BajaNomad - 4wd route from Coco's/Calamuje to BOLA

4wd route from Coco's/Calamuje to BOLA

evanthebruin - 7-11-2012 at 06:07 PM

Hi all. First post. I've heard about and read rumors of a challenging 4wd route from Calamuje Road that goes over Sierra la Asamblea to BOLA. I've read some posts about Salsipuedes canyon, the DC-3, ranch gates, etc. but I haven't found any reports of a recent crossing of this area. Has anybody here gone from Coco's to BOLA without getting near Highway 1? Think it's possible? Thanks for the help. Reading old threads on this site has learned me a a lot of stuff. I appreciate the info!

motoged - 7-11-2012 at 06:18 PM

I have done it on a dirt bike several years ago....not sure a 4 wheel can make all of it... I think it is called The Mine Trail in Lizard Lady's info kit.... (Calamajue Canyon Ride - North).

She cautions: "ATV/4-wheels: be prepared for some intense soft sand and possibilities of high-centering" but this is mostly for the section south of Cal wash when approaching from El Crucero...

My memory of the single track is rocks/shale, the usual sand and cactus....I rode it from ssouth end of BoLA down to Calamajue Rd where the trail comes out east of Coco's and fairly close to the road south to the wash from Cal Rd.

Send us pics :saint:

David K - 7-11-2012 at 09:30 PM

Kacey's Mine Route is between Pta. Final and Coco's. No other route south besides Calamajue and Mex. 5.

Baja Grande - Coco's to Calamajue to Hwy 1

Ken Cooke - 7-11-2012 at 10:22 PM

I attempted this with several 4WD vehicles, but the route we took from Coco's Corner simply split from the road leading to Hwy 5 and took us around a mountain to a point south dumping us out at Hwy 1.

On the other side of this green mountain lies the dry, Valle de Coco - where Coco's Corner is located.

Water flows along this canyon throughout the year, which ran as much as 4 feet deep in sections.

Closing in on Hwy 1

Be sure to carry a trust-worthy spare tire (or two).

evanthebruin - 7-12-2012 at 06:51 AM

Ken,

Those pictures look like the narrow western part of calamuje wash. I went through there 11/2010. That might be the route I end up taking again.

David, if I understand you correctly, there simply isn't one. Either way, I'll have to draw something up in GE to better explain what I'm trying to do.

larryC - 7-12-2012 at 07:52 AM

I think I understand what you are trying to do and I don't know of a trail that does that. From Cocos the road will put you onto mex 1 at about km 263, from there you can drive south to km 270 and then turn left back up into the hills to the top of Salsipuedes canyon. Before you get up that far there is a trail off to the right that will eventually put you through Desengano and on towards the old La Luz mine. From there you can head towards bola coming out on the paved road around km 20 or so. Its a fun route you'll like it.
Larry

motoged - 7-12-2012 at 09:52 AM

David and I seem to be the only folks here understanding the question and providing the correct answer. :light:

The rest of you are looking for a road and and that is NOT the question....(Geez....it's hard to say I agree w/DK !!!) :biggrin:

David K - 7-12-2012 at 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by evanthebruin
Ken,

Those pictures look like the narrow western part of calamuje wash. I went through there 11/2010. That might be the route I end up taking again.

David, if I understand you correctly, there simply isn't one. Either way, I'll have to draw something up in GE to better explain what I'm trying to do.

For a 4WD, correct... Mountains and canyons are between Gonzaga and L.A. Bay. So, from Gonzaga south you have the dirt highway (Mex. 5) or the old original gulf route south of the 1960's which went past the Calamajue mission ruins (they are on the left side of the arroyo, up a short side road you take after you drop into the arroyo, heading southbound).

The road is in the 'river' as seen on Ken's photos. However, BajaTripper just went that way a couple weeks ago and said it was a piece of cake, and no 4ft. deep holes... Of course he was in a Toyota... :lol:

There are roads that go to the coast between Gonzaga and L.A. Bay... Puerto Calamajue, an un-mapped road to the coast a few miles south of Pto. Calamajue and then coming north from the dry lake along the L.A. Bay highway are roads to Los Candeleros and Bahia Guadalupe (Remedios).

Some maps old and new:

Now, there is a motorcycle route created by Bill Nichols that can be ridden to L.A. Bay without using the paved roads... Outlined in Kacey Smith's Baja GPS guide Volume II, I believe.

