Anyone tried GN to Bahia Asuncion via "Bombas de Salinas?"

Sam told Frodo that short cuts make long delays, and that's probably true in this case. But still, I'm wondering -- has anyone tried this alternative to going around through Vizcaino to get to Bahia Asuncion from the North?

-- Take right off Hwy 1 toward Estero Ojo de Liebre

-- Go left on secondary road that passes through Bombas de Salinas, close by the Laguna

-- Strike the highway between Vizcaino and Bahia Tortugas at a T, and continue right and onward over the usual paved roads.

Maybe that secondary road is full of sand dunes and obstacles? Or maybe it is flat and straight, and could actually save some time. It looks much more direct on the maps I have. If you know, please let me know Thanks!

One way to avoid the radar-speed trap on Hwy. 1!

Seriously, it was a popular route in the days before Hwy. 1 was built to Guerrero Negro in 1973.

You should go to the salt company and ask about access. I suspect now with a paved highway to Tortugas from Vizcaino, they won't understand why you would want to go this shorter but probably longer time-wise route.

A Nomad did go to the historic waterhole, Ojo de Liebre (from which the Mexicans named Scammon's Lagoon, Laguna Ojo de Liebre). It is located about mid-way around the lagoon and a few miles east of it using the long way around, in from the salt flats.

I can post more maps and more from old guidebooks on this area if anyone would like to see them.

Here is the 1962 Gulick maps with modern roads drawn in, on the first one... note Ojo de Liebre along the left edge:





Here is a 1975 map:



GPS of the spring on Almanac map:





AAA Map of 2010:



Best of luck and please report back what yo0u do get to do!

If I had one more map...

Quote: Originally posted by shari

the road referred to as close to the lagoon that goes past 8 bombas is not open to the public...there are 2 manned gates that you need a special permit to go through from the ESSA salt works. It is a wonderful bird watching area but now closed to the public to protect the salt works equipment.

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks

Same route as 4x4abc, above, embedded in Google Maps. 41km from pavement to pavement.

I took the "Antenna" road 2 weeks ago. Came from El Arco down the wide graded road. Crossed the Hwy 1. Opened and then Closed the gate.

It was a nice ride. Dropped us out by the antenna on the other end. No water or mud.

It was my first time on this route. I missed a couple turns and ended up at some ranchos a couple times. I don't use GPS. Old School adventure style

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks   Same route as 4x4abc, above, embedded in Google Maps. 41km from pavement to pavement. Is this one open? [Edited on 12-17-2018 by JZ]

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

many good roads in that area - this one is best: http://baja101.com/Baja-GPS/Old4x4.kmz

Here is Harald's map. I added the GPS point of Ojo de Liebre spring. I do not know what "Starting Location" is. That was on Harald's map.

David K said:

"Seriously, it was a popular route in the days before Hwy. 1 was built to Guerrero Negro in 1973.

You should go to the salt company and ask about access. I suspect now with a paved highway to Tortugas from Vizcaino, they won't understand why you would want to go this shorter but probably longer time-wise route....."

My experience, having traveled it recently has no need for suspicion:

It is shorter and quicker....some local work trucks use it regularly, as well as some other locals....and I am not sure that is all saltworks property...so asking for permission is not needed.

So let the guessing continue, or find it and enjoy it.




[Edited on 12-17-2018 by motoged]

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

David K said: "Seriously, it was a popular route in the days before Hwy. 1 was built to Guerrero Negro in 1973. You should go to the salt company and ask about access. I suspect now with a paved highway to Tortugas from Vizcaino, they won't understand why you would want to go this shorter but probably longer time-wise route....." My experience, having traveled it recently has no need for suspicion: It is shorter and quicker....some local work trucks use it regularly, as well as some other locals....and I am not sure that is all saltworks property...so asking for permission is not needed. So let the guessing continue, or find it and enjoy it. [Edited on 12-17-2018 by motoged]

Thanks everyone! The nomads do take their roads seriously

If a chunk of time opens where I need to rest my kayaking back, I might just try some of that. I do plenty of sitting around on a Baja trip, mostly in a gravity chair; but why not spend some of that time finding new routes, right?

I'm giddy because I think I just found out that I can get out of work a whole day earlier and start down Wednesday. Viva Baja!

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Can someone mark the spot were Shari's whale tours launch from?

In a few weeks I will move to Guerrero Negro for the season as I do trips every day and leave the Inn to my husband and Inn sitters...it's 2.5 hours driving to the lagoon from Asuncion.

I do trips out of Guerrero Negro to two opposite ends of Laguna Ojo de Liebre. Depending on the weather and whale activity I choose between the very inner lagoon where you can drive into the Ejido Benito Juarez campground and Interpretive Centre/Restaurant/Gift shop...





or out at the mouth and our pangas leave from out by the salt works and have lunch at our remote Whale Camp on these excursions.







[Edited on 12-19-2018 by shari]