you get some underside body damage. got a dent under my Toyota Tacoma, and it has over 9" min. ground clearance.

Yes, the Tacoma is my only vehicle... work, play, daily driving.