BajaNomad - Trip Planning - San Diego to Guerrero Negro and back

Trip Planning - San Diego to Guerrero Negro and back

pandesol - 3-2-2020 at 05:25 PM

Hola Nomads. First, a big thanks to all and the site admin for all of the great info here. I have been reading through hundreds of posts, Q&As and trip reports here in preparation for an upcoming trip to Guerrero Negro to see the grey whales. I would appreciate if you could assist me with an itinerary check and answer a few questions about my trip.
A little about us first, we are a family of four (me, wife, two boy ages 12 & 14), will potentially be bringing along our Golden Retriever…which would be a first for me to travel in Baja with a dog. We have routinely been going to Baja to eat, visit and stay…mostly in the north of Baja Norte, TJ to Ensenada and various places in between. I have been to San Quintin as a teen way back in the 80s when my Dad used to take us on Baja adventures but, I don't really recall the town and I haven't been back since. We will be traveling in a '98 Dodge Durango V8 with 4x4. Though we plan on staying at a few hotels we will be packing a tent and camping supplies for any impromptu possibilities (Catavina and a few of the beaches near Mulege might trigger this option). My partial itinerary is as follows (currently struggling with my return trip plans):
3/21 - Drive San Diego to San Quintin (considering a stay at Don Eddie's, Jardines or Molino Viejo)
3/22 - Drive San Quintin to Guerrero Negro (considering a stay at Malarrimo Motel)
3/23 - Whale Tour then Drive to Mulege (considering a 2 day stay at Hotel Serenidad)
3/24 - Explore beaches of Bahia Concepcion
3/25 - Explore petroglyphs of San Borjitas then drive to San Ignancio (considering a stay at San Ignacio Springs)
3/26 - Drive San Ignacio to Bahia de los Angeles
3/27 - Drive Bahia de los Angeles to San Felipe
3/28 - Drive San Felipe to San Diego

Are the times between 3/21 - 3/25 reasonably doable? My pain points are, I really don't want to pass Catavina. I am even considering driving straight through to Catavina and skip San Quintin to camp under the stars and see the petroglyphs there. If we choose to, is it reasonable to think we can arrive in Catavina in time to set up a camp and tour the petroglyphs there? Also leaving the next morning, could we arrive in Guerrero Negro on 3/22 to do a late afternoon whale tour?
I am also really struggling with my return itinerary trying to make it fun while also knocking down the miles to get back home. Generally, I'm interested in returning north via MEX 5 through San Felipe and then MEX 3 through Ojos Negros and Valle de Guadalupe to the Tecate US Border entry. I can stretch my trip to 3/29 if needed but I would like to get back 3/28 to shake the Baja dust out of my ears so I'm ready for the dreaded work week ahead. I would appreciate any insight you can lend to improve my plan.

A few questions I have are:
1) Are there any issues with bringing a full 15lb. Propane tank across the border? Do I need to declare it? We intend to use it for camp cooking and portable fire pit.
2) What are my options for securing my dog while whale watching? He's a 70 lb, intact, Golden Retriever. We will be packing his crate to use while hoteling and camping.
3) I have not made any reservations yet. Sounds crazy but reservations sort of make me feel like I'm committed to get somewhere on schedule and on time. Plus, I have read report after report of people saying their reservations were forgotten or turned out to not exist. Should I just roll the dice?
4) Are there any medical clinics or hospitals in any of the towns listed? My youngest son is allergic to bees. We will have Epi-Pens but I want to make sure I can get to actual medical services if needed too.
5) I recall reading that there is a race event of some sort in San Felipe in March. Does anyone know what this event is and when? I'd like to avoid competing for hotel rooms if possible and may choose to skip San Felipe altogether if needed. I'm generally not interested in crazy chaotic crowded events. I'm good with local Ejido events though.
6) I thought I read that one could drive themselves to a ranch near the San Borjitas petroglyphs, hire a guide there and hike/walk in to view them. True? I'm just thinking if I am going back to San Ignacio anyway, I could drive to the ranch, view the petroglyphs and then continue on from there to San Ignacio rather than finding Salvador in Mulege. Thoughts?

