BajaNomad - headin south, 1st timer!

headin south, 1st timer!

khargis - 8-25-2011 at 10:42 AM

hola nomads! this is kris here, it has been a bit and wanted to put some feelers out. last year i got down to san diego via oregon and the rest of my planned baja trip fell thru, but it is a new year! my girl annalise, the 2 hounds lefty and lolly and i will be headin south in september and crossin over mid november. we will be rollin in 'bad danger' 1978 vw bus, we will have plenty of time, so if anyone has any thoughts, advice, campin spots, etc., we are greatly appreciative. hope all is well and maybe see ya on down the road! salud'

Bob H - 8-25-2011 at 10:50 AM

Wow, an open book for you! We like to stop just South of San Quintin and camp at El Pabellon.... great frist stop to spend a relaxing time on the beach.

Make sure you also stop in San Ignacio... plenty of places to camp there and also a great little city to visit, eat, drink, and enjoy!

Mulege... don't forget Mulege on the Sea of Cortez side... spend a couple of days there, or more.

sancho - 8-25-2011 at 10:54 AM

Nothing like the first time, I might post your ?
in the question/answer section, that gets
a lot more reads

CortezBlue - 8-25-2011 at 11:01 AM

Well
First off, congrats on at least not listening to the news and taking a trip into Mexico.

2nd, with the vehicle you are driving you need to stay on the paved roads. So if you want to go to San Felipe, you should probably drive from Ensenada to San Felipe and then back to Ensenada

If you are going to camp in San Felipe, Pete's camp is a great camp spot. Good food, Great Cantina and a great vista from the beach

As you go further there are tons of great locations, but, my current favorite is Los Cerritos at K65 on Hwy 19 just south of Todo Santos.

nbacc - 8-25-2011 at 11:30 AM

Be sure to have all your dog's papers in order. I have never been asked and we ALWAYS take ours. I know the first time I don't have them they will ask. Have a ball!!!!! there is lots to see. nancy

headin south, 1st timer!

khargis - 8-25-2011 at 12:37 PM

hola nomads! this is kris here, it has been a bit and wanted to put some feelers out. last year i got down to san diego via oregon and the rest of my planned baja trip fell thru, but it is a new year! my girl annalise, the 2 hounds lefty and lolly and i will be headin south in september and crossin over mid november. we will be rollin in 'bad danger' 1978 vw bus, we will have plenty of time, so if anyone has any thoughts, advice, campin spots, etc., we are greatly appreciative. hope all is well and maybe see ya on down the road! salud'

bd.jpg - 45kB

Cypress - 8-25-2011 at 01:47 PM

It'll be an experience to tell around campfires and the legend will continue to be passed on for generations. Keep us posted.

David K - 8-25-2011 at 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
Nothing like the first time, I might post your ?
in the question/answer section, that gets
a lot more reads

Correct, use this 'trip reports' forum to tell us about your trip when you get home (or on the road if you can).

EDIT: I see Doug moved the threads together in Q & A!

Welcome to Baja Nomad.

If you don't want to unpack your bus the first night, a cheap but excellent motel is 'Baja Cactus', next door to the Pemex gas station in El Rosario (this is where you must top your gas tank, as well... honest pumps and the last Pemex station for 200+ miles).

Bahia de los Angeles is a must see... 41 paved miles off Mex. 1 and 3 hours drive from El Rosario. See the video clip posted this morning of Bahia de los Angeles. Mission San Borja is 22 graded dirt miles off the Bahia de L.A. road and you can continue on to Hwy. 1 on the other road to San Borja (from El Rosarito)... although that one is a bit rougher.

See the links to my photos of various Baja attractions to get an idea of what to see and do: http://vivabaja.com/tours and our 2009 trip to Loreto: http://vivabaja.com/709

Hope you have a great time!

[Edited on 10-12-2011 by David K]

David K - 8-25-2011 at 02:20 PM

Welcome to Baja Nomad.

If you don't want to unpack your bus the first night, a cheap but excellent motel is 'Baja Cactus', next door to the Pemex gas station in El Rosario (this is where you must top your gas tank, as well... honest pumps and the last Pemex station for 200+ miles).

