BajaNomad

HEADING TO BAJA IN APRIL

POPEYE-SCOTT - 2-25-2015 at 01:20 PM

I'm getting down to the short strokes. Driving down with truck/camper for 6 weeks or fishing... shore, inflatable, panga etc.

I have a 2WD dually... I suppose 4WD would be preferred,maybe next trip but this is what I have for now.

Planning on working my way down, if fishing is good hang-out, if slow just site see and move on to next place.

Planning on hitting BOLA first, then over to Bahia Asuncion.

I have a couple questions....

1). With my 2WD rig plus light weight camper... can I make it from BOLA south to San Francisquito? (I've reviewed youtube videos and this looks doable) Any thoughts are welcome.

2). Road that cuts off to Bahia Las Animas? OK or no...how close can I get. I have a great balloon tire dolly for 12' achilles, so I can hump it for launching.

3). South from San Francisquito to El Arco back to Mex 1. Looking at Youtube I'd say this is a NO. A lot of stretches with deep sand. What do you think?

4). Bahia Asuncion to La Bocana... can you? could I drive direct route south or would I need to cut back to Mex 1?


Thanks in advance.

PS: Diesel is a concern as well....I have 27 gal tank, worst case 12 mpg.:)

DianaT - 2-25-2015 at 01:31 PM

Hi,

While you may get some general answers now, road conditions can change quickly.

The road from Bahia Asuncion to La Bocana is usually quite passable even for small cars. The locals drive it all the time. However, parts of it can be washboard h*ell at times, and if it rains, there are a couple of areas that could be a problem and they are rather slow to drain. If it is dry, the salt flats can be great to drive, but just follow the locals tire tracks. On the other hand, if they are wet stay away.

Again, some general answers will come your way and even some very current reports, but check again right before you leave for Baja and again when you are there!

On the pacific side, it will be the windy season, but just a little inland and it all changes.

Have fun!

[Edited on 2-25-2015 by DianaT]

Bajaboy - 2-25-2015 at 02:14 PM

Getting from BOLA to El Arco will be no problem. That road is well travelled so you should be fine. With that said, it can be slow going and rough in some places. Last drove it at Thanksgiving and it was in good shape.

You might consider camping at Playa San Rafael with Pancho. Great beach access and decent fishing. I don't have any firsthand info for Animas but have heard that there is soft sand near the beach.

As Diana stated, unless it has recently rained, you should have little problem getting to La Bocana as well.

Enjoy your trip!

Zac

AKgringo - 2-25-2015 at 02:21 PM

Popeye, My road info is too old to be useful (three months) but I can think of three stretches of the route to Las Animas, San Franciscuito, and El Arco that would stop your dually back then.
I always drop the air pressure for that stretch, but I have a light vehicle with over sized tires. With the tall narrow tires and the weight of your dually, how low can you go before the sidewalls start rubbing?
Probably 95% or more of the route will be alright, but the one or two percent that isn't can be a huge pain in the @ss!
In short, if I had the luxury of a camper like yours, I would probably try it if I was traveling with at least one other rig capable of helping me through a soft spot or two. Traveling alone, I would wait for better info from someone who has recently done what you are planning.
It wouldn't hurt to bump this thread when you get a little closer to crossing the border. I am thinking of another trip S.O.B about then, and I am sure others might be considering pairing up as well.
Happy trails!

Edit: Time marches on, my info is four months old! Sounds like the road got better (Bajaboys post). Probably not so much with Las Animas though.

[Edited on 2-25-2015 by AKgringo]

David K - 2-25-2015 at 04:40 PM

Make sure you have a GOOD/ fast air pump (the ones that clip onto the battery not plug into cigarette lighter).

Airing down will always get you out of sand and up rough grades... depending how much you air down.

Almost none of the locals of Baja have 4WD, and they get their trucks in and out of fish camps and cattle ranches OK... driving technique and great tires (and lowering the air pressure) is more important than 4WD and locking differentials (did I really say that?)!!

BajaBlanca - 2-25-2015 at 04:56 PM

like has been said: if it hasn't rained, the way from asuncion to la bocana should be. Under normal circumstances, the drive is 1.5 hours. In your case maybe count on more time. and please don't do it in the dark since their is really little traffic if you should have a problem. Be sure to stop by and introduce yourself! we are the 2 story white house at the end of the electric line along Calle Erizo (beach front)

POPEYE-SCOTT - 2-25-2015 at 10:52 PM

Thanks to everyone for the input, Bajaboy Playa SR on the list, thanks. Blanca, will stop by to say hi, thanks.

AKGringo, I'll U2U plans as the harden up in the next week or two....

DavidK, not having a 4x4 causes one to think of some interesting things I think. I know that the dually end has a good locker and floats pretty good in snow, sand etc... (all relative), but the front end sinks till she finds bottom. So I don't think 4x4 without the float in the front end would be all that helpful if you can't find bottom quick enough.

