BajaNomad - Where to go & not go with 2-Wheel Drive????

Where to go & not go with 2-Wheel Drive????

EricBuss - 10-22-2011 at 09:34 PM

New to the forum, I was hoping to get some info from the ocean-going folks. My buddy and I are planning on driving through Baja next month to surf and spearfish. We've given ourselves two weeks for the trip, and we don't have any real specific destination. We will be taking my 2WD Tacoma down there, and I was hoping I could get some info on dive and surf locations that I can make it to and places I should avoid even trying. We will be taking a small inflatable as well, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks, Eric

ElCap - 10-22-2011 at 10:20 PM

You would be fine heading out to Asuncion or Abreojos - the roads are paved from Mex. 1, although might be a bit rough in areas. Very good fishing/spearfishing this time of year, but just make sure you follow the fishing regs & respect the locals and their fisheries (lobster & abalone primarily). U2U me if you want more info - I'll be down there mid November.

shari - 10-23-2011 at 06:56 AM

Hey Eric, welcome to the Nomad sand box and we hope to hear more from you on how your trip goes.

my esposo Juan drives in crazy places without putting the tuck in 4X4 hardly ever and the trick is...air down ....air down...air down amigo...when you see sand, park and walk a bit...if your tires start to spin...air down some more to drive out...oh yeah and I'll U2U( top right corner under log in) you my phone # if you find yourself bogged down to the doors around these parts. Stop in and get the skinny on spearo spots...gonna cost you some Tecate's though. There is still halibut around and the yellowtail are gettin hefty now...lots of spear spots here you can access in your inflatable...bring a VHF or local cell phone though for safety

and you will need the biosphere reserve bracelet too which I have here or you can get from Jaime, the biosphere rep here in Asuncion...which is needed anywhere from Guerrero Negro-San Ignacio. If you plan to fish more than 5 days, it's worth it to stop at the Reserva office in GN and get the yearly permit which is 260 pesos as opposed to the 50 pesos daily permit. YOu need a mexican fishing license too and remember the spear limit is 5 fish a day and there are fisheries guys around checking.

It is a perfect time of year for spearing as the visibility is usually pretty good and lots of nice fish close to shore...have a blast!

David K - 10-23-2011 at 09:25 AM

Check TacomaWorld.com forums and like Shari says AIR DOWN!!! Sand will be probably your only problem if you try and drive off the highway to a surf break or camp spot.

Buy a 12 v. electric air pump and good dial gauge (0-60 psi tops, so it is accurate to under 10 psi). Harbor Freight has a fast air pump for tires ($59) or there are others... The cig. lighter plug in ones are much slower, but cheaper.

When you get to a sand area (or are already stuck), clear away any sand from in front of your tires (avoid this by not spinning tires)... and lower your pressure to 10 psi (if stuck) or 15 psi if not... Then use momentum to cross the sand area. Avoid turning sharp or slamming the brakes when deflated.

Once out of the sand, re-inflate the tires!

A tire plug kit would be good to have to for flat repairs.

David K - 10-23-2011 at 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EricBuss
New to the forum, I was hoping to get some info from the ocean-going folks. My buddy and I are planning on driving through Baja next month to surf and spearfish. We've given ourselves two weeks for the trip, and we don't have any real specific destination. We will be taking my 2WD Tacoma down there, and I was hoping I could get some info on dive and surf locations that I can make it to and places I should avoid even trying. We will be taking a small inflatable as well, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks, Eric

The surfing clique here will not want to share any details on how to get to their 'secret surf breaks'... but if you do some research, you will find road data... Much of the coast has access roads that fishermen use as well as the few surfers.

The Auto Club map is a good general map with mileages on every road. The more detailed Baja Calif. Almanac map book is more for 4WD folks who like exploring.