[Edited on 7-12-2012 by David K]

Sweetwater - 7-12-2012 at 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
I have done it on a dirt bike several years ago....not sure a 4 wheel can make all of it... I think it is called The Mine Trail in Lizard Lady's info kit.... (Calamajue Canyon Ride - North).

She cautions: "ATV/4-wheels: be prepared for some intense soft sand and possibilities of high-centering" but this is mostly for the section south of Cal wash when approaching from El Crucero...

My memory of the single track is rocks/shale, the usual sand and cactus....I rode it from ssouth end of BoLA down to Calamajue Rd where the trail comes out east of Coco's and fairly close to the road south to the wash from Cal Rd.

Send us pics :saint:

How about your pics Jed? It sounds like you rode a route from south to north?

TMW - 7-12-2012 at 11:55 AM

Kacey's ride is in volume one but it gets on the pavement 22 miles from LA Bay. I think she has mentioned that Bill Nichols' did or was doing a trail to La Bay but I don't think it has been published anywhere except if you were riding with him.

David K - 7-12-2012 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
Kacey's ride is in volume one but it gets on the pavement 22 miles from LA Bay. I think she has mentioned that Bill Nichols' did or was doing a trail to La Bay but I don't think it has been published anywhere except if you were riding with him.

Yes, the mine road is in Vol. 1, but ths Bill Nichols tracks are in Vol. 2. I only have 1, so not sure of which ones are included in 2, besides the Puertecitos west to Hwy. 1 track.

motoged - 7-12-2012 at 01:01 PM

I have no pics....but I must stand corrected on one point....the Mine Trail did not start at its north end from BoLA...it was south out from Gonzaga and approached Calamajue Rd east of Coco's Corner....Sorry for my momentary geographical brain fart :wow:

Thanks for the maps David

Sweetwater - 7-12-2012 at 02:41 PM

OK, I've ridden Calume Wash on my moto and could not find the connection to BOLA without hitting pavement.....it would be great to see that section of coast line from a boat.....any of the fishing guys got photos?

David K - 7-12-2012 at 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sweetwater
OK, I've ridden Calume Wash on my moto and could not find the connection to BOLA without hitting pavement.....it would be great to see that section of coast line from a boat.....any of the fishing guys got photos?

CALAMAJUE SOUTH:

When you come to Hwy. 1 at El Crucero, take the left fork about 300 meters/ yards before the highway... this is the Baja 1000 course that parallels Hwy. 1 until it reaches the old L.A. Bay road (via Desengaño), where you turn left for L.A. Bay. You reach the L.A. Bay highway in Arroyo Yubay (that giant dip)... then get on the pavement for the last 30 miles to L.A. Bay... Or, get more creative and find the older road which is parallel to the new post-1974 one.

motoged - 7-12-2012 at 02:51 PM

SW,
Once you come out of the Cal wash heading south, you come close to Hwy #1 where the barbwire fence is as well as a wrecked car or two. If you do not get on Hwy 1 at that point, veer a bit to your left (east) and a well established whooped out sand road (old Baja 1000) that continues south....you will then have options that will either be more eastwards (old mine/ranch?) and come out on a single track called Window Rock Trail by Lizard Lady (Kacey Smith) that takes you out to BoLA closer to town than the other track does track does (which comes out onto BoLA hiway at about KM 11 from Hwy !)

Window Rock Trail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpQmWR3qK_c

Or....just Google "Window Rock Trail Baja" and see a bunch of helcam vids

Have a LOOK!

David K - 7-12-2012 at 03:37 PM

TMW - 7-12-2012 at 03:37 PM

Kaceys' volume 2 has the Bill Nichols' trail from Puertecitos to Cativina and San Quintin. The trail starts about 6 miles south of Puertecitos on the old road. I understand it's a motorcycle trail only. Tim Morton told me he did not think an ATV could get thru one canyon like section because it was so narrow. I've never riden it so I don't know. But a short wheel based vehicle can get thru the Turquesa mine road. I saw it done. Well a jeep may not make it, you know.

bent-rim - 7-12-2012 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

This is the way we've gone for years on dirt bikes. Sometimes the canyon is wet and sometimes it is dry, but it always stinks. Ask Coco, he'll know.