Apologies for the long winded first post. Thanks in advance for any info you can lend. I'm still researching and reading. I'm really quite laid back and not as urgent as this post might sound. Getting up close and personal with the whales is what started the planning of this whole trip. That's really the only important thing for us to execute on. The rest is "hope to make it happen" stuff…if not this trip, then the next.

Bajazly - 3-2-2020 at 05:30 PM

Your San Felipe dates are right in the middle of the SF 250 where all of the hotels are likely booked.

In your time frame I would also make GN my furthest point south. Trying to get all the way to and from Bahia Concepcion is going to be a slog and not a huge bang for the buck. From GN you could head out thru El Arco and in to Bahia de Los Angeles the dirt route. Camp at San Rafael for a day and then into Bahia and spend a day or two there.

San Felipe in only 200 miles north and there are a few spots to camp before you get to SF. The race is on Saturday so it would be possible to even camp the night before and watch the race come by the next day and bail out on Sunday morning.

[Edited on 3-3-2020 by Bajazly]

Lee - 3-2-2020 at 06:27 PM

Catavina is no problem from SD.

Crate your dog, park in the shade with windows cracked, while whale watching.

My one experience at Laguna Ojo de Liebre: morning tour was perfect though there were too many people in the boat. Afternoon was blown out and choppy and sucked big time. Returning through the chop was brutal. Won't be doing a p.m. crowded boat again.

Stay at Terrasal instead of Malarrimo in GN. Eat at Mario's.

Unlikely you'll get in to Jardines on a weekend two weeks out.

GN to SF is 250 miles.

Have fun.

David K - 3-2-2020 at 06:34 PM

The Score San Felipe 250 off-road race is March 28 and the town will be near-impossible to drive through without delays. This includes the day before and the day after the race. No hotels will have vacancies, probably.

A 1-week trip with a full day devoted to the whales and 2 days down and 2 days back from Guerrero Negro leaves you just 2 days for something else. Sure, you can get to or from Guerrero Negro in one long day, but with a family, that is no way to do a road trip. Highway 1 south of San Quintin is only 19 feet wide and on an elevated levee much of the ways... Very dangerous and not easy to pull off. Please don't push it.

What you want to see and do is best done in a 10-14 day trip. The kids and dog will LOVE Bahia Concepcion, in the summer... so come back then!

See many places of interest, including the 200-300+ year old Spanish missions, on my site for planning ides: www.vivabaja.com

mtgoat666 - 3-2-2020 at 09:15 PM

Catavina is a good stop for first night. But leave San Diego by 630 am so you get there with time to Explore and find somewhere to camp.

29°47'36"N 114°47'11"W is the general area in Catavina to look for camping,... explore the side roads (tracks), just navigate toward the tallest rocks, camp where you like...

Go to San Ignacio for whales. The town alone is worth the visit. The whale camps at San Ignacio have a good vibe. The whale camps at GN have a more industrial vibe.

San Ignacio is a half day drive from Catavina.

San Felipe is the arm pit of baja. skip it. It’s yucky, just mud beaches, Crappy bars, and desert rat gray hairs on atvs. It’s an easy 1 day drive from Bahia de Los Angeles to San Diego.

Do a side trip to Sierra de San Fransisco, it’s the place to see rock paintings. The drive up to the top of the sierras is scenery that can’t be beat.

If weather good, go up to San Pedro martir,... though probably too cold in March....

mtgoat666 - 3-2-2020 at 09:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

The kids and dog will LOVE Bahia Concepcion, in the summer... so come back then!

110 degrees and 90% humidity. No one enjoys that area in summer. Are you on drugs?