There is this book, written just for you surfers... c2002:

dtbushpilot - 10-23-2011 at 09:50 AM

Watch for sand with bits of shell mixed in, it's bottomless.....well, it's at least as deep as the frame of my FJ Cruiser....thanks again for pulling me out Juan and Shari.....

btw: 40psi in 10ply Toyo tires is NOT the hot setup for sand. Fortunately my Toyota is equipped with ATRAC so I was able to bury it evenly :lol:

David K - 10-23-2011 at 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
Watch for sand with bits of shell mixed in, it's bottomless.....well, it's at least as deep as the frame of my FJ Cruiser....thanks again for pulling me out Juan and Shari.....

btw: 40psi in 10ply Toyo tires is NOT the hot setup for sand. Fortunately my Toyota is equipped with ATRAC so I was able to bury it evenly :lol:

Besides lowering the air (a lot), you 4WD folks keep in in HIGH RANGE... Low Range has too much torque and will quickly dig you down to China, as Dave says!

The newer Toyota 4WDs have TRAC in H4 (limited slip) and A-TRAC in L4 (no slip). I was able to drive the beach in high range without lowering the tires because of TRAC, when I was unloaded... a first.

[Edited on 10-23-2011 by David K]

Ateo - 10-23-2011 at 11:31 AM

Like David K said, Surfers Guide To Baja should be all you need. Tons of maps, directions to surf spots, most of which are very accessible.

redhilltown - 10-23-2011 at 03:49 PM

I know this is a great surf area

http://www.mexfish.com/baja/baja/vizcmp/vizcmp.htm

and the fishing it great too for shortfin corvina, halibut, and kelp bass. I have not been for a while but I would really try to find some good road information (current)...I think the further south you finally head towards the shore the better...some of the roads outside of Catavina are epic to get to the Pacific. Not necessarily 4x4 but epic.

There wont be any surf and I know your time is short but if you have not been there, you really really should check out Bahia de Los Angeles but def. inquire on spearfishing regs if you do.

If you are coming back up Highway One on the last day (s) and a bit burned out but want one more adventure, Puerto Santo Tomas is a great place to finish up a trip. 45 minutes on dirt road but Sam the owner has cheap houses to rent with showers and stunning views and occasional good fishing if you haven't had your fill...it is a turn off right at the Santo Tomas valley. Next morning is is a short drive to the border and you have the option of coming back up the wine country and exiting thru Tecate.

Have a blast.

Dewey - 10-23-2011 at 04:25 PM

Ask the local fishermen where they launch their boats and if your car will make it down the road to the launch point. I have been asking these two questions since the early 60's and have found many good surf breaks and fishing spots.

EricBuss - 10-23-2011 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElCap
You would be fine heading out to Asuncion or Abreojos - the roads are paved from Mex. 1, although might be a bit rough in areas.

How is the road from Asuncion to Abreojos, I've heard it's dirt but is is fairly reasonable on 2WD? Is it worth it to hit Tortugas, Asuncion and Abreojos?

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
...bring a VHF or local cell phone though for safety

and you will need the biosphere reserve bracelet too which I have here or you can get from Jaime, the biosphere rep here in Asuncion...which is needed anywhere from Guerrero Negro-San Ignacio. If you plan to fish more than 5 days, it's worth it to stop at the Reserva office in GN and get the yearly permit which is 260 pesos as opposed to the 50 pesos daily permit. YOu need a mexican fishing license too and remember the spear limit is 5 fish a day and there are fisheries guys around checking.

Can I pick up a pay-as-you-go phone for cheap anywhere when I first get through the border?

This is the first I've heard of the biosphere bracelet, thank you for making me aware of that. We will be staying well within our fishing limit.

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown

There wont be any surf and I know your time is short but if you have not been there, you really really should check out Bahia de Los Angeles but def. inquire on spearfishing regs if you do.

Are the regulations different at Bay of LA?

Deflate your tires in style, amigo!

Ken Cooke - 10-23-2011 at 08:12 PM

Set these at 12 p.s.i., and as long as you can travel without going "uphill" on sand, you probably won't get stuck. Have fun!!

Ken Cooke - 10-23-2011 at 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The newer Toyota 4WDs have TRAC in H4 (limited slip) and A-TRAC in L4 (no slip). I was able to drive the beach in high range without lowering the tires because of TRAC, when I was unloaded... a first.

[Edited on 10-23-2011 by David K]

If you drive a Jeep Wrangler with the 'RUBICON' package, you can also drive on the sand in 4HI - saving you gas as well. Street-biased tires like David K's help traveling on the sand as well. My Mud-Terrain tires are almost bald, so they drive superbly on the sand.

My '03 Rubicon (background) - Laguna Salada, Baja, Mex.

