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NinoPerdido
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 4-29-2008
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Driving to El Barril
I am preparing to co-lead a group down to the village of El Barril, south of Bahia de Los Angeles, east of Guerrero Negro. I was referred to this
community as a possible resource for advice on the driving aspects of this trip. Apparently, the suggestion has been made that the better route is
to head south from Bahia de Los Angeles, instead of heading east from Guerrero Negro. Looking at the AAA map, that seems like a shorter trip, but
more time spent on dirt roads, which is something I think we'd do well to avoid, considering that many of the people on the trip are fairly green when
it comes to Baja. Also, not all of the vehicles are going to be four-wheel drive. I guess I am asking for input on route selection, current road
conditions, scenery along the way. Specific information regarding ability to traverse the roads without four-wheel drive, possible tidal effects on
the coastal route, how well marked the roads are, not to mention the critical piece of information I'm too ignorant to even know to ask for, is all
very much appreciated.
Thanks.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Wow, that is a tall order.
Both roads are dirt and run thru beautiful country, but the road in from El Arco is probably the more varied in scenery, and it is spectacular, and
also probably the better of the two access roads. I love them both.
I have not been on either one of them recently so don't know their condition. This is wild country you are traversing, so you should be properly
equiped with safety stuff-------and the drivers should all be aquainted with rough dirt roads that go on for many miles with few people around. You
most probably won't need 4 wheel drive, but it would be nice to have at least one along with you just incase you encounter sandy washouts. The tides
do not effect either of the roads----they are above tide lines and are considered "all season roads". The signs may, or may not, be in place----have
a good map such as the Baja Atlas or at least the AAA club map of Baja.
Part of the adventure of Baja is that you just never know what you will encounter------that is part of the fun.
The "village" of El Barril is really not a village at all, but a collection of Ranch buildings and a few 2nd homes that may, or may not , be occupied.
The Ranch itself is a working ranch and is always occupied, but my experience there is that they are not set up for guests-----but that may have
changed lately.
This is one of the more remote sections of Baja, so be prepared for anything.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Yeah, it's no biggie. Prepare for someone to break down and crimp yer stye. You
are quite an adventurer, leading folks into a place you've never been. Good luck!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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The squarecircle
Nomad
Posts: 173
Registered: 11-28-2004
Location: El Cajon
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'Baja Feeling'
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Driving to El Barril
| Quote: | Originally posted by Sharksbaja
Yeah, it's no biggie. Prepare for someone to break down and crimp yer stye. You
are quite an adventurer, leading folks into a place you've never been. Good luck! |
Hola Corkey,
You pitched a perfect strike on that one!!!!
Say, is not El Barril, Mina La Sirena, El Venado, La Fortuna, San Miguel, Los Puetecitos, LOS CORRALES, Salinas la Trinidad and other points south of
the 28th. still summoning you?
Excellent time of the year to go!
Do you have any inclination in that direction?
Best Regards, sq.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Yes, yes and yes again Roy. I have a few issues with the truck to resolve first(sigh). Hopefully when I head down next month with my son we could veer
off course for a few days. I've got some serious exploring to catch up on.
Much of my time spent in Mexico this last year was dedicated to getting our home restored. Hopefully this year we'll have smoother sailing. Thanx
for asking.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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you can talk to Rich Floris
the new owner, yes he wants guests but needs a heads up on dates and no. of humanoids to set up accomodations. they are developing the site, selling
lots, improved the airstrip and plan a hotel eventually. or he might allow camping. he wants pilots too.
if you don't reach him try the BBP site
http://ranchoelbarril.com
w/o the "www"
rich@ranchoelbarril.com
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Make sure you have clear directions as it's easy to take the wrong road at El Arco...you have to kind of veer left and into the arroyo and up through
the little ranch...it looks like the wrong road but if you take the nice bigger road, it goes to the mine...I knew where I was going and still took
the wrong road and had to go back and even ask some miners....so best to ask someone in El Arco where the right road is...kinda tricky even for
locals!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64993
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Is San Francisquito/ El Barril your southernmost destination?
Much shorter to go to Bahia de los Angeles (fill up gas tanks and spare cans), lots of taco stands, restaurants, stores... and head south to El Barril
from there.
To get out of Bahia de L.A. : Take the paved road to the end (tire repair on the left/ Xitlali yellow food market on the right), and turn left onto
rocky, graded road...
Here is a photo of the road about 15 miles south of town:
2WD road, no problem... maybe air down tires to 25 psi to soften the ride.