David K - 3-2-2020 at 10:29 PM

Climate lies, goat.
I have camped there many times in July also in August and September. Ask Bob & Susan, they live there full time. Days are in the 90°s. The sea water is luxuriously warm. It is humid at night and that is tough for some but the wonderful days free of crowds make up for that.
Mexican natives have lived in Mulegé since the early 1800s... are they super human living without AC?

pandesol - 3-3-2020 at 12:00 PM

Thanks for the info provided so far. I think we will definitely skip San Felipe and maybe that route back to the US altogether. San Pedro Martir sounds like a possibility, if not this trip another trip in the near future as we routinely go to Ensenada anyway...never knew the place existed.

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 01:59 PM

Goat has given you pretty solid advice. What is says about San Felipe is spot on.

BoLA is a fun place. Since your time is limited, spend more time there instead of going to Concepcion.

Get on a boat and see all the islands. You can take the dog.

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

BajaBlanca - 3-3-2020 at 04:24 PM

Don't wait for summer! Go see the whales!

The Sea of Cortez is brutal in the summer...even with the water you feel hot all the time.

Every town and bigger village has a medical clinic, they are small, usually free and can handle basic first aid but not much more. Guerrero Negro has a hospital (I have never been there).

Terra Sal hotel is newer. As you turn in towards main street in G Negro, it is on your right.

I don't think there is a problem at all bringing the propane tank, they are in all RVs and there are so many in Baja.

From G Negro, you can do one more morning of whales or the drive to San Ignacio is 45 minutes. I think you and the kids will enjoy the town - there is an ice cream shop on the main square, there is a huge mission church built by the Indians, there is a free and VERY interesting museum a block away from the main square (ask anyone for the Juanita moo zay oh (museum in Spanish). Her garden with the natural spring running thru it is absolutely awesome. One of the best restaurants is LA HUERTA. The yurts are so fun for kids since some of them are right on the river.

Ask away if you have more questions!!

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 05:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

The Sea of Cortez is brutal in the summer...even with the water you feel hot all the time.

Disagree majorly with this. SoC in the summer is fantastic.

But you have be out on the water to enjoy it. We have spent 20 summer boating all over the SoC. Not much better in this world.

David K - 3-3-2020 at 05:37 PM

Do people complain about the heat and humidity on their trips to Tahiti or Hawaii? Who wants to go to a cold place with cold water on a vacation?

JZ, as I do, knows the healthy warmth of the Cortez is wonderful in the summer. In addition, no fighting for a camping spot as half of Canada won't be there, as they are in the winter.

pandesol - 3-3-2020 at 05:37 PM

Thanks JZ and BajaBlanca for the added encouragement. We are definitely a go and not waiting until summer. I have been to Puertocitos for a fishing trip during the summer and all I could think during that trip was "I'm glad I didn't bring my kids." I think it was 112 f that trip so, experiencing those temps with 4 people and a dog crammed in a SUV doesn't appeal to me.
JZ, any stand out recommendations for BoLA?
BajaBlanca, I think we will be making a reservation at San Ignacio Springs for exactly the reasons you describe.
San Borjitas Cave paintings, do I really need to drive all the way to Mulege to get a guide? I read somewhere that I could drive to the ranch nearby the trail head and get a permit and guide onsite. Does anyone have the details on directions for that option?
Thanks again all, keep the tips coming please.

David K - 3-3-2020 at 05:42 PM

Yes, I detailed San Borjitas in my May 2019 trip report here and in my Baja Bound article, too.

San Borjitas road is not far from Mulegé, so that is a natural place to spend the night... The road is at Palo Verde, north of the Punta Chivato road.

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 06:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pandesol

JZ, any stand out recommendations for BoLA?

BoLA recs:

Hotel

Costa del Sol is the best hotel. Right on the main drag. Good restaurant. You'll meet interesting ppl there.

Boating

See the map below. Take a panga out for the day and see the islands. It will maybe be $150, depending on who you go with.

The island with the pin "cool bay" is really interesting. Excellent bay. You can hike to the top of the island and see the whole area. The pin labeled SS Minnow near Rincon is one of the prettiest white sand beaches you will see. That time of year I believe they have whale sharks out near Rincon.

Puerto Don Juan is pretty cool as well.

