BajaNomad

February Trip

griff - 9-2-2011 at 11:22 AM

Hi everybody, I am new to the site.

I have never been to Baja, but something has been pulling me in that direction, and I am planning my first trip for february. I should have the entire month. I will be with a friend and my dog and we will be driving my truck down. I wouldn't mind spending a few nights in hotels or whatnot but I am generally looking to be camping. I would like to get a good mix of activities, with the two big ones being surfing and fishing (surfcasting and with a polespear). Backpacking, hiking, etc. are also options, as is anything else that might be fun. We aren't looking to stay in one place the entire trip, we would rather travel around and see different places.

Any advice on places we must see? Things to do during that time of year (carnaval)? Anything else? Thanks for all your help.

-Griff

Martyman - 9-2-2011 at 01:32 PM

The fishing book "The Baja Catch" has some great ideas for camping in out of the way places. But..shhhh... keep them quiet. They're secret!

shari - 9-2-2011 at 01:33 PM

Hi Griff and a big ole welcome to Baja Nomad site...February is a good time of year in Baja...not too hot or cold. Of course it is also a great time of year to hang out in the whale calving lagoons of central baja. The camping at Ojo de Liebre is wonderful...you can camp at the edge of the lagoon and hear the whales spouting at night and see lots of whale action from your camp. I will be there nearly every weekend guiding whale excursions so will see ya there! then you can come and visit our Campo Sirena on the beach in Bahia Asuncion and shore fish and walk your dog for miles on the beach.

Also in mid baja is Laguna Manuela, tomatal, and San Borja is awesome to camp by the mission there...there is a nice little hot spring there too....you can search these places here or on your map. Dont miss San Ignacio either where you can camp along the river there....then down to Bahia conception
fo rmore beach camping.

BajaBlanca - 9-2-2011 at 01:51 PM

welcome to Baja Nomad Griff !! you will have a blast - so many places to see - if you like surfing you must go to punta abreojos (and then visit us in La bocana for an afternoon since we are 10 miles north) and scorpion bay. these are two of the most famous surf spots I know of .... actually, Asuncnion is known for waves too so make sure you go camping there. As you head south, one of the most important pieces of advice I hear people sharing: make sure you will up the taqnk in EL ROSARIO. After that there is 200 miles of desert til the next official gas station !! In el rosario - stop by the Baja Cactus hotel if you need a break and make sure you eat at MAMA ESPINOZA. It is a famous restaurant that some love and some dislike BUT, one must eat there and see the photos and look at the memorabilia at least once. Mama Espinoza is in her 103rd year on this earth !!

I agree with shari - you want to visit san ignacio for the oasis in the middle of the desert is a sight to behold - it has a huge mission and museum and square.

then of course, as you head south, there are the towns of santa rosalia (church designed by Mr. Eiffel himself in the middle of town and french colonial architecture and a good chinese restaurant right on the left as you head out of town and a good bakery in town ). Big place, maybe just cruise thru and keep on going.

Mulege is next. the Loreto. both of these are very cute towns and must have camping, but I am not sure where ???

After Loreto is the turnoff to scorpion bay. make sure you fillup on gas in loreto !! the drive is far and very little traffic. scorpion bay has amazing waves that are not huge but very, very loooooooooooooooooong !! You can camp or there is such a neat hotel there .... ask me for the name later, if you are interested.

Have a wonderful trip...and give us a trip report when done. and be sure to stop by for a beer with us !

David K - 9-2-2011 at 02:37 PM

Get a map, folding AAA one is handy, Baja California Almanac is intense on details (topographic).

I have photos I have taken at many sites so one can see the general area and plan on going or not... grouped by their locations near many Baja destinations: http://vivabaja.com/tours

Not included in the tours pages is our 2009 trip to Baja Sur: http://vivabaja.com/709

Enjoy and ask questions!

SFandH - 9-2-2011 at 02:41 PM

I recommend you spend at least several nights camping on the beaches along Bahia Concepcion, just south of Mulege. Playa Santispac, Playa Coyote, Playa Requeson, and more. All easy access from the road and close to stores that sell cold beer. No surfing and I don't know about fishing at that time of year, but a great place to camp, kayak and swim. Lots of palapas along the beaches you can rent for 6 dollars or so a night. You can rent somewhat funky kayaks at Playa Santispac. You'll want to stay when you see it. You can also marvel at the land yachts that drive down to the beach and real yachts that anchor in the bays. Some folks really know how to rough it. :D

February is prime time, so you won't be alone, that's for sure.

Search this website and the web for info. Lots of photos of all the beaches.

I usually spend my first night south of the border at Santa Ynez, just past Catavina - nice RV/camp spot in the high desert.