CALAMAJUE SOUTH:

When you come to Hwy. 1 at El Crucero, take the left fork about 300 meters/ yards before the highway... this is the Baja 1000 course that parallels Hwy. 1 until it reaches the old L.A. Bay road (via Desengaño), where you turn left for L.A. Bay. You reach the L.A. Bay highway in Arroyo Yubay (that giant dip)... then get on the pavement for the last 30 miles to L.A. Bay... Or, get more creative and find the older road which is parallel to the new post-1974 one.

Ken Cooke - 7-12-2012 at 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

She cautions: "ATV/4-wheels: be prepared for some intense soft sand and possibilities of high-centering" but this is mostly for the section south of Cal wash when approaching from El Crucero...

Our Jeeps traveled that section without a hiccup. Even the (open differentialed) Toyota's with their plastic running boards and tire flaps didn't get stuck.

Open Diff'ed Toyota entering Calamajue Wash (from Coco's Corner)

Jeep approaching 3'-4' deep section. :!:

Toyota drivers sometimes prefer to Tread Lightly! :rolleyes:

Sandy sections near El Crucero

This deep sand was nothing for the vehicles, whatsoever.

Our group made it! :bounce:

Sweetwater - 7-13-2012 at 07:38 AM

Very nice thread...........thanks for the pics and maps and directions.........looks too easy in the 4x4's and I'm sure it will be more challenging on a moto......that sand is really not that appealing....... :wow:

David K - 7-13-2012 at 08:30 AM

I hope Evan has a better picture of the route. For a vehicle, once you get to the L.A. Bay highway, there are really no choices to the town on dirt roads for most of that 30 miles.

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2012 at 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I hope Evan has a better picture of the route. For a vehicle, once you get to the L.A. Bay highway, there are really no choices to the town on dirt roads for most of that 30 miles.

Two obstacles exist - Mud (deep at times), and sand (remember to air your tires down for better flotation and traction).

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by Ken Cooke]

Sprocket - 7-13-2012 at 08:57 AM

I have ridden the Nicholl trail both directions. Its a bike trail and so is the Window Rock. Please dont attempt drive a truck, jeep or utv onto these trails. Many people have worked long and hard to make these trails. Thanks.

As for heading south from El Crucero there is no reason to take the whooped out race course and chance destroying your truck. Get on the freeway. Trust me those sand whoops are some of the worst in Baja.

As for exploring and taking your time 4x4 is the way to go, that said I have driven every Baja race in a 2x4!

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by Sprocket]

David K - 7-13-2012 at 09:03 AM

Good info Sprocket!

Here is another look at El Crucero (just a junction of roads normally) during the Baja 1000 when it is a major pit stop... We were helping 'Baja Pits' there in 2006: http://vivabaja.com/1106/page3.html

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by David K]

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2012 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sprocket
I have ridden the Nicholl trail both directions. Its a bike trail and so is the Window Rock. Please dont attempt drive a truck, jeep or utv onto these trails. Many people have worked long and hard to make these trails. Thanks.

As for heading south from El Crucero there is no reason to take the whooped out race course and chance destroying your truck. Get on the freeway. Trust me those sand whoops are some of the worst in Baja.

As for exploring and taking your time 4x4 is the way to go, that said I have driven every Baja race in a 2x4!

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by Sprocket]

I completely believe you, Sprocket. Your rig is perhaps the most race-ready of any Nomads on this site. :!:

Sprocket standing on his Baja Truggy

evanthebruin - 7-13-2012 at 09:31 AM

I appreciate all the replies folks. Sorry for lack feedback on my part.

David,

In 2010, I pretty much took the exact route you're describing, out calamuje wash to the whooped out race road (ouch), and over to the old BOLA road. We had a 2wd Tacoma with us and had to do some minor winching in the wettest part of the wash but no big deal. I appreciate the maps! I'll have to post some Baja maps of my own. I bet nobody here has them!

Had to dig to find pics:

In the wash

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Nice Cactus garden along old BOLA road I think.

I remember seeing a few two tracks in the area but they probably all just lead to ranchos.

Sprocket,
Thanks for info about the Nicholl trail. I really need a bike. I tend to be a tread lightly kind of person - wouldn't ever bulldoze though good single track.