This weekend doing some air tests in rear, see how far I need to go down, or can go down without sidewalls rubbing.

Also, this weekend or next, throwing duallys on the front, just to see... can't see why not, see how much steering, bolt them to the back, slam them on when I need float...crazy idea, but just maybe? :bounce:

OCEANUS - 2-25-2015 at 11:32 PM

Popeye
Please check your U2U

redhilltown - 2-26-2015 at 12:30 AM

First of all, I am jealous!!!! Six weeks!!!!!

BOLA is not known for great near shore fishing (at least near the heart of it) but since it is just about as beautiful as it gets, who cares? April can be brutal for winds on the Cortez...that is with a capital "B".

As stated, the road conditions are only as good as the last storm and the most recent person to travel them. As DK stated, a good air compressor and a variety of ways to fix flats helps.

Las Animas is amazing...try to get there (safely) with your rig.

The best fishing that time of year will probably be for Corvina and you can get them from shore with chrome Krocs (and smaller hooks and squid for amazing Trigger dinners.)

Marc - 2-26-2015 at 07:07 AM

Drove south from BOLA in October in a 4X4 Tundra. A few nasty sections. As stated, conditions do change . I always have shovels and a pinch bar with me.

David K - 2-26-2015 at 09:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by redhilltown  
First of all, I am jealous!!!! Six weeks!!!!!

BOLA is not known for great near shore fishing (at least near the heart of it) but since it is just about as beautiful as it gets, who cares? April can be brutal for winds on the Cortez...that is with a capital "B".

As stated, the road conditions are only as good as the last storm and the most recent person to travel them. As DK stated, a good air compressor and a variety of ways to fix flats helps.

Las Animas is amazing...try to get there (safely) with your rig.

The best fishing that time of year will probably be for Corvina and you can get them from shore with chrome Krocs (and smaller hooks and squid for amazing Trigger dinners.)


Bahia las Animas from the 'mystery walls':



and up close...






You can see one of the walls on the distant hillside.

The Las Flores ghost town with its jail is passed a few miles south of L.A. Bay's south edge.



Old railroad line...



Goes from Las Flores south to the tram line below the San Juan mines.


Daggett family buried there.








L.A. Bay from the road heading south.

honda tom - 2-26-2015 at 10:49 PM

you will have no problem from BOLA to San Fran and back out to Hwy 1. No airing down and no problems with sand will be an issue. last year I went to Las Animas and went all the way in 2 wheel drive with no issues........ But I would walk anything that looked a little sketchy. Side note...... after seeing las animas I will skip it from now on. Get down to san francisquito (especially cause you have a boat).

At San Francisquito you want to look up Beto. He is 1 mile due north of the traditional San Francisquito resort. instead of the hard right that leads you to the airstrip, take a left and head towards the north. Beto has cabins and hot water. he is very accomidating unlike the folks at SF. If you are traveling self-sufficient and don't require hot water, the pallapas at SF are nice. It is an incredible place to view and sleep. They have cots, but wont tell you unless you ask. Make your deal with them for camping first ..... then set up and come and ask them for the cots..... if you carry them to your pallapa they usually wont charge you. Have a great trip!

David K - 2-27-2015 at 12:06 AM

What didn't you like at Las Animas? The Marine Biology Field Trips that Marv Sherrill used to lead were so popular there because it had everything a remote Baja beach could offer.

redhilltown - 2-27-2015 at 12:18 AM

Shhhhhhh David...Las Animas is a horrible place!

One of my favorite Baja small boat fishing moments was off the south end of that island in your pic. A seal crashed the rocks for some dinner and a few dozen fish flipped up out of the water and in the middle of them was a Golden Leopard grouper catching the rays of the setting sun...it was beautiful.

POPEYE-SCOTT - 2-27-2015 at 08:46 AM

Awesome fotos DK, thanks for taking the time to share.

I'll be stopping in at BOLA, Animas, Rafael and SF for sure. Whether I back track to BOLA or head to Arco still TBD... adding winch to rig now (got a deal from a pal). Upgrading air compressor (I have a Honda Gen so I can use 120VAC). Plus I'm still toying with the dually's up front...we'll see this weekend if its a completely ridiculous back up plan or not.

Where is diesel available on this route to SF?

chuckie - 2-27-2015 at 09:08 AM

I installed a good sized inverter on my Dodge and use a regular compressor (110v) ....Works fine...also runs an impact wrench to get all those big lug nuts off...and powers my freezer on the way down.....way easier than dinking with generators or toy tools...

David K - 2-27-2015 at 09:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by POPEYE-SCOTT  
Awesome fotos DK, thanks for taking the time to share.

