BajaNomad

Pacific side between Ensenada and Todos Santos

baja99 - 7-14-2018 at 03:43 PM

Hi,
We usually travel on the Sea of Cortez side from the border to Loreto or La Paz during the summer. I know it's hot, but when you're in the water its not nearly as bad! This year we want to explore more of the Pacific side. Thinking we'll stop at Erindira, Punta Abreojos and maybe Asuncion. We like to surf, fish and walk the beaches. We were at Scorpion Bay earlier this year so it's not on the list. We'll stay in hotels/ rentals, not looking to camp. Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jennifer

[Edited on 7-15-2018 by baja99]

rts551 - 7-14-2018 at 04:15 PM

Nice new hotel in Abreojos....600 pesos per night.... La Bocana is an option as well. New owners of the B&B in Asuncion. They had an ad here not to long ago.

baja99 - 7-14-2018 at 06:17 PM

Do you know the name of the new hotel in Abreojos?

JZ - 7-14-2018 at 07:41 PM

How good is your vehicle? You can run the 130 mile stretch of Central Baja known as the Seven Sisters. All graded roads, just need a decent 4x4. Some of the best coast line in Baja you'll ever see.

Couple pics of the area.









[Edited on 7-15-2018 by JZ]

rts551 - 7-14-2018 at 07:42 PM

Villas del Mar. 615-114-03-81

baja99 - 7-14-2018 at 08:28 PM

Great pics- thanks for the idea. Would love to see this stretch!

thebajarunner - 7-14-2018 at 08:29 PM

JZ
Doesn’t sound like their “vehicle “ has wheels
Pretty hard to sail your route

baja99 - 7-14-2018 at 08:35 PM

Thank you rts551. Appreciate it!

del mar - 7-14-2018 at 08:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner  
JZ
Doesn’t sound like their “vehicle “ has wheels
Pretty hard to sail your route


what the heck are you talking about :?:

baja99 - 7-14-2018 at 08:56 PM

I said the heat isn't as bad when you're in the water. Maybe he thought I was in a boat. No such luck- I meant sitting/ floating/ swimming in the water! :)

David K - 7-14-2018 at 10:05 PM

A graded road is typically 2WD friendly in dry weather.
The Seven Sisters coast has a big, non-graded, 4WD section between Puerto Canoas and near Punta Cono. Just north of Punta Cono is a section of silt dust, as well. I logged the roads last year:






BajaBlanca - 7-15-2018 at 06:12 AM

I thought you might be in a boat too!


rts551 I am suspect but I agree with your suggestions LOL


:biggrin:


Please visit us in La Bocana we have a bnb, and I really think Bahia Asuncion and Punta Abreojos are great villages.

shari - 7-15-2018 at 07:14 AM

You might as well explore all the villages in our area and take the route from Asuncion through Pta.Prieta, San Hipolito to La Bocana & Abreojos. Air down for a more pleasurable experience.

If it's beach walking you enjoy there are a kazillion kilometers of beach here. My personal favorite long beach walk is the San Roque beach, 15 minutes north out of Asuncion and if you are here on a weekend the worlds best shrimp tacos at TAcos Don Ramon AND universe's best homemade hamburgers at SAul's Casa de Hamburguesa in Asuncion. Stop by and see us too while you are in the neighourhood out here at la Bufadora Inn.

The Pacside wont disappoint you...especially our awesome weather and waves! If you are here the first weekend of August Asuncion has it's surf tournament too and the Traditional Fiestas are Aug. 16-19 with lots of fun events.

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 07:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
I thought you might be in a boat too!


rts551 I am suspect but I agree with your suggestions LOL


:biggrin:


Please visit us in La Bocana we have a bnb, and I really think Bahia Asuncion and Punta Abreojos are great villages.


Blanca....suspect?

thebajarunner - 7-15-2018 at 07:50 AM

OK, I got it,
It just seemed that "travel on the Sea of Cortez side" wold likely not be on land.
The land portion between Gonzaga and Loreto is not exactly conducive to traveling on wheels. (except between LAB and San Franciscquito)
Anyway, both sides are great!
We just did the "Giant Circle" last month, down from Mexicali to LA Bay, then across and bottomed out at San Ignacio, then back up the Pacific to Punta Falsa at the tip of BCS.
Great trip.... all Baja trips are great trips

bajamary1952 - 7-15-2018 at 09:56 AM

Does anyone know of those areas can be traveled by regular car/2WD drive as many people don't have 4WD? I'd like to see more Baja routes which non-4WD can take. I travel alone so don't want to get stuck somewhere.

del mar - 7-15-2018 at 10:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajamary1952  
Does anyone know of those areas can be traveled by regular car/2WD drive as many people don't have 4WD? I'd like to see more Baja routes which non-4WD can take. I travel alone so don't want to get stuck somewhere.


driving alone 4WD would definitely up the confidence :yes:

JZ - 7-15-2018 at 10:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajamary1952  
Does anyone know of those areas can be traveled by regular car/2WD drive as many people don't have 4WD? I'd like to see more Baja routes which non-4WD can take. I travel alone so don't want to get stuck somewhere.


