BajaNomad

Overlanding safely

BajaMama - 10-6-2021 at 07:33 AM

We are getting to retirement age and have built a 2020 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison for overlanding (food, water, shade, shelter). I have David's map and I am ready to roll throughout Baja. My husband, however, not so much. He feels that heading into remote areas solo (just us) is not a good idea.

My question is, in your overlanding expeditions do you usually travel with others? Or do you in general feel safe when alone in remote areas? Have you run into people who may want to cause harm, or are they fairly non-existent in the middle of the desert?

Please don't rag me for this question, I am looking for honest answers I can pass on to my husband.

[Edited on 10-6-2021 by BajaMama]

AKgringo - 10-6-2021 at 07:47 AM

In 2016 I joined two other Nomads for a couple of days of back roads in central Baja. Other than that, all of my explorations have been solo trips, except for my canine companion.

I have avoided areas near the border, or on the edge of larger population centers, so I can't vouch for their safety, but away from crowds, my experiences have all been good!

My Spanish is terrible, but the more I try to use it, the better things seem to go when I interact with the few locals I meet. By the way, I retired in 2007.

bajatrailrider - 10-6-2021 at 07:55 AM

I live in Baja 24/7 do off road trips all the time . I have not had to deal with problem people. Would I drive any of my off road toys alone ? No having almost every off road toy you can think of . One things go bad without back up . You will get in trouble it's rare but since I do it all the time. I'm more likely to get stuck or break down or what ever . The list is long what has happened on my trips of 50 years Baja off road . Having a emergency sos is better than nothing. Still puts you in harm's way routes I travel . You generally see no one . Have fun enjoy.

pacificobob - 10-6-2021 at 08:02 AM

Pack plenty of water. You will have a great time.

David K - 10-6-2021 at 08:08 AM

While I love traveling with my wife, I go solo when it is work or when she cannot go. In either case, me solo or with my esposa, we rarely travel with other vehicles, almost never.

Not for any other reason than we just go to Baja when we can. Traveling solo also means you can stay as long as you want or move on when you want.

As for concerns about breakdowns... I own a Toyota, so that would be extremely rare. If something happens to your vehicle, a solution will arrive... and it will become a great fireside story when you do camp with others!

As for banditos... I feel safer camping in Baja than camping in the USA or even driving through some US cities!!!

All this comes from 55+ years of Baja traveling experience.

pjpvi - 10-6-2021 at 08:22 AM

I retired in 2019 and enjoy traveling solo a lot! Last year in my attempt to drive to tip of S. America (only made it to Guatemala ... thanks COVID) I was initially apprehensive on taking on such a journey by myself, but quickly learned I love traveling solo and experienced the kindness of strangers on many many occasions. I was only once concerned for my safety on a remote Baja beach but after I got my bear spray on the ready realized the guy that was "sneaking" around in the brush was actually camping just over the ridge and only collecting firewood. Other than that false scare, not a single time was I worried for my safety.

My wife & I took ~4 weeks to drive to La Paz early this year where she flew back and I took my time driving back. She had never done a trip like that and absolutely loved it. Here's a video I put together of the trip that I've posted in this forum before. Only reposting as I've had many comments that "I'm going to show this to xxxx to show them Baja is not all scary but actually wonderful" and may be good to watch together with your husband.

I'm heading to Baja again later this month with 3 other vehicles and have mixed feelings. These are good friends just getting introduced to self driving Baja. The downside to me in traveling in groups is that you have to ask "do you want to go this way or do this / that" where when you are solo you go or do whatever you want without worrying about the others. May sound selfish (and probably is) but just my view.

I also find that when traveling solo I tend to make more friends along the way than if with someone else or in a group.

I do always carry a Garmin Inreach+ to make sure I can SOS if needed and have two way communication with others.

Use common sense and be friendly!

Of course, putting safety from "bad guys" aside, make sure you are self sufficient for basic repairs and extraction if stuck.

Go enjoy Baja!