IF you are continuing south into Baja Sur... take the road towards El Arco from El Barril/ San Francisquito, but take the major short cut south to
Guillermo Prieto and on to Hwy. 1 a few miles from Vizcaino (gas). This newer road avoids the bad El Arco formerly paved route and crosses the access
road to Mision Santa Gertrudis just west of Rancho Miraflores.
That would be an interesting side trip for your group.
Here are the GPS data for this route (set map datum to NAD27 Mexico):
L.A. Bay South to Hwy. 1
Diaz' at L.A. Bay: 28°56.76'/ 113°33.51'
Camp Gecko: 28°54.04'/ 113°31.69'
Las Flores: 28°49.08'/ 113°31.73'
Terminal Canyon Trail head: 28°44.44'/ 113°32.77'
Jcn. Old Rd. (south turn next 4 waypoints): 28°40.72'/ 113°25.41'
(Rancho Paredones road east: 28°36.80'/ 113°24.55')
(La Bocana/San Pedro Jcn: 28°28.39'/ 113°23.43')
(Trail south to Tinaja Sta. Maria: 28°28.00'/ 113°20.42')
(Tinaja Santa Maria: 28°26.07'/ 113°19.99')
Bahia Las Animas Rd. (North): 28°40.52'/ 113°21.72', Las Animas: 28°48.57'/ 113°21.34'
Bahia San Rafael Jcn: 28°34.78'/ 113°07.41'
Jcn. Old Rd. (south end): 28°26.05'/ 113°10.41'
Jcn. Old El Arco Rd. (go east): 28°20.77'/ 113°01.82'
Jcn. New Rds. (east to S. Francisquito, south to El Barril or Hwy.1): 28°21.08'/ 113°00.33'
Jcn. at El Progreso (south to El Barril, west to Hwy.1): 28°20.58'/ 113°00.33'
Top of Cuesta de la Ley: 28°17.71'/ 113°06.14'
Fork, ahead/west for El Arco, turn left/south for new road to Hwy.1: 28°10.42'/ 113°13.08'
Crossroad, south to state border and Hwy.1, east to Mision Sta. Gertrudis (& next 3 waypoints): 28°01.45'/ 113°14.45'
(Rancho Miraflores: 28°01.45'/ 113°13.76')
(Rancho Guadalupe: 28°02.36'/ 113°09.33')
(Mision Santa Gertrudis: 28°03.95'/ 113°05.05')
State Border, Mountain Time Zone: 28°00.00'/ 113°16.16'
Guillermo Prieto: 27°50.62'/ 113°17.84'
'T' Jcn., turn west: 27°49.97'/ 113°17.94'
Hwy. 1 Jcn. (south-east to Vizcaino): 27°43.41'/ 113°27.23'
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64993
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Oh, just a note... IF you go via Guerrero Negro, you do cross into the other state (Baja Calif. Sur) and there is an immigration checkpoint at the
border (ON HWY. 1) where everyone will need to show their FM-T tourist card (obtained at the Tijuana border at the INM office) and possibly pay for
the sometimes pest spray procedure.
Going south via L.A. Bay is shorter time wise and distance wise and hassle wise!
If you check, the dirt road portions are about the same either way.
Have a great time!
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3841
Registered: 2-9-2004
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"...many of the people on the trip are fairly green when it comes to Baja. Also, not all of the vehicles are going to be four-wheel drive."
Hope you all know about spare tires, bring shovels, tow straps. Scenery along dirt roads would trump Mex. 1. Slow down and enjoy. The journey is
the trip.
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NinoPerdido
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 4-29-2008
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First of all, I very much appreciate all the responses so far.
I want to clarify a few things, in hopes of getting more good information.
The accomodations for the trip are entirely taken care of. There is no concern for that, whatsoever.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
The signs may, or may not, be in place----have a good map such as the Baja Atlas or at least the AAA club map of Baja. |
I do have a AAA Baja map, but it's nothing to navigate poorly marked dirt roads by. For better or worse, El Barril doesn't appear to be a major
tourist destination / thoroughfare, so I don't know how to get my hands on anything more detailed that might actually be useful. That's part of the
reason I'm trying to find out whether we might be better off crossing east rather than heading south. It's been a while since I've been to Bahia de
los Angeles (~1994), but I can't imagine that the residents of El Barril are likely to brave an extensive trip over dirt roads just to end up there.