Seven Sisters "might" be possible w/o 4x4, but I personally wouldn't try it.

There are tons of 2WD routes in Baja though.

David K - 7-15-2018 at 10:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajamary1952  
Does anyone know of those areas can be traveled by regular car/2WD drive as many people don't have 4WD? I'd like to see more Baja routes which non-4WD can take. I travel alone so don't want to get stuck somewhere.


The vast majority of roads to places you may want to see are passable in 2WD. 4WD is best to have always... it is insurance and peace of mind in the backcountry. Where 4WD shines is in the sand and on steep grades, or over deep ruts. With 2WD, just one of the two drive wheels spinning in sand or off the ground can halt forward movement. A 4WD has double the traction and greatly increases your travel ability. With a locking differential or traction control, even more mobility is possible.

Want to explore Baja? You should get a 4WD vehicle!
In the meantime, 2WD will get you to most places and in a pinch to go further or not get stuck in sand: Deflate the tires, and have a pump to air them back up.

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 10:53 AM

Not many hotels in the 7 sisters:light:

motoged - 7-15-2018 at 10:57 AM

Few of the rancheros drive 4X4's....and they don't get stuck so much.

4 wheel drive is nice, for sure, but sometimes gives folks a false sense of courage/ability...

willardguy - 7-15-2018 at 11:10 AM

2WD.....save a bucket load of weight and money

4WD.....single lady alone, priceless :coolup:

JZ - 7-15-2018 at 11:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
Few of the rancheros drive 4X4's....and they don't get stuck so much.

4 wheel drive is nice, for sure, but sometimes gives folks a false sense of courage/ability...


The fishermen on pangas don't use life jackets either.

Ranchers know where they are going. There are a many alternative roads, especially on the Pacific coast. Some in the 30 mile stretch South of Punta Canaos were so steep I was freakin' out.


[Edited on 7-15-2018 by JZ]

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 11:24 AM

Who cares? OP says "We'll stay in hotels/ rentals, not looking to camp."

off-topic as usual.

thebajarunner - 7-15-2018 at 11:28 AM

4 wheeling is a sort of disease
Fortunately, I have never caught it and happily 2 wheel all over Baja

Raced pickup class for 12 years (pre-TrophyTruck days when it was fun)
Preran probably 30,000 miles or more
All in 2 wheel drive.
Got stuck a couple times, but got right out (carry a good shovel and some expanded metal mats under your spare and you are good to go)

My sister was living in the Dominican Republic and wanted a 4 wheel drive.
I told her "If you are where you need it, you are somewhere you should not be"
End of argument and her 2x never got stuck

Read the road, avoid sand and you are happily down the road.

willardguy - 7-15-2018 at 11:36 AM

and pray it doesn't rain?

JZ - 7-15-2018 at 11:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Who cares? OP says "We'll stay in hotels/ rentals, not looking to camp."

off-topic as usual.


There is a hotel at Santa Rosalillita.

Anyway, just pipe down, no one cares if you are feeling grouchy today and you want to be the board police. We are talking general to Baja now, so kindly stfo.



[Edited on 7-15-2018 by JZ]

TMW - 7-15-2018 at 12:02 PM

First off the locals know where to go and avoid silt beds if driving two wheel drive.

Second if you were racing a two wheel drive it had a locked rear end or it was a rear engine vehicle. Weight on drive wheels better traction. 4 wheel drive race vehicle only use 4 wheel drive when necessary otherwise they are in 2 wheel drive.

Some of us have 4 wheel drive because we like to go where it is needed. You are not going to spend much time in the sand in a two wheel drive truck.



[Edited on 7-15-2018 by TMW]

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 12:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Who cares? OP says "We'll stay in hotels/ rentals, not looking to camp."

off-topic as usual.


There is a hotel at Santa Rosalillita.

Anyway, just pipe down, no one cares if you are feeling grouchy today and you want to be the board police. We are talking general to Baja now anyway, so kindly stfo.



[Edited on 7-15-2018 by JZ]
Hotel...Kind of...when not full of workers...shows how much you know...take your own advice and STFU.

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 12:27 PM

Sorry Baja99. Just the way this forum is. There are other forums that will answer your question.

BajaBlanca - 7-15-2018 at 12:40 PM

So suspect since I live here and love it here and could brag about it all day loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong.

:bounce:

tiotomasbcs - 7-15-2018 at 01:12 PM

Todos Santos area will be beautiful and mellow in August. Heating up but should still be nice. Check Casa Rancho in TS or google BnBs for beach rental. Smiles. All the Usual Suspects..Blanca and Les, ja, ja, ja!

[Edited on 7-15-2018 by tiotomasbcs]

JZ - 7-15-2018 at 02:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Sorry Baja99. Just the way this forum is. There are other forums that will answer your question.