David K - 10-6-2021 at 08:56 AM

Phil, that was an incredibly well-done video! :light::biggrin:

shari - 10-6-2021 at 09:24 AM

I have lived in baja for over 25 years and there are places I definitely would not remote camp.

My advice is talk to local people, ask the police, restaurant owners or the mayor of an area where it is safe to camp. I have received very important safety tips and warnings from locals. Dont take advice from tourists who say they have camped there with no problem. Of course not all campers in an area have issues but the locals know best where is safe and where is not safe to remote camp.
For example in our area on the central Pacific side, the fishing cooperatives have an excellent security patrol program of the whole beach coastline which discourages bad guys from coming to the area. They come and check you out too...they pass by a couple times a day which makes us feel very safe!

Also when you get that weird vibe...listen to your intuition and find another place.

pjpvi - 10-6-2021 at 09:29 AM
Quote:

Phil, that was an incredibly well-done video! :light::biggrin:


Thanks! It takes a bit of time to put videos together but I like to look back at them occasionally and share as appropriate.

David K - 10-6-2021 at 09:48 AM

Shari, some of us camp where there are no 'locals'...

Just use your best judgement... get as far away from the highway or main road as you can. Thieves don't go driving around remote dirt roads at night, miles for civilization, looking for marks. Gas is expensive, after all!

When you leave your camp, leave it as clean (or cleaner) than you found it.

BajaBlanca - 10-6-2021 at 09:59 AM

I agree with Shari 100%.

We live here. We know the scoop.

BooJumMan - 10-6-2021 at 09:59 AM

Usually the more remote, the better. I have generally traveled solo, but would rent a satellite phone "just in case". I now just use a Garmin InReach for any emergencies or if I break down in the middle of the desert. Now a days though... I feel like even the most desolate/remote areas will have someone drive through more often than not.

To be honest I have had 2 instances with drug runners in the last 3 years in a remote area along the central pacific. Both were very nerve wracking but they did their job and pretended like I wasn't even there. Do I go back there now? Nope. I prefer not to mention the location.

SFandH - 10-6-2021 at 10:05 AM

I wouldn't overnight without anyone else around. Driving during the day, sure, but before sunset, I would get to a manned RV park with others around.

BajaBlanca - 10-6-2021 at 10:07 AM

You hit the nail on the head BooJumMan. The more remote, the more likely.

boe4fun - 10-6-2021 at 11:12 AM

What a great video, hope you don’t mind I shared it with my kids.

SFandH - 10-6-2021 at 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  

Also when you get that weird vibe...listen to your intuition and find another place.


Yes! I call it "getting spooked". It's happened to me once and I moved on. Had to drive another 3 hours which I really didn't want to do, but once you're spooked, ya gotta go.

JZ - 10-6-2021 at 11:31 AM

Get an InReach Mini. If you are concerned stick to places that have so level of traffic.

We need to help Geofff build that list of resources by region.






[Edited on 10-6-2021 by JZ]

advrider - 10-6-2021 at 11:52 AM

Very cool video, I'm going add a few spots you stayed at to my list to visit! Stuff can happen anywhere. I've never had a problem in Baja but I try to pay attention to my surroundings.

I agree, the farther out you are the less likely you are to have a problem. Near big towns I would probably choose a local camp ground or property but I'd still go. Never gone with a group unless it was on Motos, never felt the need. Good luck and enjoy.

Don Pisto - 10-6-2021 at 12:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama  
We are getting to retirement age and have built a 2020 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison for overlanding (food, water, shade, shelter). I have David's map and I am ready to roll throughout Baja. My husband, however, not so much. He feels that heading into remote areas solo (just us) is not a good idea.

My question is, in your overlanding expeditions do you usually travel with others? Or do you in general feel safe when alone in remote areas? Have you run into people who may want to cause harm, or are they fairly non-existent in the middle of the desert?

Please don't rag me for this question, I am looking for honest answers I can pass on to my husband.