My guess, and it is just a guess, is that if the people there had the need arise to go to town, "town" would be Guerrero Negro. To me, that means
that the road will be more used and probably in better condition. Just speculation, though.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Sharksbaja
You are quite an adventurer, leading folks into a place you've never been. Good luck! |
Ha! Yeah, I'll say. This came about through an unusual set of circumstances. The person I am "co-leading" with has been there before, but he's
never led the trip. I have a fair bit of experience in Baja, so he signed me on to help with the "leadership" part. I'm not sure how solid his
knowledge of the area is, though. There's a decent chance he was primarily in charge of distributing cervezas around the car on the previous trips.
I know how important a shake-down cruise can be, but that's not really an option, which is why I'm here.
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Is San Francisquito/ El Barril your southernmost destination?
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Yep.
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Much shorter to go to Bahia de los Angeles (fill up gas tanks and spare cans), lots of taco stands, restaurants, stores... and head south to El Barril
from there.
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Yeah, I can see that, but like I said, since I've never been before and don't have a lot in the way of recon, I want to at least look at the
possibility that taking the long way might be the better bet, depending on the road conditions. I'm willing to entertain the idea that we do a
hundred extra miles if that means less time getting lost or stuck on dirt roads that may or may not even really exist. If the general consensus is
that the road south from Bahia de Los Angeles is not too bad, keeping in mind that at least one vehicle will likely not have four wheel drive, then
I'll take my chances, but my recollection is that there ain't much in the way of a safety net south of Bahia, and I'm not convinced that this group
will be the best crew to get out of a jam. I mean, they're looking to me to lead, and I've never been there!
Anyway, since we're not all in four wheel drive vehicles, shorter only means shorter to me, not better. It looks to me like either way, there will be
enough places to have things go wrong that we won't be lacking for adventure. Do I understand your experience on the southbound road from Bahia de
Los Angeles to El Barril to be that it's fairly moderate business, even for a 2WD? It's pretty high clearance.
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
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High clearance vehicle is a must. I tried taking a Honda Odyssey out of Bahia de La A and only made it about 1 mile. My van has minimal clearance.
You should be fine in a truck. Don't take your Impala Lowrider!
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Are you SURE you wanna go there with a group??? I'm just thinking about the last time we were there a few months ago...we live at the end of a very
long baja dirt road so I'm really really used to this kind of road...but man oh man, I was really fed up with that long bumpy road....let us know how
it goes!
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Yep, that washboard around El Arco was a killer under 55mph. Don't forget that you won't find any creature comforts or services for a loooong ways so
be well prepared... don't forget to pack out all yer basura.
There are a couple groups that go thru there every year. They take substantial vehicles. The biggest problem for you will be the time and headache to
keep em all movin'. Sand traps, pits, washouts and sharp rocks take their toll of victims every year.
It's usually a bunch of weekend warriors that get stuck and need help to get out. One time I had to yank out 3 idiots stuck like a daisy chain all in
a row. It was really silly to look at.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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The road out of LA Bay is easy to follow and you don't need 4 wheel drive. About 11 miles before San Francisquito is a fork with a sign to El Barril.
There is also a sign to El Arco. If you go in from hwy 1 to El Arco, when you get to El Arco follow the good road to your left to Pozo Aleman. When
coming back from El Barril it's easy to veer left onto the Baja 1000 race course near Las Juntas and come out to hwy 1 near Vizcaino. If it were me
I'd go in at LA Bay and come out thru El Arco. Either way it does not require 4 wheel drive. I would use a SUV or pickup for clearance or an old ford
or chevy, maybe 1951 or so.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64993
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes, the road south from Bahia de los Angeles is a good (by Baja standards) graded dirt road (2WD)...
Again, I mention that if you go the LONGER route via Guerrero Negro/ El Arco or Guillermo Prieto to El Barril that you WILL need tourist cards at the
state border (obtained when you enter Mexico).
There isn't a town at El Barril or San Francisquito... so don't expect a road more heavily traveled than the one south from L.A. Bay... But, you will
have just as much dirt driving and have driven a LOT more paved miles for that privilage...??
I am presuming that someone in your group has a home at El Barril, because that is not a place for the uninvited... private property.
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NinoPerdido
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 4-29-2008
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Ok. Back from El Barril. Had a great trip, a little less productive than we imagined, but that's how fieldwork goes.