Start by apologizing for having a flea up your butt today and b-tchin' about ppl talking about the need for 4x4. You started this mess, so don't be trying to lay the blame off on anyone else. Take your meds and/or get help.



[Edited on 7-15-2018 by JZ]

rts551 - 7-15-2018 at 02:55 PM

JiZ. Only complained about people taking this off topic when the person had a legit question. You were among the first to take it to 4x4. You want to talk off-road then start your own thread. No need for meds...Just need to ignore idiots.

baja99 - 7-15-2018 at 05:18 PM

Thebajarunner, I should have clarified. When we travel south, we usually head east when we get off the highway. Gonzaga, BOLA, Punta Chivato, Mulege and Loreto. We did drive San Ignacio to Scorpian Bay a few months ago. We just haven't explored many of the towns/ beaches on the Pacific side. Figured August was a good time to do it!

We do have 4 wheel drive truck, but are traveling with just 1 vehicle. Thanks for the advice/ ideas.

shari - 7-15-2018 at 05:24 PM

Just keep an eye on the weather down below as it is hurricane season and you can get stranded for a few days if it rains alot....have a blast...you will love the Pacside in the summer.

tiotomasbcs - 7-15-2018 at 05:25 PM

If we let the dust settle, more important info may be tendered. Use the Search function also..a little difficult but it does work. Lots of great info/mileage has already been talked about over the last few years! Stay on the Pacific in August! Enjoy. :cool: Tio

bobrehfuss - 7-15-2018 at 05:27 PM

Jennifer, I think you’ll have a great trip on the Pacific side. I’ve done several trips like you are talking about from the border to the southern end of Mag Bay amd many places in between. I may have some info that’s useful. Before I start rambling about places that you’ve already been to or are not interested in let me ask a few questions...if you’d prefer not to answer any of the questions by all means don’t. I’m not writing a book just trying to get some idea before I start babbling Baja BS :)

Are you starting in the US and going all the way to Todos Santos?
How much time are you taking for the trip?
How far do you like to travel from one place to the next before you stop?
Do you like to stay multiple days in one spot or move locations frequently?
Have you been to Erindira, Camalu, Bahia Santa Maria, Guerrero Negro, Bahia Asunción, La Bocana, Abreojos, San Ignacio or Mag Bay?
Are interested or not interested in info on any of these locations?
Do you like meeting and hanging out with local people or do you prefer to keep to yourself?
Would you like recommendations based on my experience or just general info?

Reply here or send me a U2U message and I’ll respond with what I hope is helpful info.

Bob

David K - 7-15-2018 at 05:38 PM

Please post ideas so others can learn of places to go! There are so many options in Baja!

shari - 7-15-2018 at 05:41 PM

great questions Bob and knowing the answers sure makes suggesting places much easier and more succinct.

Perhaps others who ask for recommendations should keep this in mind so they can get more useful answers.

baja99 - 7-15-2018 at 07:09 PM

Bobrehfuss,
Either starting in SD or Tecate. No intention to stop north of Ensenada (or in Ensenada). We don't necessarily plan to drive to Todos Santos, but would be willing to drive that far if there were must sees. Also an idea to explore the Pacific side, then fish 1-2 days in Loreto and head back. We have 10-11 days.

Of your list of towns, we have only been to Guerro Negro and San Ignacio. We've overnighted a couple times in Guerro but haven't spentuch time there.

Normally we like to meet people and hang out but this is more of a relax by ourselves / family bonding trip. Not that we'll be anti social! We don't want to move every night, but probably don't need more than 2-3 nights anywhere. Just trying to see what's out there this trip. I think I mentioned we don't want to camp. So our stops need a clean/safe hotel or house rental. Nothing fancy required.

We love the water. Surfing, swimming, fishing, tidepools....Thanks for any suggestions!

bobrehfuss - 7-15-2018 at 07:31 PM

Ok, I believe I understand what your looking for. I think it’s gonna be a great time to go down the pacific side for all the things you like to do.

I forgot to ask one moderately important question. How many people?

I’ll prob do this in a couple of posts so I don’t have to do it all at once.

Tecate Siiiiiii!!! Not only my favorite beer but I love the town and it’s such a nice way to start a Baja adventure. Breakfast at Birria el Poblano across the street for the first Pemex (yes it’s still a Pemex) once you cross the bridge leaving downtown. Prob about a half mile or so. It will be on the same side of the road as you. Super friendly, clean and great Birria de Res :)

baja99 - 7-15-2018 at 07:36 PM

Bobrehfuss,
Either starting in SD or Tecate. No intention to stop north of Ensenada (or in Ensenada). We don't necessarily plan to drive to Todos Santos, but would be willing to drive that far if there were must sees. Also an idea to explore the Pacific side, then fish 1-2 days in Loreto and head back. We have 10-11 days.

Of your list of towns, we have only been to Guerro Negro and San Ignacio. We've overnighted a couple times in Guerro but haven't spentuch time there.