Bahia de los Angeles is a must see... 41 paved miles off Mex. 1 and 3 hours drive from El Rosario. See the video clip posted this morning of Bahia de los Angeles. Mission San Borja is 22 graded dirt miles off the Bahia de L.A. road and you can continue on to Hwy. 1 on the other road to San Borja (from El Rosarito)... although that one is a bit rougher.

See the links to my photos of various Baja attractions to get an idea of what to see and do: http://vivabaja.com/tours and our 2009 trip to Loreto: http://vivabaja.com/709

Hope you have a great time!

David K - 8-25-2011 at 02:27 PM

Here is the Bahia de los Angeles video: http://vimeo.com/28027918

and here is his drive to Bahia de L.A. video: http://vimeo.com/24879477

Each one is under 4 minutes and set to music.

BajaBlanca - 8-25-2011 at 03:04 PM

what an adventure you willl have ! have a blast !! san felipe is a great suggestion .... great beach - food - people .... and bay of los angeles is another great location. parts of Baja are very remote and parts are not so easy to get...so staying on paved roads is muy buena idea.

shari - 8-25-2011 at 03:44 PM

woo hooo...cant wait to see that groovy van parked at the blowhole!!! we're gonna rock!

mcfez - 8-25-2011 at 05:39 PM

Hola!
There is TWO ways to get south! The Sea of Cortez side and there's the Pacific side. Which are you planning....it'll help vastly on the return info you get from here.

[Edited on 8-26-2011 by mcfez]

Howard - 8-25-2011 at 07:07 PM

Bay of Conception is a must.

woody with a view - 8-25-2011 at 07:47 PM

don't drink the water..... :lol:

Oddjob - 8-25-2011 at 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Hola!
There is TWO ways to get south! The Sea of Cortez side and there's the Pacific side. Which are you planning....it'll help vastly on the return info you get from here.

[Edited on 8-26-2011 by mcfez]

Mcfez, Baja is like Canada, there is only one road.

BajaDanD - 8-25-2011 at 10:14 PM

there is no south on the SOC side or south on the Pacific side Mex 1 runs cris/cross and down the middle even. Sure you can go south out of San Felipe for a little while, but in a VW van, best to stay on paved roads. If you are planning going far south Stay on Mex 1 Stop in San Quintin then stop in Bay of LA then stop in Asuncion. If thats not south enough for you try Bay of Conception then Loreto then La Paz.
Lots of other places to stop at along the way take your time. If you got it.

AmoPescar - 8-25-2011 at 11:35 PM

Hi There Khargis…

WELCOME to Baja Nomad!

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

2nd, with the vehicle you are driving you need to stay on the paved roads. So if you want to go to San Felipe, you should probably drive from Ensenada to San Felipe and then back to Ensenada

If you are going to camp in San Felipe, Pete's camp is a great camp spot. Good food, Great Cantina and a great vista from the beach

As you go further there are tons of great locations, but, my current favorite is Los Cerritos at K65 on Hwy 19 just south of Todo Santos.

Well...as Cortez says, your VW van may limit SOME of the areas you can visit…but for the most part, I don’t think it will be much of a problem. I’ve seen quite a few of them in my Baja journeys. With some preparation and planning, you should be able to enjoy a lot of the Baja.

Some things to consider…Your planning will depend on the type of trip you end up taking. If you stay on the main highways and only visit the main tourist areas, than it’s not a hard trip to plan for. Most of the highways will be in pretty good condition and be easy to drive on.

If your trip plans include some graded dirt roads, some will be in horrible condition and some may have been recently graded and be pretty easy to drive on. If that’s what your planning, than here’s some things to consider…

- Plan on having 1 or 2 spare tires or at the least, 1 and a good selection of tire repair products.
- Consider having a good off-road style jack, something like this: http://www.jcwhitney.com/off-road-jacks-48-or-60-height/p201...
- Bring some squares of plywood or other wood to put under tires..in case you get stuck in sand
- Bring 1 or 2 shovels in case you need to dig out.
- Bring a tow strap – at least 20’ – in case you’re stuck and need to be pulled out.
- Be sure to have a decent air compressor. At times, it will be smart to air down your tires for better traction. Once you’re back on the hardpack you’ll need to air back up. I’ve heard this one works quite well: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-150-psi-high-volume-air...

The above is just some of what you have to consider. Don’t let what I’ve written scare you. The Baja is a wonderful place and isn’t nearly as scary as some will make out.

