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JZ
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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]
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JZ
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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]
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JZ
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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]
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mtgoat666
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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.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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JZ
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Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  |
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.
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mtgoat666
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ | | Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 |
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.
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Sounds flocking humidly awful!
We’ll be chilling in western Washington and BC.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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ph001c
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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.
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pandesol
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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.
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mtgoat666
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| 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.
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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...
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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JZ
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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.
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pandesol
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| 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?
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AKgringo
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Bahia San Rafael
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.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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JZ
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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.
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David K
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| 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"!
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Bajaboy
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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.
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David K
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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?
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BajaMama
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Mood: Got Baja fever!!
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| 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.
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bajaric
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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.
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mtgoat666
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DRIVING ON THE BEACH IS ILLEGAL. ONLY @SSHOLES DRIVE ON THE BEACH.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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David K
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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!
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