Normally we like to meet people and hang out but this is more of a relax by ourselves / family bonding trip. Not that we'll be anti social! We don't want to move every night, but probably don't need more than 2-3 nights anywhere. Just trying to see what's out there this trip. I think I mentioned we don't want to camp. So our stops need a clean/safe hotel or house rental. Nothing fancy required.

We love the water. Surfing, swimming, fishing, tidepools....Thanks for any suggestions!

baja99 - 7-15-2018 at 09:41 PM

Family of 4, youngest is 18!

JZ - 7-15-2018 at 10:21 PM

If you don't want to camp you wouldn't want to run the entire SS's.

You could however drive down to Santa Rosalillita, and then head up North for about 30-35 miles or so. To say, Punta Cono or maybe even Bahia Blanco.

The best breaks and beaches are in that section. Punta Maria is really, really nice, and the dunes just South of Cono are spectacular.

The road from Santa Rosalillita North to these spots is really easy and fast. It's paved from Hwy 1 to Santa Rosalillita. There is a small, kind of crappy, hotel at SR and also another one that is bigger right off Hwy close to the turn off to SR.

This could be a fun day trip to see great beaches and world-class surf spots. Up for lunch and back before dark.

If you wanted to push it more, you could cut down to the Seven Sisters around Chapala and come out near Bahia Blanco, than head South to SR. Probably about a 70 mile trek. 10-20 miles of it will be a little bumpy.





[Edited on 7-16-2018 by JZ]

bobrehfuss - 7-15-2018 at 11:50 PM

Erindira

I assume from your comment about not stopping before or in Ensenada that you prefer the more laid back Baja vs Ensenada and north to the border. If that’s the case then Erindira is about the first place going south that fits that bill.

About a half hour off Hwy 1 driving through an agricultural valley you’ll get to Erindira. It’s a farming and fishing town that is actually quite a bit bigger than it seems as most of the town is up the hill and on the other side from the beach but there is a stretch right along the beach and there is a small hotel. Basic rooms, I’ve never stayed there but it appears clean.

There is also another place if you go north up the beach about 15 minutes called Coyote Cals and the have a bar but it seems like it’s only open on weekends but might be busier in summer and open during the week. There was another place next to CC that had casitas for rent but they were closed when I was there. There is VRBO available and when I go back I’m gonna rent a house.

There are some nice beaches and rocky shorelines and you can drive to the water. It’s a Fishing town so there are lots of fisherman and a few that specialize in sportfishing.

There is a cool dirt road road that goes south from town, down the beach and comes back out to San Vicente on Hwy 1 so if you wanted to you could do a loop.

There is not much in Erindira and not really tourist friendly but there are small stores where you can get whatever you need and couple places to eat. Seems like everything closes pretty early there.

It’s really a pretty place but it’s only about 3 hours from Tecate. With only 10 days and southern destinations in your sights you may wanna push a little further south your first day. It’s only about another hour and a half past the turn off to Erindira to the Cueva Pirata hotel near Camalu and maybe another hour past Camalu to Hotel Mission Santa Maria in Bahia Santa Maria which is my favorite spot for the first night on my way south.

baja99 - 7-16-2018 at 07:33 AM

Great info- thank you both!

Definetly prefer the laid back Baja, especially for this trip. I checked out the hotel and agree- better to get further south on day 1. Thank you!

bobrehfuss - 7-16-2018 at 08:24 AM

That makes sense. I’ll skip the info on Camalu.

Here are the places I can peovide info on that seem to fit your trip needs and time frame.

Bahia Santa Maria
Santa Rosalalita
Bahia Asunción
La Bocana
Abreojos

I can’t see how your gonna get farther than that in 10 days unless you drive real far down at the beginning, drive more than 4-5 hours several days or drive really far the back up at the end. Driving way down the first day is certainly an option if your into the long haul. It sounded to me like you want to see new places and check out what they have to offer more than you want to drive, drive, drive just to get farther south but perhaps I misunderstood and getting farther south is a priority? Let me know and I’ll post info later today as work permits.

David K - 7-16-2018 at 08:40 AM

As there are several Bahía Santa Marías, this one is the outter bay of San Quintín.

Santa Rosalillita is a tough one to spell for many, as well as Guerrero Negro and Puertecitos, etc.

Where ever you go, it can be a fun adventure!

shari - 7-16-2018 at 09:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by baja99  
Bobrehfuss,
Of your list of towns, we have only been to Guerro Negro and San Ignacio. We've overnighted a couple times in Guerro but haven't spentuch time there.

We love the water. Surfing, swimming, fishing, tidepools....Thanks for any suggestions!


If you do stop by Asuncion, we have a very friendly bunch of surfers that have a surf club and always enjoy showing others where to surf and socialize with them....the teens would have fun with them...try to hit here on a weekend for awesome food options too. We have a 3 bedroom, 4 bed Beach House that would suit your family.