Contrary to some statements here, El Barril is a real little town. Maybe about 100 people. There is no hotel, which was expected, and no
restaurants. There is a little abarrotes shop, a school, a church, a concrete boat ramp that didn't quite reach the water line. You cannot depend on
Google Earth photos of El Barril, as a major storm in 2003 radically altered the geography around the town, though the dirt roads in and around town
are largely the same. Google Earth has apparently NOT been updated since that time. I guess mapping El Barril isn't their highest priority.
The road south from Bahia de Los Angeles is in good condition, graded dirt. 4WD was NOT necessary, but high clearance was definitely a plus. I can
see how a Honda Odyssey wouldn't make it past the first mile, because the first mile south of town is probably nearly the roughest part of the whole
road, though there were definitely a few moments where we looked like something out of a car commercial. 2 flats, one on the way down, one on the way
back, apparently in about keeping with a one flat per car per round trip average experienced by the people that go down there a lot (we took two
vehicles). Worth noting the tires were not all-terrain, though, so maybe a tougher tire would have fared better. No llanteria in El Barril, but full
service llanteria in Bahia de Los Angeles repaired our flat for $6. In keeping with what other members here had posted, the road was fairly easy to
follow until the last few miles, where we started having to rely on a combination of memory and guesswork. The military checkpoint outside of town
was unmanned at both times we passed it.
All in all, the trip went very smoothly. I very much appreciate the suggestions from this community and give you guys a hearty A+ for accuracy of
information provided, knowledge of a fairly obscure Baja destination, and prompt responses. Thank you.
[Edited on 5-7-2008 by NinoPerdido]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64993
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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De nada... thanks for giving us a follow up story!
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NinoPerdido
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 4-29-2008
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Other information.
Water temperature - ~64 degrees F in El Barril, which I was told was unseasonably cold. Bahia de Los Angeles water temp was probably closer to 70 in
the bay.
Air temps were unreliably measured, but probably topped off at low 90s during the day. Nights were warm. When we left, the wind was starting to pick
up and Cinco de Mayo in Bahia de Los Angeles was gusting up to probably over 40 mph.
Plenty of stingrays in the water so you've got to do the Shuffle anywhere where there is sand bottom. Water visibility was very poor, primarily due
to large quantities of dead and rotting seaweed disintegrating within five feet of the shore and creating a barrier from the bottom to the surface for
as far out as I cared to swim through it, which wasn't very far.
Fishing appeared to mostly be blanco and flatfish, with small sharks fished commercially. I understand yellowtail season in that area spans November
to March generally, so there was not much in the way of popular sportfish at this time of year. Some cabrilla.
Purchased for fifty pesos 2/3rds of a 5 gallon bucket full of fresh Pismo clams about the size of the palm of your hand in Bahia. Didn't get to
price-check against the fish market in Ensenada on the way back, but I suspect we got quite a deal. In any case, it fed nine people about all the
clams we wanted, so for five bucks, that's about right.
As far as small items the locals might appreciate, soccer balls, of course, as well as butter and hose clamps. We accidentally "donated" our tire
repair kit, but fortunately, we only had one flat on the way out, so we didn't need it.
As usual, young men should be aware that inquiries into their marital status will be made and that introductions to local women as young as 14 may
follow, depending on your answer, with slightly awkward conversations with embarrassed young girls to ensue.
Also, we were told it was not a good idea to be out of doors at night, as Central Baja is populated with hungry and fairly fearless coyotes. At about
an hour before dusk, we picked up a hitchhiker at the turn-off to Bahia de Los Angeles from the Transpeninsular who had been waiting there for a
friend that was delayed, and he seemed very grateful, as he was growing increasingly concerned about the possibility that he might have to brave the
night out there.
And Tijuana is down TWO critical street signs for navigating the border area. Heading south crossing on I-5 or I-805, you can follow signs for the
Ensenada cuota right up until the last offramp (the one that goes off to the left and curves around onto the road along the north end of town out to
the Playas de Tijuana and from there, Ensenada cuota. The second is on the return coming north. You hang the left at the first light after coming
back along the road on the north end of town, then stay to the right for the San Diego ramp. This turn off to the right is now also unmarked.
If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
[Edited on 5-7-2008 by NinoPerdido]
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Good report----thank you.
Never know of coyotes being any kind of a problem, but yes, they are bold, but we love them. Nights out in the wilds are always great--------no
problems ever. Coyotes (and many other creatures) will raid your camp if you leave stuff out for them. Have to use common sense.
Seaweed did not used to be a problem in the Gulf, and I am surprised at your report here-----wonder what is causing this?
Thanks again.
Barry
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