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

[Edited on 3-5-2020 by BajaNomad]

wilderone - 3-3-2020 at 06:06 PM

Since you'll have camping gear, I think camping at the whale watch launch area campground would be more fun than a hotel in GN. Get a boat the next morning. It's totally hit or miss on weather and how many are in the boat. You can see how many are on the list before you, watch them fill the boats, tell them you'll wait for the next boat, etc. If there is wind, it would be in the afternoon. Yes, it would be best to get a guide in Mulege for San Borjitos. There are other pictographs in the Sierra San Francisco - a couple sites you don't need a permit for, but check in at the small village of San Francisco. Otherwise, I think you have a fine itinerary, though a bit rushed. IMO San Felipe is fine for an afternoon arrival, some shopping, nice restaurant meal, mariachis. Then cross the border the next day. A long drive across Mex. 3 to cross in Tecate though. If you run out of time, just return via Mex. 1, go the Guadalupe Valley route, stop at a couple of wineries, and cross in Tecate.

pandesol - 3-3-2020 at 06:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by pandesol

JZ, any stand out recommendations for BoLA?

What type of vehicle do you have? 4WD?

Dodge Durango V8 4x4 with brand new BFG ATs. I have an airdown tool, portable compressor and 8 gallon spare fuel tank so about 350 mile range. SUV is not lifted though so just average SUV ground clearance.

pandesol - 3-3-2020 at 06:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Yes, I detailed San Borjitas in my May 2019 trip report here and in my Baja Bound article, too.

San Borjitas road is not far from Mulegé, so that is a natural place to spend the night... The road is at Palo Verde, north of the Punta Chivato road.

David, from your article "The fairly good dirt road to the cave leaves Highway 1 at Km. 156, south of Santa Rosalia" Is this a really apparent turn off that would easily recognize driving down the road? Any chance you have map coordinates? I will have GPS navigation and GAIA GPS app onboard.

David K - 3-3-2020 at 06:32 PM

The guide and permits are available at the ranch the San Borjitas road ends at.
The guide in Mulegé (a nice guy named Salvador) said it would take hours to get there and made it sound like quite an ordeal. We had other sites to see first, so we just went there late in the day to see if it was possible to arrange ourselves, and it went great.
The video of this is Episode 2, Trail of Missions Recon 2019. Listed on www.vivabaja.com near the top with the other 4 episodes. We actually went to San Borjitas between Mission Guadalupe and Mission Mulegé which are on Episode 1. The scene of us looking at the map on the hood was at the San Borjitas road on Hwy. 1. I say it looks like 20 miles (the distance to San Borjitas).

David K - 3-3-2020 at 06:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pandesol

Quote: Originally posted by David K

It is signed for San Borjitas and at that kilometer markers. The village of Palo Verde is immediately south of the road. It is impossible to miss. When I get on my PC, I can use Google Earth to get you a waypoint, but you can find it easily.

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 06:46 PM

Three offroading adventures:

1. GN to BoLA in the dirt - fairly big adventure, but nothing crazy.

Go through El Arco out to San Franisquito (very nice bay), then on to Bahia San Rafael, and finally BoLA. You can camp at San Rafael (beautiful beach).

This is about 130 miles. Very easy drive. Will only need 4x4 if you go on the beaches. A decent amount of traffic on it, you'll see a few trucks here and there. The first part of it is very fast, or at least it was the last time we drove it.

My kids rode this on their bikes at about age 12. If interested I can post a map, and even a KMZ track you can look at on Google Earth and load into Gaia.

Can be done in one day, but 2 days is recommended.

2. BoLA to Bahia Las Animas - easy day trip from BoLA, or you can camp there one night.

Really nice bay, beach. About 40 miles one way. Fun drive, a little bumpy.

3. BoLA to Ensenada Alcatrez - easy day trip, or you can camp there one night.

See the map above, you go out MX12 to the West, and then cut up through the dry lake bed (Agua Amaga), hit the Window Rock trail and take that to the coast. Easy drive for a 4x4.