[Edited on 10-6-2021 by BajaMama]


sounds like your husband's mind is made up, I doubt he'll be swayed by these comments? a compromise is in order:yes: good luck!

BajaMama - 10-6-2021 at 12:29 PM

Great tips ALL! In general is sounds safe to be remote, and I agree better to go with back up friends. My hubby keeps bringing up overlanding "tours" but it seems like a waste of money to me. Maybe when we pick a time I'll post to look for Nomads who may want to join us :)

advrider - 10-6-2021 at 01:07 PM

I would agree, post up when you get closer and maybe find some travel companions. I retire next moth and we are headed to Baja in December with our trailer ( very offroad capable ) for a few weeks. Might be interested in meeting up with others for a few days?
Hopefully your husband will come around and just go for it! Turn off the news and go enjoy life. I have never had a flat or been pulled over when several cars did not stop and check on us, there are more good people then bad.

JZ - 10-6-2021 at 01:26 PM

We helped someone change a tire last trip down. They didn't have the right jack or tools to do it and would have been stuck there all day.

Another time we towed a mini van with a whole family about 10 miles into Coco's when it was still dirt.

Ppl have helped pull us out of the sand, before I knew what I hell I was doing.

Lots of friendly, helpful ppl out there.

wilderone - 10-6-2021 at 05:39 PM

I camp solo all the time. Like Shari said, "when you get that weird vibe...listen to your intuition and find another place." that has happened occasionally. But mostly, once I'm out of sight, I feel safe. I keep a low profile, leave no trace; sometimes I don't put up my tent until I've been there a few hours or after dark, just to see what type, if any, activity. Otherwise, camping for instance, at BOLA with lots of other people, cars coming and going, dogs and ATVs always around - that's the other option. Sometimes I end up off the side of the road which turns out to be someone's property. I have never been told to leave - on the contrary, they tell me they'll come by and check on me in the morning. There are a few known spots to steer clear of. And sometimes the place will be dictated by access to it (eroded roads, narrow-no turnaround; fences, signs.) You'll get a feel for what is doable after a few days. Consider the worst case scenario and how you'll deal with that, and then just go.

advrider - 10-6-2021 at 07:03 PM

What are some of the places that people stay away from? Always good to get other peoples take on an area or experience?

wilderone - 10-7-2021 at 07:56 AM

Avoid the stretch past San Quintin to El Rosario.

BajaBlanca - 10-7-2021 at 08:24 AM

Between Campo Fischer (highway 1) and Punta Abreojos. Plenty of camping sites here in La Bocana, just ask the local cooperative and they will steer you right. We also allow free camping right in front of our hotel and for $5 pp you can shower, use our outside bathrooms.

Bocanita used to be an option but we have major building going on there now! The newest La Bocana Hollywood!

KurtG - 10-7-2021 at 09:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
Avoid the stretch past San Quintin to El Rosario.


Agreed.

BajaMama - 10-7-2021 at 04:08 PM

Thank you everyone again. The video was great! All good ways to convince my husband that we don't need a "tour."

Don Pisto - 10-7-2021 at 04:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
What are some of the places that people stay away from? Always good to get other peoples take on an area or experience?


I would be cautious of Miramar more than 3 blocks east of the harbor after the street lights come on;)

tiotomasbcs - 10-9-2021 at 03:44 PM

missed the link for the Video...can someone repost por favor. I never used to think of areas of "actvity" that is used to run drugs. Boracho locals have always been a bother as well as gringos. Crystal aka Chuky has made it worse! gracias

hombre66 - 10-9-2021 at 06:16 PM

Get a partner vehicle. Make it a rule. Dont stay if you get a bad vibe. If you think the road will break your rig, trust your gut and turn around. I havent been to Baja for 2 years because I couldnt find a partner vehicle and now that I have, I am doing a month up the 7 sisters in December. Cant wait!

advrider - 10-9-2021 at 07:52 PM

hombree66, we are talking about hitting that area about the same time. I'll send you a u2u..