JZ - 7-16-2018 at 10:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
Quote: Originally posted by baja99  
Bobrehfuss,
Of your list of towns, we have only been to Guerro Negro and San Ignacio. We've overnighted a couple times in Guerro but haven't spentuch time there.

We love the water. Surfing, swimming, fishing, tidepools....Thanks for any suggestions!


If you do stop by Asuncion, we have a very friendly bunch of surfers that have a surf club and always enjoy showing others where to surf and socialize with them....the teens would have fun with them...try to hit here on a weekend for awesome food options too. We have a 3 bedroom, 4 bed Beach House that would suit your family.


What are the rates? I've never been to Asuncion, but would like to hit it up.

rts551 - 7-16-2018 at 11:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
Quote: Originally posted by baja99  
Bobrehfuss,
Of your list of towns, we have only been to Guerro Negro and San Ignacio. We've overnighted a couple times in Guerro but haven't spentuch time there.

We love the water. Surfing, swimming, fishing, tidepools....Thanks for any suggestions!


If you do stop by Asuncion, we have a very friendly bunch of surfers that have a surf club and always enjoy showing others where to surf and socialize with them....the teens would have fun with them...try to hit here on a weekend for awesome food options too. We have a 3 bedroom, 4 bed Beach House that would suit your family.



You could then direct them down the coastline to see some of the most pristine beaches and coastline in all of Baja.

BajaBlanca - 7-16-2018 at 02:05 PM

Oh the beaches between Asuncion and here in La Bocana are so pretty!!

If you should decide to stay in La Bocana, we have a bnb that is really just a hotelito since we don't live there any more and Les doesn't do breakfasts any more. You will love it. Views are lovely.

For the wife, we can set up a massage at the bnb for $500 pesos! You choose deep tissue or soft tissue. I have done it twice now and ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh talk about bliss!!

Full kitchen and back picnic area and a view to die for for $40/nite since we don't charge for kids.



David K - 7-16-2018 at 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
Oh the beaches between Asuncion and here in La Bocana are so pretty!!

If you should decide to stay in La Bocana, we have a bnb that is really just a hotelito since we don't live there any more and Les doesn't do breakfasts any more. You will love it. Views are lovely.

For the wife, we can set up a massage at the bnb for $500 pesos! You choose deep tissue or soft tissue. I have done it twice now and ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh talk about bliss!!

Full kitchen and back picnic area and a view to die for for $40/nite since we don't charge for kids.









Check out my recent trip report along the Pac Coast

thebajarunner - 7-16-2018 at 03:29 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=90623#pid1125...

Spend a night in Guerrero Negro, then down to Viscaino and across to the northwesterly tip of BCS.
When you depart take the roads down to Asuncion, Bocana and Abreojos as noted by others on this post.
Up above Isla Tortugas is about as laid back and non-touristy as you will find.

JZ - 7-16-2018 at 03:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
Oh the beaches between Asuncion and here in La Bocana are so pretty!!

If you should decide to stay in La Bocana, we have a bnb that is really just a hotelito since we don't live there any more and Les doesn't do breakfasts any more. You will love it. Views are lovely.

For the wife, we can set up a massage at the bnb for $500 pesos! You choose deep tissue or soft tissue. I have done it twice now and ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh talk about bliss!!

Full kitchen and back picnic area and a view to die for for $40/nite since we don't charge for kids.



What's the drive like between the two? Pretty deserted between the two locations?

TMW - 7-16-2018 at 04:31 PM

JZ It's pretty much open country that follows the coast line but not like the sisters, there are mountains to the east. For the most part you follow the power lines. In the middle are a couple of small villages. I have not stopped there just passed by so I don't know what is there. It is a good drive or MC ride and you get close to the water at times.

tiotomasbcs - 7-16-2018 at 04:37 PM

don't think you'd like it jz!

thebajarunner - 7-16-2018 at 04:54 PM

The drive between Asuncion and Abreojos is not all that scenic, you are mostly driving with dunes between you and the surf
But you are so close to the water that a stop and walk across the dunes puts you right on beach.
The road is good, where is stays on the hard packed tidal flat land it is 100 mph if you so desire, and the regular upper dirt road is fast also.
The whole trip can be made in just over an hour if you are bored and want to just enjoy the towns on each end.

bobrehfuss - 7-16-2018 at 05:49 PM

Yes, I was referring to the Bahía Santa Maria just south of San Quintin. It’s my favorite spot to stay the first night of my Baja trips cause I can easily make it there in a long days drive from Big Bear and still have time to stop in Tecate for Birria, Camalu for mariscos, a few other pit stops along the way and still time for paprika crab at Mission Santa Maria.

Im no Baja expert by any means but I like to travel Baja with friends, stay in houses/hotels and do many of the things that the OP likes. I also love camping but that’s a different kind of trip although I do combine the two sometimes.

I thought Jenifer asked a reasonable question very relavent to BN but after a little helpful input and a suggestion of the Seven Sisters the conversation pretty much turned to Crazy Ass Nomads battling each other via keyboard.