I'll be stopping in at BOLA, Animas, Rafael and SF for sure. Whether I back track to BOLA or head to Arco still TBD... adding winch to rig now (got a deal from a pal). Upgrading air compressor (I have a Honda Gen so I can use 120VAC). Plus I'm still toying with the dually's up front...we'll see this weekend if its a completely ridiburrous back up plan or not.

Where is diesel available on this route to SF?


As you may have seen from previous trip reports, off the road to El Arco are a couple of fascinating sites to see...

1) Mission Santa Gertrudis, founded in 1752.
2) Pozo de Aleman ghost town, underground living for miners.
3) Mesa de Carmen giant rock paintings
There is more, but it is Baja afterall, and the place has so much to offer the adventurer and photographer! All three of the above sites are in my 2012 trip report (link in my signature below).





[Edited on 2-27-2015 by David K]

honda tom - 2-28-2015 at 01:58 PM

Pemex at BOLA has diesel. Then again at Vizcaino.

BOLA to SAN FRAN 85 miles.
SAN FRAN to VIZCAINO (80 miles. heading south at El Arco)

you will be fine. Largest run for my F250 Diesel I have to be mindful of is between EL Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria, around 200 miles.

I have also found the road south from el arco to Vizcaino to be smooth and well traveled.... although I haven't used it in 2 years. you may check with a local. Do check out Pozo Aleman really cool

David K - 2-28-2015 at 02:01 PM

Tom, you are speaking of the former paved highway into El Arco (Mex 18) from Mex 1, the old main Baja road straight south, or cutting back to the Guillermo Prieto shortcut?

honda tom - 2-28-2015 at 02:56 PM

on your close up map the road that goes by ELENA. Ive used it a few times when heading from San Francisquito to San Ignacio.

ELENA route

AKgringo - 2-28-2015 at 03:16 PM

I drove the route from El Arco south through Elena on Oct 20, after Norbert and Odile washed the area. Although I did not have to put my hubs in, it was a challenging two wheel drive. The road damage would be a fairly easy repair compared to the roads that have been washed out down to cobbles and bed rock, but if it has not been fixed, the center route would be the way to go.
There was a lot of loose sand, and high centering in a few spots. It was being used by locals, but not much.

[Edited on 2-28-2015 by AKgringo]

David K - 2-28-2015 at 05:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
on your close up map the road that goes by ELENA. Ive used it a few times when heading from San Francisquito to San Ignacio.


That is the original transpeninsular road, but I had heard that it is washed out and many gates have to be opened to cross through farms and ranch lands on it....?

The Guillermo Prieto short cut road remains excellent, just to the east.

Marc - 2-28-2015 at 07:20 PM

DK, The Las Flores Jail is the one Herman Hill wrote about? I figured it must be because of its layout described in his book.

vgabndo - 2-28-2015 at 08:09 PM

If I'm reading it right, you are starting in April and have 6 weeks. Not knowing when you will be where, you should make yourself aware that the "other" Baja 1000 will be running through where you plan to be on Sunday and Monday the 26th. and 27th. Last year the route included some of the roads that have been suggested. There is no pre-running, no GPS waypoints etc. but a rally format with the course books being kept secret. (sort of) If it were me I'd look for a good place to spectate and plan on being in the middle of it. If that doesn't appeal, I'd make sure to be out of the way before they trash hell out of the roads! https://www.norra.com/mexican1000.php There is also a Facebook fan page, but it doesn't have much about the course. Last year the course was published on line, but I can't remember how soon before the race. The bikes will be in your area first, and the cars the next day.

Paulina - 2-28-2015 at 09:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Marc  
DK, The Las Flores Jail is the one Herman Hill wrote about? I figured it must be because of its layout described in his book.


Yes, that is the jail that Herman wrote about in his book.







Inside, the two sides Herman mentioned, one for the drunks the other for the gold.


P>*)))>{

bajatrailrider - 3-1-2015 at 12:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Make sure you have a GOOD/ fast air pump (the ones that clip onto the battery not plug into cigarette lighter).

Airing down will always get you out of sand and up rough grades... depending how much you air down.

Almost none of the locals of Baja have 4WD, and they get their trucks in and out of fish camps and cattle ranches OK... driving technique and great tires (and lowering the air pressure) is more important than 4WD and locking differentials (did I really say that?)!!
This so true,But if your not Mexican.You cant do it. Mexicans driving 80s Toyota car Bald tires can go where you cant go with 4X4.We have seen them get out when car is stuck,all six of them push,lift car up,or get shovel out the back. :) Good Idea to air down better ride,We let our VW down to 10psi.My big and small trucks 18/20psi

vgabndo - 3-1-2015 at 04:07 PM

Just to be accurate Popeye, GPS WILL be used in some classes of the race. I still haven't found any course maps on line. Information about the course maps are in this link. http://www.norra.com/racer_alerts.php

Pappy Jon - 3-1-2015 at 07:33 PM

I went through there in October. The section between Bahia San Rafael and El Progreso had sections that had been recently graded from the hurricanes, and were extremely chewed up and very sandy-soft.