The Southeast corner of Ensenada Alcatraz is just beautiful (have to drive that extra mile to hit the best spot).

FYI, the route straight South from Alcatraz to BoLA is bike only (or a badass jeep maybe). Also, the West part of the Window Rock Trail is a single track trail.

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 06:55 PM

I saw you have Gaia. So you seem well prepared. Here are way points and tracks around BoLA and San Franisquito.

Attachment: Area Around BoLA.kmz (28kB)
This file has been downloaded 218 times

Attachment: Area around San Francisquito.kmz (2kB)
This file has been downloaded 192 times

Here is the map of GN to BoLA in the dirt.

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

[Edited on 3-5-2020 by BajaNomad]

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 07:15 PM

And if you want a REALLY big adventure, charter a super panga from Guillermo's and go to the top of Isla Ángel de la Guarda and camp out at Puerto Refugio for the night.

It's the most beautiful bay in the entire Sea of Cortez. About 45 miles by boat. Fishing up there is incredible. They'll cook it for you on the boat or make sashimi. Your kids will remember it for the rest of their lives.

Here's a video I made when I took my boys a couple years ago:

Ever wanted to camp on a deserted island in the Sea of Cortez? https://youtu.be/g3ThXCm3XSA

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 3-3-2020 at 09:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Do people complain about the heat and humidity on their trips to Tahiti or Hawaii?

Yes, I do. I quit going to the tropics long ago (only Visit tropics for work, never for vacation). My rule: life is too short to ruin it with heat mixed with high humidity.

JZ - 3-3-2020 at 09:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Do people complain about the heat and humidity on their trips to Tahiti or Hawaii?

Yes, I do. I quit going to the tropics long ago (only Visit tropics for work, never for vacation). My rule: life is too short to ruin it with heat mixed with high humidity.

Unless the Coronavirus goes nuts, we are going to the Philippines in July.

mtgoat666 - 3-3-2020 at 09:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Do people complain about the heat and humidity on their trips to Tahiti or Hawaii?

Yes, I do. I quit going to the tropics long ago (only Visit tropics for work, never for vacation). My rule: life is too short to ruin it with heat mixed with high humidity.

Unless the Coronavirus goes nuts, we are going to the Philippines in July.

Sounds flocking humidly awful!

We’ll be chilling in western Washington and BC.

ph001c - 3-3-2020 at 10:54 PM

pandesol

I don't have a lot to offer except to say that the advice on the forums is spot-on. We recently made our first real trip into Baja. We went in Nov, over Thanksgiving as a family of 4 (me, wife, girls: 12 and 9) on a mission to see the whale sharks in La Paz. So similar parameters to you. No perro though.

At JZ's suggestion I got the backcountry app and ran it on a pad to supplement paper maps. Worked well for peace of mind. It's great knowing where you are without relying on cell service.

We stayed at San Ignacio Springs, they have SUP boards and we paddled around the lagoon as the sun was setting after a long day in the car. Had dinner at Restaurante Bar Rancho Grande. The flan was excellent. We slept in the yurts and woke up to the sound of rain gently falling. It was like waking up in a tent but waaaay more comfy. San Ignacio was an unexpected highlight for me.

You'll be fine with your Durango. We rode down in the Discovery Sport. It's on 30in tires with stock suspension. We didn't do anything crazy mainly keeping to main roads but even with those hitting some silt. It was cool. I felt like I was in the Dakar, or you know, Baja.

We stopped for lunch in San Felipe on both the way down and way back. I agree with everything that's been said. It's closer to home you can always make a quick trip there should you like it. But there's not much to see. In light of the race, unless you're interested in that, I'd give it a miss.

I disagree about Bahia Concepcion. The whole area is stunning and feels far away. I would have liked to spend more time there. We stayed one night. We also stayed one night at BoLA. Maybe I didn't give BoLA a fair shake but I would skip it on my way farther south.