I just thought I’d chime in with some relevant conversation and see if any one else might join in too. Looks like that happened so that’s pretty cool cause there is so much great info here collectively....Can’t we all just get along, haha!!

I love your maps David. Perhaps you can post a few showing the places I’m talking about as I don’t have that resource and I’m hoping some folks with more knowledge will fill in the blanks that I leave and even suggest places that I’m not familiar with.

Shari, when I said Bahía Ascuncion it was your beach house that I had in mind just the same as I was thinking Les and Blancas place for La Bocana. I even think the drive between the two places along the coast is cool and agree with Blanca that the beaches are so beautiful although it takes me way more than an hour cause I’m slow and I stop a lot.

shari - 7-16-2018 at 06:12 PM

Ralf I assumed they would most certainly be heading down to La Bocana & Abrojos if they stopped here in Asuncion.

There are a couple of road choices between here and there...we always take the beautiful vigilancia road right at the edge of the ocean for some great beach combing. You get on it just at the end of the first fishing village of Punta Prieta and it goes between there and San Hipolito which has some secret surf spots too along there on a certain swell. AND a great fishing hole at the lighthouse for halibut.

You would have to be going pretty darn fast to do that road in an hour...takes us 2 safely. It is often really crappy washboard between San Hipolito & La Bocana but generally graded from Asuncion to San Hipolito but gets back quick due to the fishermen traffic driving back and forth.
At low tide you can drive the gorgeous looooooong sandy beach between San Hipolito and La Bocana...a bit tricky getting back up on the road perhaps. The little villages are really cute and friendly too.

JZ- we have all kinds of different accommodation options from campground to our Inn where rooms start at $40-$75 and the Beach House starts at $90 a night...off season rates apply from April-July.

JZ - 7-16-2018 at 07:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
Ralf I assumed they would most certainly be heading down to La Bocana & Abrojos if they stopped here in Asuncion.

There are a couple of road choices between here and there...we always take the beautiful vigilancia road right at the edge of the ocean for some great beach combing. You get on it just at the end of the first fishing village of Punta Prieta and it goes between there and San Hipolito which has some secret surf spots too along there on a certain swell. AND a great fishing hole at the lighthouse for halibut.

You would have to be going pretty darn fast to do that road in an hour...takes us 2 safely. It is often really crappy washboard between San Hipolito & La Bocana but generally graded from Asuncion to San Hipolito but gets back quick due to the fishermen traffic driving back and forth.
At low tide you can drive the gorgeous looooooong sandy beach between San Hipolito and La Bocana...a bit tricky getting back up on the road perhaps. The little villages are really cute and friendly too.

JZ- we have all kinds of different accommodation options from campground to our Inn where rooms start at $40-$75 and the Beach House starts at $90 a night...off season rates apply from April-July.


I'm definitely gonna do this run on our bikes in the near future. Probably on our way back in August. Start South and head North.

Will have to bring a tide chart, as I want to rip that beach section between La Bocana and San Hipolito.

JZ - 7-16-2018 at 07:13 PM

Anyone done the run from Scorpion Bay up North to Punta Abrojos. We've been to the dunes above SB, but no further. How hard is it? Worth doing?




[Edited on 7-17-2018 by JZ]

bobrehfuss - 7-16-2018 at 08:03 PM

Bahia Santa Maria

Just south of San Quintin about 4 hours drive from Tecate is a beautiful bay with sandy beaches and in the middle is Mission Santa Maria Hotel. It sits pretty much all by itself in this isolated, quiet location.

The hotel is about 100 yards back from the beach and all of the second floor rooms have huge balconies with an incredible view of the beach and ocean. All of the rooms in the main hotel are large with two beds, clean, comfortable, AC/heat, TV if you want it and big showers with hot water. There is a back part of the hotel that has smaller rooms and no view.

The hotel has a great bar on the main floor with a pool table and is kid friendly. Downstairs is a nice restaurant with the best paprika crab around.

From the hotel you can walk north or south as far as you want along sandy beaches and if you go north you will probably not see another person while your strolling with the sea on your left and cool sand dunes on your right.

The water is calm and good for swimming unless some big storm surge is happening. If the wind isn’t blowing it’s a great beach to hang out.

The clam digging for pismos is really good in front of the hotel and especially to the north. Well, I mean that’s what Ive seen. Since I’m American and clamming is prohibited for non Mexicans I just collect sea shells while the locals go clamming at low tide. They tell me the lower the better.

Right in front of the hotel is great surf perch fishing. Pretty much any where you go there are fish. Clams for bait on the incoming tide to high tide seem to work best especially if you can get enough clams to chum a bit. Clams in the shell or cleaned are readily available in the area if you ask.

If you wanna go fishing on a boat it’s only about 15 minutes to the ramp at the Old Mill where the local sport fishing fleet launches. August can be very good for Seabass and yellowtail as well as all of the other usual suspects that inhabit those waters year around.