One more thing…below is a topic titled “The List” which goes on for 10 pages. It’s got the opinions of many experienced Baja travelers about what’s important to bring along on a trip. Look It over and decide what’s important to you.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9392#pid26120...

Hope You have a wonderful Journey!…Can’t wait to read your trip report(s)!

Miguelamo :yes:

redhilltown - 8-25-2011 at 11:52 PM

greetings and can't wait for the trip report! considering what you are driving, please tell me you are NOT going down thru san felipe and then south back out to highway 1...not a good idea...sure you could make it and it would be a story for your campfires for a long time but still....sheeesh...on the other hand, why not! but bring those spares as already mentioned and have plenty of time. david k's suggestion of the cactus in el rosario is just about perfect time wise and comfort wise as is the suggestion of bahia de los angeles! if by any chance you can drive into it near sunset you will not be disappointed...it is beautiful beyond belief at that hour.

and of course the usual "dont' drive at night" and be prepared for the military checkpoints and 18 year olds with large weapons...no problems and just a formality but sometimes a bit unsettling the first time through. cheers!

khargis - 8-26-2011 at 07:22 AM

oi mates, yes, 'the list' has been very helpful! The 1 will be the main road of travel, but plan to get off it as well. thanks to all for comments, suggestions, generosity!, etc. everything helps! salud

wilderone - 8-26-2011 at 08:19 AM

"... with the vehicle you are driving you need to stay on the paved roads"
Au contraire! A VW bus is perfect for Baja - my first adventures in Baja were in a '66 pop-top. It has some clearance - but be sure to get superior tires - wide, good tread - with spare that matches. Take the back way from Bahia de los Angeles to Mision San Borja - camp en route. Of course, your interests will dictate your destinations. You say you have plenty of time, so you can hit all the "first timer" spots: camping at Los Olivos campground at San Quintin - walk down the street for a meal at Jardin's - happy hour 1/2 price Margaritas; stop at El Rosario grocery stores for ice, beer, tortillas, salsa; go out to Punta Baja for a look-see and camping - a restaruant there maybe a fine fish dinner; on to San Fernando mission, El Marmol, Santa Inez, Santa Rosalillita, Bahia de los Angeles, Laguna Manuela, San Ignacio, Bahia San Ignacio (even without whales it's a great place to camp - a couple miles past the air strip on the coast). Get a version of the Baja Adventure Book (Walt Peterson) - try Alibris.com and have a wonderful time.

Udo - 8-26-2011 at 08:28 AM

Ruben's Camp, in San Felipe is considerably quieter than Pepe's Camp (no dune riders) and they serve a killer "COCO LOCO" a must drink when in San Felipe.
Additionally, I traveled the entire peninsula, dirt roads and all, (including the road to Bahia Tortugas before it was graded) in my 1989 Wesfalia 2WD camper van. This was the most fun camping and surfing in Baja that I've ever had! Air down the tires and when you see a soft area...get a good run at it and power through it. I purchased the 8 gallon sun showers and kept them on top of the rack for immediate hot water. Chunk ice is not that readily available for your ice box. If you have the room, buy a 12 volt refrigerator and plug it in directly to the battery. Get a spare if you haven't done so already.
Get a Baja Almanac at Discover Baja.

Quote:

wilderone - 8-26-2011 at 08:47 AM

Ah - good times
- en route to Punta Final:

David K - 8-26-2011 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Ah - good times
- en route to Punta Final:

Awesome... photo in Calamajue Canyon on the older route for Mexico #5 (~1960-1983)!

J.P. - 8-26-2011 at 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Ah - good times
- en route to Punta Final:

Ah how we forget. all the people giving advice is wonderful but I wonder if any of them actually explored Baja in a flip top box. Me thinks thats how all those not so seceret camping and surfing spots were originaly found. those things are known for going places where a tacoma couldnt go.

Important Info for a Newbie

SFandH - 8-26-2011 at 09:22 AM

Make sure you have a cold cup big enough to keep a Pacifico Ballena cold and remember candy bar wrappers are hard to remove because the chocolate has melted and hardened several times in the store. Drives me crazy when I need a Snickers fix.

bajabass - 8-26-2011 at 10:33 AM

Another little tip. Washboard is HELL! Invest in a set of Bilstein or KYB shocks before ya go.