I'm interested in the info on the petroglyphs and having been researching them myself as they are going to be a high priority for our moto trip in the fall. This site has some good info if you haven't seen it already. https://www.discoverbaja.com/2018/11/09/peninsula-picks-5-be...

Anyway, best of luck to you. You'll have a great time. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

pandesol - 3-4-2020 at 01:28 PM

Wow!...you guys are great. JZ..thanks a million for all the detailed info. If I don't take a shot at BoLA this trip, I will definitely be taking a shot in the near future and with a high level of confidence due to the info you shared. On a side note, thank you for your 4x4 site as well. It's been really valuable to me in preparing my vehicle for this trip.
I'm still concerned about a plan to secure my dog (and my belongings in the truck) while I'm whale watching. I'm thinking about a late checkout and crating my dog in whichever hotel we end up staying at. Hot car, even in the shade with the windows cracked is a risk I'm not willing to take.

mtgoat666 - 3-4-2020 at 01:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pandesol

I'm still concerned about a plan to secure my dog (and my belongings in the truck) while I'm whale watching. I'm thinking about a late checkout and crating my dog in whichever hotel we end up staying at. Hot car, even in the shade with the windows cracked is a risk I'm not willing to take.

it's usually easier to travel w/o the dogs. we leave ours at home with the dog sitter. they would love baja beaches, but it's a PITA traveling with the dogs...

JZ - 3-4-2020 at 06:34 PM

Bring the dog for sure. He will have a blast and love to swim in the ocean Have current shot records. 95% chance no one will ask to see them.

pandesol - 3-5-2020 at 10:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Goat has given you pretty solid advice. What is says about San Felipe is spot on.

BoLA is a fun place. Since your time is limited, spend more time there instead of going to Concepcion.

Get on a boat and see all the islands. You can take the dog.

[Edited on 3-4-2020 by JZ]

JZ...do you have any recommendations for hiring a boat in BoLA, one we can take our dog along? Also, any idea if they will allow me to walk my dog along with us while touring the San Borjitas cave paintings? Cool dog by the way...akita?

Bahia San Rafael

AKgringo - 3-5-2020 at 11:42 AM

I was there yesterday, the first time since Pancho passed away. His camp has been taken over by fishermen now, with a few other groups up on the bluff, and a few more on the beach.

There is also some heavy construction equipment parked there, two dozers, a loader, and a back hoe. I hope they are there to do some road work, but I didn't see any dump trucks or a grader!

The beach access north of Pancho's camp is now off limits for motor vehicles.

JZ - 3-5-2020 at 12:04 PM

There are about 10 guys that rent boats.

Casa Diaz seems to be one of the less expensive ones. Think it was 2500 pesos for 4-5 hours. It's located here: 28.946302°-113.558385°. Boat was "ok."

Guillermo's is another option. He has the big super panga with a tower. Think I gave him $500 to take us up to Puerto Refugio, which is 100 miles r/t. That was about a 36 hour trip. His place is here: 28.947617° -113.558320°.

Years ago, we use to go out with Smith. He had a Boston Whaler at one point. But he's retired from being a captain now.

David K - 3-5-2020 at 12:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I was there yesterday, the first time since Pancho passed away. His camp has been taken over by fishermen now, with a few other groups up on the bluff, and a few more on the beach.

There is also some heavy construction equipment parked there, two dozers, a loader, and a back hoe. I hope they are there to do some road work, but I didn't see any dump trucks or a grader!

The beach access north of Pancho's camp is now off limits for motor vehicles.

So, the rancher Francisco(new Pancho) and his wife didn't stay or didn't secure rights to Pancho's place? Sad... Well, I hope the new hotel going in will be called "Pancho's Place"!

Bajaboy - 3-5-2020 at 12:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

The beach access north of Pancho's camp is now off limits for motor vehicles.

Do you mean where the road first meets the beach heading south from BOLA? How is the access blocked? We are thinking about camping there in a few weeks.

David K - 3-5-2020 at 02:21 PM

There was just a sign posted saying No Off Road Vehicles with a crossed out motorbike... I think it implies to not ride/drive on the beach as it is a turtle area?