[Edited on 9-2-2011 by SFandH]

David K - 9-2-2011 at 02:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
I recommend you spend at least several nights camping on the beaches along Bahia Concepcion, just south of Mulege. Playa Santispac, Playa Coyote, Playa Requeson, and more. All easy access from the road and close to stores that sell cold beer. No surfing and I don't know about fishing at that time of year, but a great place to camp, kayak and swim. Lots of palapas along the beaches you can rent for 6 dollars or so a night. You can rent somewhat funky kayaks at Playa Santispac. You'll want to stay when you see it. You can also marvel at the land yachts that drive down to the beach and real yachts that anchor in the bays. Some folks really know how to rough it. :D

February is prime time, so you won't be alone, that's for sure.

Search this website and WWW for info. Lots of photos of the beaches.

[Edited on 9-2-2011 by SFandH]


Let me help... Here are some photos at Bahia Concepcion:

2009:









griff - 9-2-2011 at 02:51 PM

Thanks a million for all of your help--I ordered "The Baja Catch" and I will start mapping out a trip that hits Shari and BajaBlanca's recommendations when I get home later on tonight.

David K - 9-2-2011 at 03:02 PM

If you are in San Diego, you can pop into Discover Baja Travel Club and see what they can offer... they sell all the Baja books and they have the Baja Ca Almanac! They sell to non-members... become a member and get a discount...

If not in San Diego, go to http://www.BajaBooksAndMaps.com

Being that you will be down there more than 2 weeks, an annual Mexican Auto Insurance policy will be cheaper than buying the policy for the days of your trip... plus, no rush to come home if you are having fun. See banner ad at top of Nomad page or Discover Baja for your insurance...

griff - 9-2-2011 at 03:10 PM

Wow the photos of Baja Concepcion are incredible I will for sure need to pencil that into my plans. I will definitely need to be getting some maps as well.

Skipjack Joe - 9-2-2011 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by griff
Thanks a million for all of your help--I ordered "The Baja Catch" and I will start mapping out a trip that hits Shari and BajaBlanca's recommendations when I get home later on tonight.


Get the "Baja Adventure Book" as well. Those 2 go hand in hand.

Baja Adventure Book

Curt63 - 9-2-2011 at 04:41 PM

Go stay with Blanca and Les in La Bocana...they're good people and a nice area.

Marc - 9-2-2011 at 04:46 PM

I will be in the Mulege & Conception Bay area in February. Look for a white Tundra with a tire on top if the cab. Say hi. I will probably be in the bar at El Candil most of the time.

PCbaja - 9-2-2011 at 05:23 PM

Funny, nobody mentions Punta Chivato. Its almost as if there is nothing between Santa Rosalia and Mulege. Chivato has one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja with a camping beach, 2 hotels with a restaurant and houses to rent to boot. Great fishing and snorkeling too. The weather is much warmer than the Pacific side that time of the year also.

"The Baja Catch"

mcfez - 9-2-2011 at 05:32 PM

Awesome book.....never leave home without it :-)
I have duplicated the boat they used ......and have fished most spots on the Sea of Cortez side that is noted in their book.

Pacific side... I can only say...to stay in San Quintín...there is fishing, camping, bird watching, surfing, and clam digging. It is also in the middle of an important agricultural area, especially for growing strawberries and tomatoes. About 200 miles from the border.

A great little spot that we love:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g499404-d282231-Revi...

tiotomasbcs - 9-2-2011 at 06:06 PM

Sadly, the Baja sits inside a shadow and gets very little surf. However, the Mid Pacific may get a south swell in Winter if you wait it out! Punta Chivato gets surf on really windy days! Box of Beer & wait it out! Uh oh, can feel the Backwash! Study some books and just go for it!! Are you upto it?! :lol: Tio

MMc - 9-2-2011 at 08:12 PM

Griff.
Check you U2U. Upper right side.
MMc

BajaDanD - 9-2-2011 at 11:25 PM

Stop in San Quintin good fishing good camping year round there's some good serfing there too but In Feb I dont know.

R2LUJAN - 9-2-2011 at 11:56 PM

Muchos tomates in san quintin too...
:o

willyAirstream - 9-3-2011 at 12:30 PM

Shameless plug -
If you need wifi, tv,swimming pool, a hot shower or a hot meal after camping at Bahia Concepcion you can camp here or rent a room - Cuesta Real Hotel and RV Park
http://HotelCuestaReal.com/
Kayak rentals, cave painting tours, boat tours etc. and the first Pacificos are on me!

walk along the rio


Santispac

jakecard - 9-3-2011 at 01:31 PM

Excellent shots of the river and the bay, willyAirstream.

Just had a pleasant surprise browsing through your Baja Travel Blog too. . . some very nice local scenery there! Will definitely be checking back for updates.