There’s lots of other cool stuff to do in the area but if your heading south the souther you go the better it gets. When I’m staying in the area I do lots of stuff for days. When I’m going south I like to have dinner and drinks at the hotel in the evening. Enjoy the beach in the morning then head out to the next place.

On your way south Parcella 12 restaurant is a great spot to stop for all you can eat, home made goodness. Another 20 minutes south from there is La Lobera. If you haven’t been there it’s well worth the detour off the paved road to see this unique Baja gem.




BajaBlanca - 7-16-2018 at 08:17 PM

bobrehfass - what great information you shared!

jz you asked what was between the two towns and really, there are some mountains to the east. one ranch kinda sorta close to Asuncion. Two miniature villages called hipolito and punta prieta that you detour off the road to get to.

Other than that, basically, there are dunes and beach for 1.5 hours.


I like going thru the tiny towns, and my second favorite coast ride so far is precisely the beaches between us and Asuncion. First is Bahia Concepcion coast. For sure sometimes the road is easy and smooth as you leave Bocana but sometimes it is BRUTAL. Eventually it eases off

There are many fossils, petrified rocks and arrowheads in some of the arroyos on playa los huesos which is the last long beach before you get to La Bocanita/La Bocana - so I have heard since I, myself, have never found any.

rts551 - 7-16-2018 at 08:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Anyone done the run from Scorpion Bay up North to Punta Abrojos. We've been to the dunes above SB, but no further. How hard is it? Worth doing?




[Edited on 7-17-2018 by JZ]


There is no road directly between Laguna San Ignacio (north of San Juanico) and Punta Abreojos. You have to go inland to San Ignacio and back out to Abreojos.

bobrehfuss - 7-17-2018 at 08:55 PM

Santa Rosalillita

About 4 1/2 hours south from San Quintin is Santa Rosalillita. Clearly marked off Hwy 1 is a very wide paved road that’s an easy drive to the coast. As JZ mentioned there is amazing coastline and and pristine beaches to the north.

It’s a small rustic fishing Villiage. There is a little hotel, a couple stores and places to eat in town. I’ve never stayed at the hotel so don’t have any first hand info but I think some other Nomads do if you need it maybe they will chime in.

There is a big abandoned marina that was going to be the Pacific port for the escalera náutica. It’s interesting to check out when passing through.

There is very good panga fishing but it’s beach launch and old school commercial panga so not sure if that’s family friendly. Here is who I fished with if your interested.
Fishing Guide
Manuel "El Macaco"
4th house from the end of the houses.

The beaches and road to the north are pretty awesome. I haven’t spent much time there or seen all of it to the north but I believe JZ has lots of experience there.

I hear there can be some good surf in that area but I don’t have specific info on that either.

There may be a way to enter from Hwy 1 somewhere north and then drive along the coast to town if you want an adventure. Otherwise I think it would be a drive in, go north, come back out the same way you came in kind of journey.

bobrehfuss - 7-17-2018 at 09:39 PM

Bahia Asuncion, La Bocana, Abreojos.

BA, is a bustling coastal fishing town. Contact Shari and stay at her beach house. Everything you like to do is there and I won’t even bother to elaborate much cause she can give you way better info but I would recommend fishing with Juan, visit their ocean front La Bufadora Inn, enjoy the view and a cold beer or two. Have some good food in town.

LB, just down the road but a whole different world, is a sleepy little Fishing Villiage. Everything you like to do is here as well. Just talk to Blanca and she can get you all set up at her place and help you with anything. Fishing there is great too. I like fishing with Joquin cause we are buds but Domingo is a very, very good captain. If you can make it happen see if you can do a day of Fishing in the lagoon with Joquin and his brother Juancy. Nothing big and all catch and release but some of the best, non-stop action anywhere and it’s calm and sheltered from the wind. Super fun!!!
Make sure you have dinner with Blanca and Les at Joquin’s private restaurant “The Baja Cactus”. If you like good food and good times you will not top this. Real good meat and fresh ginger are two things that you can bring for Joquin that he always appreciates. Also Blanca does so much for that community and for the kids. Make sure ask her what you can bring to help out cause there is alway someone that can use something from the states.

Abreojos is not far from from LB and quite a bit bigger town. I’ve only been there to fish. It has a reputation for some epic grouper fishing. I think you can only keep one but how many do you need.
Fishing Guide
Rigo Rigoberto Zuniga on
Juan de la Barrera street
Is the guy that we fished with. Groupeeeeeer, enough said!!! I don’t know anything about the town cause I have only passed through on my way to LB or to fish. I’ve never stayed there, ate there, etc. But I’m confident some Nomad has info. Just out of town to the south is Campo Rene it’s a really cool place on the beach/lagoon and worth a stop when you go by. There can be some great beach fishing right in this area. If you see birds feeding in the surf just cast into them with a krocodile and sometimes it’s WFO.

David K - 7-18-2018 at 06:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bobrehfuss  


I love your maps David. Perhaps you can post a few showing the places I’m talking about as I don’t have that resource and I’m hoping some folks with more knowledge will fill in the blanks that I leave and even suggest places that I’m not familiar with.