David K - 8-26-2011 at 10:52 AM

Lowering your tire air pressure about 1/3 will help with the washboard. (to 20 psi typical)

If you ever get into sand, or on the beach... lowering about 1/2 or more of the air will allow you to drive it. (10-15 psi typical)... Have a good electric air pump to refill... the kind that clips onto the battery, not the cigarette lighter type (unless you are in no hurry).

mcfez - 8-26-2011 at 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob

Quote:

Mcfez, Baja is like Canada, there is only one road.

One can enter thru Mexicali.......great stops are San Felipe, South San Felipe, Puertecitos, Gonzaga Bay, Punta Final...and many other destinations that offer a great vacation get away.

Once pass Punta Final.....the road leads up to Mex 1 where BoLA is a short distance. Yes....there are two ways to reach southern Baja.

BajaDanD - 8-26-2011 at 09:45 PM

Yeah there are 2 ways but one only goes a little ways before you have to get onto Mex 1 anyway, if you are going south, why waste all that time going from San Felipe to gonzaga then out to Hwy 1 Just take Hwy 1 in the first place. If your only destination is San Felipe or Gonzaga then by all means go that way.

"Yes....there are two ways to reach southern Baja. "

NO there is only one way, Hwy 1 sooner or later you have to get on it while you are still in Baja Norte. unless you are racing the Baja 1000 :lol:

AmoPescar - 8-26-2011 at 11:18 PM

Hi again Kris...

YES..."THE LIST" is invaluable as are all the other things we'll recommend
you take along.

But remember...it ALL adds weight to your vehicle and can cause problems if you're not careful about how much you bring. Create your own list and then double check and pare it down to only what you feel is necessary.

As I wrote in my previous post, some items will depend on where you decide to travel. If your going to be going off-road to the boonies it will obviously be necessary to have certain things. If you stick mostly to Hwy. 1
then you'll need much less.

Again, we await your trip report and pictures...take LOTS of pictures!!!

- When you get back and are ready to post pictures, do a 'post' about posting them and you'll get plenty of help!

Miguelamo :yes:

mcfez - 8-27-2011 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaDanD
Yeah there are 2 ways but one only goes a little ways before you have to get onto Mex 1 anyway, if you are going south, why waste all that time going from San Felipe to gonzaga then out to Hwy 1 Just take Hwy 1 in the first place. If your only destination is San Felipe or Gonzaga then by all means go that way.

"Yes....there are two ways to reach southern Baja. "

NO there is only one way, Hwy 1 sooner or later you have to get on it while you are still in Baja Norte. unless you are racing the Baja 1000 :lol:

"if you are going south, why waste all that time going from San Felipe"

That's like saying why waste your time driving thru vast cities like TJ, Ensenada, and southward. Traffic, tolls, and a billion folks. Just depends on what the traveler wants. Let's not be so thick here.

Scenic routes are nice too....................................

Mex 5 used to be the main route to the south :light:

[Edited on 8-27-2011 by mcfez]

BajaDanD - 8-27-2011 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Ive gone both ways in both directions many times If Im going south to Baja Sur Im gonna take Hwy 1
I dont waste any time driving through TJ and Ensenada I get through that part as fast as I can.
Going Mex 5 will eat up a couple days and my car/truck/trailer. Although its a scenic drive. The fishing is mediocre(sp) at best. If Gonzaga is my destination then I'll go that way.

"if you are going south, why waste all that time going from San Felipe"

That's like saying why waste your time driving thru vast cities like TJ, Ensenada, and southward. Traffic, tolls, and a billion folks. Just depends on what the traveler wants. Let's not be so thick here.

Scenic routes are nice too....................................

Mex 5 used to be the main route to the south :light:

Comming from the border there are hundreds of routes south

[Edited on 8-27-2011 by mcfez]

David K - 8-27-2011 at 05:57 PM

While true that the gulf coast road was a shorter route to the south from the border, the grades south of Puertecitos prevented it from ever being the 'main road south'... 4WD only from Puertecitos to Gonzaga Bay up to 1987, whenn the new road was built. With exceptions from El Rosarito to Rancho Los Angeles via Guerrero Negro and Bahia Concepcion to Insurgentes via Loreto, the Baja Highway in 1973 followed the original 'main peninsular road'.