Jake

805gregg - 9-3-2011 at 05:08 PM

Take your down jacket, I froze in Baja in Dec. if you want to be warm head to the mainland.

tiotomasbcs - 9-3-2011 at 06:16 PM

No down jackets now? ! Shameless is your Middle name, huh! You're right , tho. Comfort Cuesta. Post those Nubiles, Richard! Sandra's Cafeteria, too. You're digital camera could make even me look good--Buddha, ha,ha! SOB. Tio ps weddings?why not!

willyAirstream - 9-3-2011 at 06:38 PM

Dec. Jan Feb - T shirts and shorts in daytime, hoody or light jacket and jeans at night.

Tio from David Crosby to Budda in one click!

griff - 9-4-2011 at 09:38 AM

Thanks again to everybody for all of the help. The pictures are fantastic, WillyAirstream, I will have to come check your place out. Does anybody know what average air/water temperatures in different parts of Baja around February will be? That would help me to compile my packing list. I am alright with being cold at night, comes with the territory in the desert.

griff - 9-4-2011 at 09:41 AM

Also if anybody has any recommendations for places to explore off the beaten path--we will have a 4x4 vehicle and we are down for an adventure.

David K - 9-4-2011 at 10:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by griff
Also if anybody has any recommendations for places to explore off the beaten path--we will have a 4x4 vehicle and we are down for an adventure.


Oh my yes... In my reply above I gave you a link to my photos of off road places to explore... look them over and if you want more details, I can help: http://vivabaja.com/tours

Some 'special' off highway favorites of mine are:
Las Pintas, turnoff is Km. 80/81 south of El Rosario
See our last trip there (2010) with maps, photos, details: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48021

Also an earlier full trip report: http://vivabaja.com/pintas

========================================

Mision San Borja is a wonderful side trip off the road to Bahia de los Angeles, and the road can be used to continue on to the south.

See our last time through there (2009) on this page: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=40486

=========================================


These are just a couple samples of so many interesting Baja sites...

honda tom - 9-4-2011 at 10:57 AM

Concepcion, the islands around Loreto (rent a panga) 2 of my faqvs

willyAirstream - 9-4-2011 at 12:13 PM

Be sure to check out David K info above

here is a little book full of adventure ideas


link

[Edited on 9-4-2011 by willyAirstream]

wilderone - 9-5-2011 at 07:27 AM

If you're inland and at some elevation, and/or the wind is blowing, you'll find frost on your tent. Bring gloves, hats, jackets, a 0 degree bag is nice. Could rain too - good rain flys, extra guy lines - tie off to car, rocks, bushes. A nice 15 mile backpack is Rancho Santa Inez to Mision Santa Maria. You could drive the first few miles, but the hike is mostly flat. And some swimmin holes at the destination. If you're up to the planning, you could get an INAH permit in San Ignacio for a hike (or mule ride) into the canyons around San Franciso to see the great cave murals. Fantastic trip - if you're interested, more details later. Off road to El Volcan, 3 miles past El Marmol, is an interesting place to camp. Also, Bahia San Basilio is a bit off the beaten track and well worth it. Great snorkling at the point there.

David K - 9-5-2011 at 08:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
A nice 15 mile backpack is Rancho Santa Inez to Mision Santa Maria. You could drive the first few miles, but the hike is mostly flat. And some swimmin holes at the destination.


Rancho Santa Ynez (Ines) to Mision Santa Maria (2010): http://vivabaja.com/msm2010/




[Edited on 9-5-2011 by David K]

David K - 9-5-2011 at 08:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Off road to El Volcan, 3 miles past El Marmol, is an interesting place to camp.


El Volcan: Baja's Cold Water Geyser (photos, and video clips from May 1, 2011):

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52804


Directions:

Hwy. 1 to Km. 148/149 (56 miles from El Rosario)... take graded road 9 miles to El Marmol. At onyx schoolhouse in El Marmol take road that forks left (sign for La Olvidada barite mine). 2 miles from El Mamol, take road to right. Drop down to bottom of canyon and into Arroyo El Volcan 4.0 miles from El Marmol (mis-named Arroyo Zamorra on some maps)... Turn right in the arroyo and go 1/4 mile to parking spot and hike under 1/4 mile more to El Volcan.




[Edited on 9-5-2011 by David K]

TMW - 9-5-2011 at 11:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by griff
Hi everybody, I am new to the site.

I have never been to Baja, but something has been pulling me in that direction, and I am planning my first trip for february. I should have the entire month. I will be with a friend and my dog and we will be driving my truck down. I wouldn't mind spending a few nights in hotels or whatnot but I am generally looking to be camping. I would like to get a good mix of activities, with the two big ones being surfing and fishing (surfcasting and with a polespear). Backpacking, hiking, etc. are also options, as is anything else that might be fun. We aren't looking to stay in one place the entire trip, we would rather travel around and see different places.

Any advice on places we must see? Things to do during that time of year (carnaval)? Anything else? Thanks for all your help.

-Griff


You are in luck. Walk with us across Baja. Note I said across not down. Check this thread out. http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=53588&pag...