Hi Bob,
Thank you for your contributions!
It is a good thing to hear from others about all the great places in Baja.
You are welcome to use my maps if they help your posts. They are all in the Road Conditions forum: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=88771.
When you click on one, it should take you to the Photobucket page it is hosted on where you will see links along the side menu. Copy and the IMG link and then paste it on the Nomad posting where you want it. The maps go with the road guide I produced from all my 2017 travels.

Here are five that cover the Asuncion to Abreojos area and access roads from Hwy. 1:




Note, the 15 kms of unpaved road to Tortugas shown near San José de Castro, are now paved.









[Edited on 7-18-2018 by David K]

thebajarunner - 7-18-2018 at 08:00 AM

Note that the cutoff road between San Jose de Castro and Asuncion is not paved.
Also, if you are going up to Punta Falsa, as I recommended earlier, this cutoff has a very small sign, so keep heads up.
We did not take this road, my other traveling guys wimped out and opted for pavement both directions, which was good all the way.

shari - 7-18-2018 at 08:31 AM

another note is that the fish camp of San Pablo north of Asuncion has a locked gate...but you dont get to it until just before the village. It is to keep poachers out of the area.

San Roque is open and beautiful and there is a road that goes up the hills from there too.

David K - 7-18-2018 at 08:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner  
Note that the cutoff road between San Jose de Castro and Asuncion is not paved.
Also, if you are going up to Punta Falsa, as I recommended earlier, this cutoff has a very small sign, so keep heads up.
We did not take this road, my other traveling guys wimped out and opted for pavement both directions, which was good all the way.


Correct, other than Hwy. 1, paved roads on these maps are heavy black lines. The direct road between Asuncion and San José de Castro is a graded road, easy in 2WD, but has some rough areas, mostly on the end near Asuncion, typical of heavy traffic and lack of fresh grading. Just leaving Tortugas for Punta Falsa is also very rough for about a mile then is an excellent dirt road.

bobrehfuss - 7-18-2018 at 12:41 PM

David, I wasn’t aware that your maps were available like that.
Super cool, thanks.

David K - 7-18-2018 at 01:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bobrehfuss  
David, I wasn’t aware that your maps were available like that.
Super cool, thanks.


The pleasure is mine!
The maps don't help anyone if they are not available after the work I did plus the Nomads input with their proofreading and corrections!

I may have missed it, but how about a post about you and what drew you to Baja and why you like helping others?

EDIT: I did go back to your first trip report to recall that... very nice. I hope your back recovered after you left San Ignacio. Maybe make it further south next big trip?



[Edited on 7-18-2018 by David K]

bobrehfuss - 7-18-2018 at 07:46 PM

Well, back is still giving me trouble. Haven’t made it past Gonzaga or Ensenada since last November cause driving hurts.

I actually had a small surgical procedure today and in recovery now. Should be back on my feet by Sunday. Physical therapy after that. Unfortunately no trips for me for a while. If not better in 6-8 weeks the fusion surgery will be necessary.

I’d be happy to post what originally drew me to Baja and when, why I continue to return 8-12 weeks a year, where I’ve been, what I do and why I like to share Baja and Fishing info with others.

As I don’t feel this is the appropriate place for that can you please recommend where I should post that and I will.

Thanks
Bob

David K - 7-18-2018 at 09:11 PM

I hope you have a speedy and successful recovery!

If you want to share past trip reports, then I would use the Trip Reports forum and include the year in the title/subject line of the post.

JZ - 7-18-2018 at 09:37 PM

What's the 70km road like between Laguna San Ignacio and San Ignacio?

David K - 7-18-2018 at 09:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
What's the 70km road like between Laguna San Ignacio and San Ignacio?


Where is it saying 70 kms anywhere?

On my map, just above, you can see Km. 47 just before the pavement ends (ie. it's a good Paved Road). It is 6 more miles to the shore of the lagoon or about 52 kms. from San Ignacio. Those last 6 miles are elevated over the salina and ready for pavement, ie. easy for anything to drive. It is 4 more miles to the village or to Antonio's or Kuyima Camp, depending which fork you take. See my map. If you are continuing on to San Juanico, word from Desert Bull is the High Road is now super fast with new grading. It's about 70 miles from the lagoon to San Juanico.

JZ - 7-18-2018 at 10:05 PM

Gotcha. Thx.

baja99 - 7-21-2018 at 11:03 AM

Bobrehfuss, thanks for taking the time to post all this! I appreciate it! I'm printing these out along with David's maps to piece it all together. Thanks again! :)

bobrehfuss - 7-22-2018 at 05:08 PM

Your welcome, hope you have a fantastic trip!!!

Always looking for new spots, hope you find some. Looking forward to your report and pics.

baja99 - 7-24-2018 at 10:08 PM

One more question regarding hotels. Do you think I'll need reservations ahead of time, or are there usually rooms available?
Thanks!