BooJumMan - 10-23-2011 at 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
I know this is a great surf area

http://www.mexfish.com/baja/baja/vizcmp/vizcmp.htm

and the fishing it great too for shortfin corvina, halibut, and kelp bass. I have not been for a while but I would really try to find some good road information (current)...I think the further south you finally head towards the shore the better...some of the roads outside of Catavina are epic to get to the Pacific. Not necessarily 4x4 but epic.

There wont be any surf and I know your time is short but if you have not been there, you really really should check out Bahia de Los Angeles but def. inquire on spearfishing regs if you do.

If you are coming back up Highway One on the last day (s) and a bit burned out but want one more adventure, Puerto Santo Tomas is a great place to finish up a trip. 45 minutes on dirt road but Sam the owner has cheap houses to rent with showers and stunning views and occasional good fishing if you haven't had your fill...it is a turn off right at the Santo Tomas valley. Next morning is is a short drive to the border and you have the option of coming back up the wine country and exiting thru Tecate.

Have a blast.

There's a lot better places to surf than there, and talk about ltos of driving, and avoiding winds and weather. I wouldn't spend my time trying to find surf there your first time in Baja.

David K - 10-24-2011 at 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Street-biased tires like David K's help traveling on the sand as well.

Street biased tires? There are not mud terrains, but they are all terrain tires, and have worked out great in mud, snow, sand and quiet at highway speed: Hankook Dynapro ATm 265/75-16" (32" tires)...

Here is one, last week near the mud caves in Anza-Borrego... They have 11,000 miles on them, no flats or problems.

Now, on the beach in Baja...

This is excellent floatation, on dry sea shell mixed sand... only needed to air down to 18 psi.

[Edited on 10-24-2011 by David K]

redhilltown - 10-24-2011 at 12:27 AM

I have read posts concerning spearfishing in L.A. Bay as to the legality...I think it is a protected area but I'm sure the Google or some fellow fishermen on here could help out. That said, to get to good spots you'd need to go out with the locals or trust your inflatable but the waters there can be world class dangerous. If you head north out of the city and camp at La Gringa and watch the tides/wind I'm sure you could have some fun.

Boo-Jum is probably right on the Pacific side area I mentioned...I only have fished there but the dozens of hand made rock wind breaks and a few gringos said it was popular with surfers.

As to 2wd and 4wd and all the tech thoughts I've always believed it is 90% driver experience and maybe maybe 10% your machinery...maybe 10%. If you are smart enough not to get into a bad situation then you won't need technology to get you out. Which is not a knock on 39" tires and 400 hp but just a heads up to think a bit and walk it first.

But don't listen to me, I've had my share of stupid situations

Quote:

Originally posted by EricBuss

Quote:

Originally posted by ElCap
You would be fine heading out to Asuncion or Abreojos - the roads are paved from Mex. 1, although might be a bit rough in areas.

How is the road from Asuncion to Abreojos, I've heard it's dirt but is is fairly reasonable on 2WD? Is it worth it to hit Tortugas, Asuncion and Abreojos?

Quote:

Are the regulations different at Bay of LA? [/quote

EricBuss - 10-24-2011 at 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
I have read posts concerning spearfishing in L.A. Bay as to the legality...I think it is a protected area but I'm sure the Google or some fellow fishermen on here could help out. That said, to get to good spots you'd need to go out with the locals or trust your inflatable but the waters there can be world class dangerous. If you head north out of the city and camp at La Gringa and watch the tides/wind I'm sure you could have some fun.

Boo-Jum is probably right on the Pacific side area I mentioned...I only have fished there but the dozens of hand made rock wind breaks and a few gringos said it was popular with surfers.

As to 2wd and 4wd and all the tech thoughts I've always believed it is 90% driver experience and maybe maybe 10% your machinery...maybe 10%. If you are smart enough not to get into a bad situation then you won't need technology to get you out. Which is not a knock on 39" tires and 400 hp but just a heads up to think a bit and walk it first.

But don't listen to me, I've had my share of stupid situations

Thanks for the info.