BajaMama - 3-8-2020 at 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Do people complain about the heat and humidity on their trips to Tahiti or Hawaii? Who wants to go to a cold place with cold water on a vacation?

JZ, as I do, knows the healthy warmth of the Cortez is wonderful in the summer. In addition, no fighting for a camping spot as half of Canada won't be there, as they are in the winter.

Hawaii is 85 in the summer with a pacific breeze. SoC is brutally HOT, humid w/o a cool breeze. Sorry David, been there in the summer and it is not someplace I would consider a do-over in the summer. Best time? Mid-October when the water is heavenly warm but the air starts to cool.

bajaric - 3-8-2020 at 10:51 AM

Regarding medical, one gap in coverage is Hwy 3 south of San Felipe to Chapala. No cell signal, no facilities. San Felipe has two small medical clinics for minor issues, one downtown, one at El Dorado Ranch, with ambulance service to Mexicali. In other words, bad place to get bit by a snake, or stung by a bee if allergic because you have to self evacuate to San Felipe.

I hate to be the wet blanket, but I wish people did not take so much enjoyment from driving on the beach. With the black asphalt snake extending further and further eventually the only place where turtles will be able to survive is on islands, like Graham showed in his trip report to Isla Angel la Guardia where there were turtle nests. San Felipe at one time had a large turtle population, they were hunted to near extinction and quads and 4x4 wiped out those that were left.

I was camping on a small bluff, well south of Puerticitos (will not say exactly where it was) and to the north is a five mile long stretch of pristine steep sloping pebble beach. I would not have thought it possible to drive on that beach, but I was surprised to hear 3 built 4x4's roaring past, I did not see them very well but maybe Land Cruisers, just tearing it up all the way down this five mile long beautiful perfect beach that no one ever drives. These guys were having fun, I guess, and it took a lot of skill (and money) to do that, but to me it just seemed really selfish and entitled. It made me sick.

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2020 at 11:03 AM

DRIVING ON THE BEACH IS ILLEGAL. ONLY @SSHOLES DRIVE ON THE BEACH.

David K - 3-8-2020 at 09:07 PM

We go to Baja always in the summer... San Felipe area, Mulegé area, La Paz area. It is not for everyone, I didn't claim it was... But, the hot days and warm water are so enjoyable to many of us.

Oh, about the turtles... They were not on the beach near San Felipe in the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.
However, they began nesting there about three years ago! So, protections have increased their range north of Gonzaga where they were in the 60s. I also guess the beach driving is just fine with the turtles since they expanded to where people drive?
I have also provided evidence that vehicle tires do not go as deeply into the sand as people's feet when walking.
Be happy there are more turtles and the eggs are safe!

bajaric - 3-9-2020 at 08:58 AM

A quad driving on the beach does more damage than a person walking on the beach. While it is true that a 500 lb. quad with it's weight distributed on 4 tires puts less pounds per square inch than a human foot, quads make a continues track for long distances that squashes everything in their path, and multiple quads create deep ruts. Anyone can see that.

On a more general note, let's face it, driving on the beach is fun. Walking on the beach is fun, too. People, in general, love the beach. I can see the attraction to carefully driving on the mid tide part to find a camp site and enjoy the experience. However, when a few idiots treat the beach as their own private race track, it ruins the experience for the everyone. If you roll up to your beloved shell beach one day and find a locked gate you can thank a handful of inconsiderate jerks who think a cheap thrill is more important than showing a little respect for nature.

David K - 3-9-2020 at 09:21 AM

Oh, I agree there are the kids (or millennials now), who race around near their camps for fun. Lack of education or no courtesy to others or to Nature, most likely...
However, I think most of us Nomads only want to get to a camping spot or fishing location when we drive on the beach when there is no other route.
Yes, we use the wet sand below high tide. The tracks are erased in a few hours or less.
There is a village in Baja (El Marrón) where everyone drives the beach as that is the only access to it!