BajaNomad

Road Conditions to La Purisma

sur-mujer - 9-11-2012 at 10:36 PM

With all the rain Baja has experienced - good news for the drought areas - we're wondering if the mountain road to La Purisma south of Mulege is passable with 4 wheel drive.

If anyone has been on this road, we'd appreciate an update. We'd be making the trip early next week with an eye on the weather, of course.

Thanks
Karina

David K - 9-12-2012 at 12:22 AM

Driving skill and vehicle set up (tires, ground clearance, traction assist) have a lot to do with getting through. I can easily drive my truck to places others wouldn't dare to go. So not matter what replies you get here, don't let it keep you from going! Mexicans in 2WDs go over the roads we seem to think are 4WD only tracks. The road to Purisima from Hwy. 1, south of Concepcion Bay is a government graded road, but any road (even paved) can get washed out.

Are you speaking of the Guajadjemi bypass road some Nomads did a few months ago?





[Edited on 9-12-2012 by David K]

wilderone - 9-12-2012 at 07:37 AM

What's at Agua Grande?

sur-mujer - 9-12-2012 at 08:27 AM

Thank you David.
Yes, we are referring to the road south of Concepcion. We've seen the sign for the turn off, but have never had the time to take it on our drives further south.

We have the Baja Almanac map book, but the topo you posted is great, and the google map with pins.

We know that this road is fairly well traveled by ranchers and those headed to Scorpion Bay, but weren't sure if the recent rains had washed it out and/or made it impassable.

Karina

Jack Swords - 9-12-2012 at 09:39 AM

Beautiful country, well worth doing. We traveled the road after a hurricane and found the dirt washed away from the road leaving rock, but passable. We have found that it is best to ask at ranchos you encounter as to road conditions. If they don't know, they'll refer you to someone down the road who does. Best part of this tactic is meeting the wonderful people who are living in that backcountry. New rains could be on the way with the just developed tropical storm off shore. Should be a great adventure.

Mulegena - 9-12-2012 at 09:55 AM

You'll find the Mex-1 turnoff east to west road to La Purisima passable, no worries, and the countryside very, very beautiful and green. Enjoy!

I'd not attempt the Guajademi Pass right now, in either direction north or south, without checking with local ranchers who live up there. Its a challenging route in the best of times, is isolated 'waay back there, and probably has suffered some washout.

The mountains have seen alot of rain, even more than the coastal areas, Pacific or SOC.

Bob H - 9-12-2012 at 10:08 AM

Man, that is another beautiful part of Baja! We took it over 15 years ago in a 2 WD, F150. But, that was then.

sur-mujer - 9-12-2012 at 10:36 AM

Thank you for all the information and encouragement. Weather warnings will be heeded!
Karina