As far as experience goes, I've spent the past three winter seasons working as an EMT at Ocotillo Wells. Additionally, I'm an ocean lifeguard, and drive on the beach all day long. That being said, I understand where I'm capable of driving. I won't be touching any unpaved roads if there's rain, I just need to know if there are roads I shouldn't think about getting on regardless of whether they're wet or dry.

TMW - 10-24-2011 at 09:47 AM

Using the Almanac, along the pacific coast south of Bahia Blanco there are silt beds that you will need to be careful of. Large rock hauling trucks run thru there and have made the silt worse. There is a road that follows the coast south for maybe 10 miles and I would stay off it. If in that area turn inland north of Arroyo El Sauz to Cordornices then south on the main road. The road east from the junction goes by Rancho Las Palomas and out to hwy 1 at KM252 but be careful near the ranch as there are silt beds in the area before dropping into a sand wash and your going up hill, once in the hills it OK. Also the road east at Playa Christie has silt beds until you climb up in about 3 or 4 miles. That road comes out at hwy 1 at KM233 at Laguna Chapala.

I would suggest as a safety measure to take some carpet to put under the wheels and a high lift jack with the wheel strap hooks. If you have it you will not need it but if you don't have it you'll probably need it. Don't stop in any sand unless you are going down hill. As others have said airing down is good even for 2 wheel drive including the front tires. I've aired down to as little as 5 lbs although 10-15 lbs usually works. Just don't spin your wheels and don't make any quick turns on the steering wheel. Applying a little emergency brake helps both rear wheels turn if you don't have a locking differential. If you do pop a bead you can get it back on by using ligher fluid or gas use as little as necessary. There are videos on the internet that show it being done, be careful. If you have a good high capacity compressor tie a rope around the center of the tire and twist it with a stick or tire iron etc and it will help pop the tire on as you air it up. A little soap and water around the bead and edges helps too.

David K - 10-24-2011 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
Using the Almanac, along the pacific coast south of Bahia Blanco there are silt beds that you will need to be careful of. Large rock hauling trucks run thru there and have made the silt worse.

There is a road that follows the coast south for maybe 10 miles and I would stay off it. If in that area turn inland north of Arroyo El Sauz to Cordornices then south on the main road.

The road east from the junction goes by Rancho Las Palomas and out to hwy 1 at KM252 but be careful near the ranch as there are silt beds in the area before dropping into a sand wash and your going up hill, once in the hills it OK.

Also the road east at Playa Christie has silt beds until you climb up in about 3 or 4 miles. That road comes out at hwy 1 at KM233 at Laguna Chapala.

I would suggest as a safety measure to take some carpet to put under the wheels and a high lift jack with the wheel strap hooks. If you have it you will not need it but if you don't have it you'll probably need it. Don't stop in any sand unless you are going down hill. As others have said airing down is good even for 2 wheel drive including the front tires. I've aired down to as little as 5 lbs although 10-15 lbs usually works. Just don't spin your wheels and don't make any quick turns on the steering wheel. Applying a little emergency brake helps both rear wheels turn if you don't have a locking differential. If you do pop a bead you can get it back on by using ligher fluid or gas use as little as necessary. There are videos on the internet that show it being done, be careful. If you have a good high capacity compressor tie a rope around the center of the tire and twist it with a stick or tire iron etc and it will help pop the tire on as you air it up. A little soap and water around the bead and edges helps too.

Curt63 - 10-24-2011 at 05:00 PM

Asuncion to Abreojos La Bocana is paradise!

805gregg - 10-24-2011 at 07:49 PM

There were Baja roads before there were many 4x4 vehicles. I went to Baja for 40 years before I had 4x4. The thing is to drive slowly, and if it gets soft, stop and walk the road before you get stuck, if your shoes sink in so will your car, back up and find another way.There is almost always another road.

redhilltown - 10-24-2011 at 10:25 PM

The road to Santa Rosalilita at the bottom of David K's map is a major super duper good dirt road (for all those giant yachts that would soon be hauled on it). Sure seems to make sense to hit the Pacific that way and then work your way up as far as you feel comfortable. Once again, good fishing all along there as it is a bit remote for anyone to travel to as a singular fishing destination. I have heard White Sea bass run up near Punta Baja Bob but as usual, timing is everything.

David K - 10-25-2011 at 09:35 AM

It was actually Paved into Santa Rosalillita a few years ago... extra wide, too.