BajaNomad

my pre-trip report: Loreto to Colonia Guerrero and back

David K - 12-24-2008 at 10:22 AM

That should get your feet wet!

What kind of vehicle will you be driving? This is important.

If you had a good off road vehicle and a companion vehicle along, then the drive to Mision Santa Maria de los Angeles is fantastic... 2.5 hours one way. http://vivabaja.com/msm



Just 2 miles north of Cataviņa, after the arroyo crossing, you can pull over and hike to the top of the boulder hill to see the colorful pictographs: http://vivabaja.com/105/page2.html



El Marmol has very little to see other than the remains of the world's only onyx schoolhouse (half gone)... the drive beyond El Marmol to El Volcan (4 miles) is best done with a 4WD... the last 2 miles is a steep grade. See onyx in the making! http://vivabaja.com/marmol
El Marmol

El Volcan


Between the El Marmol jcn. and El Rosario is the 4 mile side trip to Mision San Fernado Velicata (starting at El Progreso, signs) is worth it... a mile past the mission on the east facing cliff, above the arroyo are several petroglyphs. http://vivabaja.com/105





In El Rosario are TWO mission sites... one is just a couple hundred feet to the right of the highway coming into town (signed). The other is 2 miles down stream from the sharp right turn in Hwy. 1 (go straight west, where the pavement turns sharp right (north). http://vivabaja.com/505 (this web page has other El Rosario sites to see, including La Lobera)!

Rosario de Arriba



Rosario de Abajo


La Lobera


Have a great time!



[Edited on 12-24-2008 by David K]

David K - 12-24-2008 at 02:36 PM

Yes Amy... I would wait for another time with a companion vehicle... You can see my photos of the 'Widowmaker' that often deters others, even with 4WD! It is just under 2 miles from the mission, so they walk. However, there are very tough parts starting just a couple miles from Santa Ynez that will halt the casual visitor!

TMW - 12-24-2008 at 02:45 PM

Getting stuck and lost in Baja is the most satisfing experience one can have provided you get out alive. But then that only encourages you to do it again.

Paula - 12-24-2008 at 04:27 PM

Amy, another good day trip from Loreto is to Mision San Luis Gonzaga. Some friends and I are hoping to go there a few days before you arrive. It will be my second time there, not a bad drive as I remember, but I'll post details after we go. it is a full day trip there and back-- maybe your time in Loreto will be too short for it.

Have you stayed at Casa Leree before? It's on my short list of best hotels anywhere.

Sharksbaja - 12-24-2008 at 05:02 PM

Um, there is a lot of country and tough roads between your daily destinations. Frankly I don't think you could pull off that itenerary even if you were familiar with the roads in Baja. Getting around the backcountry is something not to take lightly. (see TWs' comment).
I think your heart is in the right place but remember Mexico operates quite differently, hence the phrase "manana".:lol:

See if you can shorten the distances between your destinations and make more trips down later to insure you enjoy your trip(s). Have fun and don't forget to read "The list" from fellow Nomads.

DianaT - 12-24-2008 at 05:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaamy
Hi, Everyone--

Hopefully this is kosher . . . I'd like to post my upcoming trip itinerary and open it up to discussion . . . if anyone has advice or "don't miss this" or "meet so-and-so while you're there" perspectives. When I return, I'll post photos and summaries of what we did.



Of course it is kosher!

Of course, you will hear lots of different opinions, but I think everyone would agree---keep it flexible, except of course to be back in Loreto to catch your flights.

I agree with Sharks that you have a very ambitious plan---but it probably is doable. We tend to move about at a faster pace than many---we are always looking for what is over the next hill. But sometimes we regret not fully exploring a certain place. But if you plan on lots more trips, this one could be considered a quick overview for making future plans.

Then again, the unexpected is always the expected in Baja so be prepared for a change in plans.

Sounds like you have made reservations at several places which does limit you some. I know we never make reservations ahead of time---we never know where we will be. Just in case something changes in your plans, I would suggest buying an inexpensive cell phone as soon as you get there ---not one on any plan, but one where you buy the minutes you are going to use. That way you can cancel reservations if necessary.

Two of our favorite places are San Borja and San Javier. This year we plan on making Santa Gertrudis.

Sounds like you are going to have a great trip and I really look forward to your report and pictures.

Diane

David K - 12-24-2008 at 05:42 PM

Diane is right on in what she says Amy!:light:

wilderone - 12-30-2008 at 10:48 AM

Two weeks? That's a lot of distance and places to visit in one trip. Are you planning to return to Loreto to return the car? Are you camping?
If you get as far north as Mision San Fernando Velicata, go past the ruins and find the old dam, aquaducts and pictographs. You might consider spending some time at Bahia de Los Angeles. Get a boat ride to the larger islands. You can hike all around there, and I've seen some interesting herp species. Also there are snakes in the rocks along the shore of La Gringa. Mision San Borja area is really fascinating and provides an excellent glimpse into Mission days. There, Angel or Henry can be your guides to take you all around and to the pictographs. Their English is improving all the time. There is a room there which may be available if you'd like to stay overnight (otherwise you could drive the back road to Bahia de Los Angeles, which is also very interesting).