My dad said those Gonzaga road grades were sure a lot better to drive over than another trip through Laguna Chapala where the silt/ moon dust would swallow our Wagoneer! In '67 for our trip to L.A. Bay, we went south from San Felipe (having driven the 'main road' to La Paz the year before).

we will have plenty of time......

mcfez - 8-27-2011 at 08:32 PM

be heading south in September and crossing over mid November. we will be Rollin in 'bad danger' 1978 vw bus, we will have plenty of time, so if anyone has any thoughts, advice, camping spots, etc

Sounds to me they were asking for ideas....heading southward but not exclusively to the cape)......thoughts, advice, camping spots

That's what I gave. Why is that a few here seem to want to make their statement absolute?

There's plenty to do with the route I proposed.....why not? On the return trip home...go the other way...one can see both sides of Baja.

Mex 5 does has some rough miles....30 or so, maybe forty. I seen all sorts of cars on the road...not just 4w drives. The topic is clear here....what the poster is asking for.

Skipjack Joe - 8-28-2011 at 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Ah - good times
- en route to Punta Final:

Awesome... photo in Calamajue Canyon on the older route for Mexico #5 (~1960-1983)!

This looks like the salt flat right next to Pt Final. The one that gets wet during only the highest tides.

[Edited on 8-28-2011 by Skipjack Joe]

wilderone - 8-28-2011 at 07:42 AM

"looks like the salt flat right next to Pt Final"
I couldn't tell you exactly - there was only one suggested route on my AAA map in 1975, and I got a bee in my bonnet and went. I was with my two children, ages 7 and 8. One time the VDub was on three wheels - one spinning in the air - while traversing some boulders. Saw some horizontal bushes about 40 feet high against a canyon cliff where a water surge had come through. Powered through a lot of sand. I know now the "adventure angels" must have been with us. Ignorance was bliss.

David K - 8-28-2011 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
"looks like the salt flat right next to Pt Final"
I couldn't tell you exactly - there was only one suggested route on my AAA map in 1975, and I got a bee in my bonnet and went. I was with my two children, ages 7 and 8. One time the VDub was on three wheels - one spinning in the air - while traversing some boulders. Saw some horizontal bushes about 40 feet high against a canyon cliff where a water surge had come through. Powered through a lot of sand. I know now the "adventure angels" must have been with us. Ignorance was bliss.

Photo of my 4WD Subaru in Nov. 1979... in Calamajue Canyon... You actually drive in the stream for several miles. I was pre-running the Baja 1000 here:

I have been in Calamajue Canyon in 1967, 1974, 1975, 1979 (when it was the route of 'Hwy. 5') and in 2002.

Skipjack Joe - 8-28-2011 at 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone

Saw some horizontal bushes about 40 feet high against a canyon cliff where a water surge had come through.

Canyon ... Water Surge ....

It does sound like Calamajue Canyon.

There is a salt flat next to cliffs near Pt Final that looks much like the picture. We camped there 2 years ago. Coyotes came by in the evening. The area is easily reached with a VW bus. There is a $5 or $10 charge, can't remember any more. 'Snoopy' is close by, where decent shore fishing can be had at certain times.

honda tom - 8-30-2011 at 08:56 AM

khargis... were all excited for u to see all of our favorite things. I would cross at TJ and plan on not stoping til san quintin for great street tacos at lunch, but do watch your stuff and be somewhat guarded here. San Quintin is a large ag comunity and a large methamphedimine problem. IMHO once past San Quintin the "relaxing" Baja begins. anything after that you cant go wrong. with your kind of time make it to la paz. Concepcion bay in october will be hard to leave. Get a panga out of loreto and spend a few hours on isla coronados, you will think your in the carribean. Oct water temps are perfect for swimming, bring a mask and snorkel for the cortez side! Get a AAA travel guide of Baja (I know kind of lame but it will give you info about places) take lots of pictures and take your time. We all envy you right now.

wsdunc - 8-30-2011 at 09:14 AM

Punta Chivato has a washboardy road to access it but IMHO is one of the most beautiful places in Baja. I think the last I heard the campground on the beach was open again. If you feel like splurging there is a well reviewed inexpensive hotel there (El Hotelito Punta Chivato). It can be pretty hot here, but much cooler than inside the bay because of more breeze. Inside the bay are some pretty stunning locations too,