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by evanthebruin]

evanthebruin - 7-13-2012 at 09:56 AM

Ha yeah screwed it up for a minute then everybody decided to have a meeting in my office. I'm trying to do some (baja) work over here! :fire:

David K - 7-13-2012 at 10:13 AM

Glad you got the pics to show, I deleted my post of them... Thanks for making the cactus scene bigger, too!

I will be there in a couple days! All this Calamajue talk has me re-planning my route south from Gonzaga on Sunday or Monday. Baja Angel has never been to Calamajue Canyon. :bounce:

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2012 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Glad you got the pics to show, I deleted my post of them... Thanks for making the cactus scene bigger, too!

I will be there in a couple days! All this Calamajue talk has me re-planning my route south from Gonzaga on Sunday or Monday. Baja Angel has never been to Calamajue Canyon. :bounce:

Bring a Sat phone. Call me if you get stuck - you buy my gas/insurance, I buy the first round of tacos. :light:

TMW - 7-13-2012 at 01:40 PM

A spot would be cheaper.

Sat Phone vs Spot

John M - 7-13-2012 at 01:55 PM

We rented satellite phones a couple of months ago for an event and again are renting them this coming week for a running race in Death Valley. The rates aren't too bad and the telephone service has been perfect.

The cost to make a phone call from a cell phone or land line TO the satellite telephone can be up to ten bucks a minute so folks you give the number to need to be aware.

Calling out from the Satellite phone is like a buck-fifty a minute, depending on the calling plan you select when you rent the phone.

We are paying (I think) $59 per week for the phone, with some Verizon supported something or other.

Cellhire is the name of the company and they've treated us great, used them several times, plus they have a 24 hour tech line.

JM

Sprocket - 7-13-2012 at 03:24 PM

We use Allroad communication here in SD. They have a local # you use to call the sat phone from a land line no charge. We also use the text feature. I would only use Iradium in Baja, Globalstar only works when you don't need it!

[Edited on 7-13-2012 by Sprocket]

Neal Johns - 7-13-2012 at 04:36 PM

Sprocket is right, right, right!

Iridium is the only way to go, Globalstar only works for a few minutes an hour because so many of their sats are dead. I know, we have Globalstar.
Neal

David K - 7-13-2012 at 05:17 PM

Hi Neal, we are going south via Calamajue... and was wondering just what were you thinking when you told the Jesuits to build the mission there? :lol:

Bajatripper - 7-14-2012 at 10:02 AM

My daughter and I went through the San Luiz Gonzaga/Coco's Corner/Calamajue Canyon trip a couple of weeks ago and found it fine for travel. If you're looking for muddy challenges, you won't find them at this time there. But it's still worth the trip, for the geology and history of the place (in addition to mining ruins as you decend into the canyon coming from Coco's Corner, there are the ruins of the old Jesuit Mission directly across the canyon from the old mining ruins, easy to miss.

Here are some photos of our recent trip:

The ruins of the mine as you decend into the arroyo. The Jesuit Mission ruins are directly across the arroyo from here.

While no very impressive, the rectangular dirt mound is what remains of the old chapel. There are also rock structures in the area, one can be seen in the background.

The soda shelf formed by the spring on top

View from the top of the soda, although this year there was barely a trickle of water flowing where there use to be a mini-geyser.

The road winds its way through the canyon greenery

Some of the beautiful geological formations

Another road picture, not much water to cross

Neal Johns - 7-14-2012 at 08:19 PM

DK, don't believe Bajatripper, I have arranged for the old Black Mud Gods to be ready for you!

Re thinking about the alkali water that necessitated closing of the Mission: I had never tasted it, everyone knows I only drink Mountain Dew!

Nice pics, Bajatripper

Got Baja? Part Two (July 2005)

Ken Cooke - 7-15-2012 at 11:30 PM

I have this excellent magazine article on four wheeling across the Baja Peninsula (on existing trails and roads). There are some footnotes on Calamajue Canyon which might be of some interest to this thread.

If interested, I will post the article here for everyone to read. :light:

[Edited on 7-16-2012 by Ken Cooke]

Neal Johns - 7-16-2012 at 09:50 AM

Kenneth,

Post it, I don't remember that magazine.

Got Baja? Ten Daze In Baja - Part Two (May 2005)

Ken Cooke - 7-16-2012 at 03:29 PM

Got Baja? Ten Daze In Baja - Part Two (May 2005)