Graham
Senior Nomad
Posts: 558
Registered: 6-16-2006
Location: San Diego and DeTour, MI
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Tecate Border Hike
Parked my car at one of the border parking lots and set off west along the border fence to attempt the summit of Cuchama, the sacred mountain featured
on every can and bottle of Tecate beer.
Warmer than I expected and I could have done with a few cold ones to lighten my step on the climb.
Apart from the Border Patrol, I was the only one who seemed to be enjoying the place. I was stopped and asked my citizenship and warned about
potential rock throwers across the fence.
The fence runs from the town half way up the mountain.
The end of the fence seemed to be a good place for new visitors to the US to gather and plan visits to Disneyland and Sea World.
The climb started to get rather steep but the views of Tecate were fascinating.
Eventually made the top and was rewarded by wonderful views all around.
There is quite a complex of towers and dishes up there, and a friendly BP agent was stationed on the summit with his scope.
I was warned about the dangers of being kidnapped and held for ransom by gangs preying on those would-be immigrants who chose Cuchama as their
crossing point.
That made the journey down a little more exciting as I knew no one would pay much for me, no matter how many body parts turned up in envelopes.
Luckily, it was all very beautiful going downhill and I was distracted by the abundant wildlife and my blistered feet and grateful for every BP
vehicle that passed.
And then back to the border fence and the warm glow of the late afternoon light on the Tecate brewery.
And back to my car at the border crossing.
A special day out! Not every ones cup of tea - or can of Tecate - but it sure wasn't dull, and as my blisters heal I can confidently proclaim that the
experience has added days to my time here on this fascinating planet.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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That was a great report Graham! Thank you for photos that allow us to do the walk with you, on-line that is!
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ligui
Senior Nomad
Posts: 837
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Location: Fraser co.
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Mood: love Baja !
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Thanks that was really good  enjoyed the walk and talk .
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ElCap
Nomad
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Location: Montara CA, or San Ignacio BCS
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Thanks - great report & photos. I'll have to put that on my bucket list. How many miles & vertical feet was the hike?
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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WOW....Is that road open to the public? I would guess not.
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BornFisher
Super Nomad
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Location: K-38 Santa Martha/Encinitas
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Graham-- glad you still have some mountain goat in you. We just missed each other as I was in secondary getting my camper checked out. If I only knew
you were going on a hike I could have jogged along (haha).
Cool hike, great pics!
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MikeYounghusband
Nomad
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Registered: 8-27-2008
Location: Loreto, Baja Cal. Sur
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Mood: Always ready for more
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Great views Buddy, good job.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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Sounds like Graham is warming up for a new Baja walk-about? This time YOU (Mike) inspired him!!
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Graham
Senior Nomad
Posts: 558
Registered: 6-16-2006
Location: San Diego and DeTour, MI
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The peak is almost 3900 feet and Tecate is about 1700 feet, so there's about a 2200 feet elevation gain.
Round trip about 14 miles.
There used to be a locked gate at the base of the mountain, near Sacred Mountain Ranch, but with all the BP traffic I guess the road is open to
vehicle traffic. The gate is still there though. Never any problem for hikers. The agent on top mentioned having occasional truck and bike visitors.
I once drove up to the peak and spent a night up there alone... an interesting experience... that was my "visionquest" that led to Journey with a Baja
Burro.
Mike has definitely inspired me... and Baja is always calling me back. I'm hearing voices! I'd better check on those blisters....
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
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Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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Are you THE Graham??
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Marc
Are you THE Graham?? |
See the links in his posts (in blue)? Click them... 
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Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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Mood: Happy!
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I've always been curious about those peaks around Tecate....thanks for the cool trip report.
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AmoPescar
Senior Nomad
Posts: 835
Registered: 7-15-2006
Location: North San Diego County
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Mood: Need a Fish Taco and a Pacifico!
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Hi Graham,
THANKS for taking the time to posrt the story and pictures for us to see!
The view was really amazing. I can only imagine how incredible it would be after an air clearing rain.
Take care!
Miguelamo    
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fixtrauma
Nomad
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Location: El Centenario & Lebanon,Oregon
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Nice!! I will remember this posting the next time I cross at Tecate.
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Dave
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 11-5-2002
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Mount Kuchumaa
I'm a regular visitor at a spa located just West of Tecate and have hiked the mountain on numerous occasions, from the Mexican side. The U.S. and
Mexico share a biosphere reserve surrounding most of the mountain. Also interesting to note that there is a Buddhist retreat in the area. Not sure
exactly where, though.
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Graham
Senior Nomad
Posts: 558
Registered: 6-16-2006
Location: San Diego and DeTour, MI
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Two-thirds of the mountain and the peak are on the US side of the border, so I’m not sure it would be a good idea today to climb to the top "from the
Mexican side."
In this post-911, drug war world with all the surveillance along the border, there’s a good chance you will be stopped by the Border Patrol. And even
a US citizen could be subject to arrest and fines for making an illegal entry.
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