I have no idea how your truck would do. I went through in 4WD.

POPEYE-SCOTT - 3-1-2015 at 08:01 PM

Thanks Vgabndo for the scoops on Baja 1000. Wow, something to be aware of for sure. I would love to (KNOWINGLY) be ring side. :o

Really good information from all. Thank you.

One report of no diesel at BOLA is something to monitor for sure.

Tomas Tierra - 3-1-2015 at 08:29 PM

It's a great race to watch...You won't believe some of the stuff that goes by!
'59 Ford Edsel is always a highlite

TT

honda tom - 3-1-2015 at 08:45 PM

Both routes south from el arco should be fine. diesel at BOLA has never been a problem for me. I think your travel dates will even help you in this matter. The NORRA usually goes through BOLA, it is scheduled for the 26-29 of april. If you are in BOLA before the 27th you should have plenty of diesel available. If traveling these roads during those dates...... watch your mirrors.

POPEYE-SCOTT - 3-1-2015 at 08:47 PM

No diesel at junction of Mex 1 & 12, or in BOLA would shut make this leg of the journey a NO-GO. Or maybe extra jugs. The darn truck only holds 27 gallons (GMC, what the hell is that about?). But I could easily carry 5 or 6, 5 gal jugs I suppose. Fill em up in El Rosario... Problem Solved :bounce:

honda tom - 3-2-2015 at 08:58 AM

Diesel is not regularly found at the junction (gas out of barrels from a guy in a pickup), but it is readily available in BOLA. I am surprised by the post that said they were out, this would be an unusual incident. You cant get hurt with an extra 5-10 gallons ever! Don't let the fuel worry you, 27 gallons and an extra 5 in a jug = good times.

David K - 3-2-2015 at 09:05 AM

April's 'Mexican 1000' by NORRA is a different event than the November 'Baja 1000' by SCORE.

The NORRA event is a 3 day or more rally with overnight stops and has classic vehicles from the old days of Baja races (when NORRA ran the first Baja races before SCORE). The SCORE event is a race, many classes, non-stop to the finish.

vgabndo - 3-2-2015 at 03:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
April's 'Mexican 1000' by NORRA is a different event than the November 'Baja 1000' by SCORE.

The NORRA event is a 3 day or more rally with overnight stops and has classic vehicles from the old days of Baja races (when NORRA ran the first Baja races before SCORE). The SCORE event is a race, many classes, non-stop to the finish.


Popeye...This year is a little different. Essentially there are as many as three races. The first three days will all be in northern Baja, beginning and ending in Ensenada. The Cortez Rally. There is an off day, then the next four days of the NORRA Mexican 1000. OR, you can race all 7 days which is called the Cortez Challenge.
There are 42 classes of cars and bikes. Perhaps the two big differences from the SCORE Baja Mil are the major vintage division, and the inclusion of Rally Raid type cars in the Evolution classes. There is a motorcycle class for Classic British Thumpers too. Here's some info from last year: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73633&pag...

POPEYE-SCOTT - 3-17-2015 at 08:53 PM

Hola,

I'm planning on crossing the border at Tijuana first light Monday April 13th.

I'll be needing a place to camp for the night on the US side of the border, any suggestions for a RV park?

AKgringo - 3-18-2015 at 08:13 AM

I was surprised how well set up the rest stop on I-5 in San Diego was. If you don't need hook ups, you should check it out. It's right next to a beach too, but I believe it is military access only.

Maron - 3-18-2015 at 12:20 PM

Popeye-Scott

Chula Vista RV Park and Marina is great. A bit pricey, but really nice. Two waterfront restaurants within easy walking distance. Easy on/off of the 5. Minutes to the Mexico crossing.

POPEYE-SCOTT - 3-18-2015 at 01:46 PM

AK, can't do the military, had 10 years Navy Reserve. In the old days I imagine my old ID would work but in todays day and age, might get sent to Guantanamo :o

Maron, I'll set my sights on CV RV Park...sounds perfect. Thanks.

Not military rest-stop!

AKgringo - 3-18-2015 at 05:32 PM

The rest stop I was referring to is part of the I-5 right of way, free public access.
What I meant was that I think the shore line is military base with no access. But I could be wrong, I was just passing through.


Edit...free works for me, I travel on the cheap when I can and stretch my time SOB

[Edited on 3-19-2015 by AKgringo]

POPEYE-SCOTT - 3-19-2015 at 01:42 AM

AK, Can't seem to find the San Diego rest stop.... caltrans I5, I see Aliso Creek, 5 miles north of Oceanside... is this the one?

SlyOnce - 3-19-2015 at 07:13 AM

the rest area on I5 under discussion is known as Aliso Creek