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Ramblinman
Newbie
Posts: 11
Registered: 12-26-2015
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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Baja Feb 2016 - Trip Planning - Soliciting Advice!
Hi everyone,
I have been flirting with the idea of going to Baja with my 1998 Chev 1/2 Ton and 2010 Hawk ever since I got it. Convinced the G/F and the dogs (the
dogs really didn't need convincing) that we should go. I think we know the main locations to tryout. We are hoping for the following:
Cold beer and Taco's
Nice Beaches to camp on.
Trouble free travel and campsites
Whale Watching
Great Scenery
Warm weather - we will be leaving Northern Canada in dead of winter
We will be driving the whole way obviously - I am thinking 3 days of hard driving to the Mexico Border.
I would be glad to hear any suggestions, ideas, or advice. We would like to camp in some isolated spots - but I do not want to get to technical in
terms of 4WD as we will be travelling alone - I will have the recovery gear including a winch. In a perfect world we would like to get to Cabo in
about 3 weeks or so.
Questions:
Is 21 Days enough to enjoy our selves on the beach and still make it to Cabo San Lucas?
Do you expect that we will be able to find some decent spots with out too much technical 4WD?
Any decent maps or books that might be recommended?
Any rabbit holes or traps that we should consider with our dogs?
Please suggest any must "sees"
Oh ya - how available is internet? Just wondering for the Map capability on my phone.
The truck has 165,000 Miles (266km) and has been well maintained .. any thing that I should consider on that end?
.. and feel free to chime in with any ideas. This will be our first trip. Hoping to travel as light as possible but that will be hard with 2 dogs and
food etc.
I will prob post on a couple of different forums.
Thanks in advance
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Welcome to Baja Nomad!
Great planning indeed. Understand you must be flexible in Mexico, especially in Baja. You may find a place that you are having a great time at and
don't want to leave... or you may find a bridge washed out and need to wait a day or two for a detour to open.
Have a look at my 2012 trip report (15 days to Cabo and back) and see if you see things that you want more data on for your plans:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=61576
This year (2015) we went as far as Bahía Concepcion for a total of 9 days: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=79730
[Edited on 12-26-2015 by David K]
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mcnut
Nomad
Posts: 177
Registered: 12-9-2013
Location: Dammeron Valley, UT
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Is 21 Days enough to enjoy our selves on the beach and still make it to Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, 21 days will allow for a very leisurely trip.
Do you expect that we will be able to find some decent spots with out too much technical 4WD?
Yes, most locals are getting around in 2wd econ-boxes and PUs but they are experienced driving in marginal conditions.
Any decent maps or books that might be recommended?
Baja California Almanac if you can find it or the National Geographic Baja Adventure Travel Map set, North & South are very good.
Any rabbit holes or traps that we should consider with our dogs?
You should have their shots up to date and a recent Vet's Certificate of Health. Dogs are a very good security asset.
Please suggest any must "sees"
I'm sure others will have many suggestions.
Oh ya - how available is internet? Just wondering for the Map capability on my phone.
Don't know but would think the coverage is spotty therefor use a mapping app that allows offline navigation.
The truck has 165,000 Miles (266km) and has been well maintained .. any thing that I should consider on that end?
Know what are common issues for your vehicle and know that breakdowns are part of travel, you will be going a minimum 2500 miles in MX. I have a Chev
Diesel that is not ultra common in Baja so once I was within the failure mileage (100k +) for the unique waterpump I carried a spare.
Bruce
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Guerrero Negro and the whale center for beach side camping and whale watching tour with Baja Nomad Shari (another certified Canadian)
http://www.whalemagictours.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Whale-Magic-Tours-166548610203571/
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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hey there Ramblinman...welcome to the sandbox! I used to just suck it up and from the ferry terminal it was 38 hours to Guerrero Negro...just barreled
down I-5 to get to La La Land as fast as I could.
I would be happy to introduce you to some whales and your doggies can watch from shore and swim in the lagoon. You can camp in the magical place or
get a hotel in town. I can dial you in on some must see spots while we are suckin back beer on the beach! You are gonna love it!
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Ramblinman
Newbie
Posts: 11
Registered: 12-26-2015
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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Thanks for the quick replies! We are trying to decide on which border crossing to use. Can anyone make a recommendation?
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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What part of Canada are you leaving from?
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3821
Registered: 2-9-2004
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While Baja in February is warmer than Canada, it can still get very cold at night. Bring gear and clothing for wind and 40 degrees.
Must see: whale watching at Ojos de Liebre and San Ignacio. Camping is great at the Ojos site. Just drive out thre and sign up for a boat the next
morning (if you have blue sky and calm water).
Bahia de Los Angeles is nice beach camping, and San Borja has a nice camping area, plus the mission site.
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hombre66
Nomad
Posts: 281
Registered: 10-29-2014
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Entry?If your'e coming from BC down I-5, Mexicali entry via the SoCal high desert. Head for Tehachapi just after Bakersfield and follow a route that
goes thru Victorville, Palm Desert, Salton Sea to the border. Why, you may ask? You will avoid all the SoCal Metro areas horrendous traffic(as well
as Tijuanas) and enter Baja fairly primed,since much of the high desert area in SoCal is as wonderous as the scenery in Baja. You will also avoid the
tedium of passing thru the duller part of N.Baja thats now heavily agricultural. Driving the new section of Mex 5 after San Felipe is a treat and will
reduce your driving stress you would experience on west coast highway 1.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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While I like hombre66's route, all crossings have different advantages. In most cases, signage will point you in the right direction. Getting lost is
only temporary and it makes for a great story later!
Crossing through Ensenada to go south, along with the many farm towns in the San Quintin Valley is a great incentive to use Mexico Hwy. 5, at least
in one of the directions through Baja. South on Hwy. 5 and then come north on Hwy. 1 or 1 & 3, to the border, so you see more of Baja California.
PS, the most useful map for a Baja road trip is the AAA Baja California map, last printed in 2010 and no longer made. Some AAA offices far from the
border of Mexico still have them. You are welcome to utilize my scans of it: http://s213.photobucket.com/user/DavidKier/library/Maps/AAA%...
[Edited on 12-27-2015 by David K]
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Ramblinman
Newbie
Posts: 11
Registered: 12-26-2015
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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Wow! Thanks for the prompt replies everyone. We are leaving from Alberta Canada and we ware hoping to get to the Mexico Border soonest. It will be
tough to pass all the great spots along the way but we are committed to travelling Baja.
Is Boondocking still safe?
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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If you have a clear weather window through Montana, Idaho and Utah -
Cross at the Coutts Border, then down the I-15 to Pocatello to Mesquite and then US 95 to Jacumba or Potrero State Campground (3 days long driving).
It is then possible to camp at Catavina, Loreto and finish up in Cabo. Then you could wind your way back at leisure. If I was camping, I would not
miss the Ojo de Liebre Laguna south of Guerrero Negro.
Plan on staying in some hotels because even in late March, storms can bring risky travel conditions and cold in the mountain passes on both the I-15
and 1-5 until you cross into Mexico. Many Canadian snow birds leave in October and return in March, partly to avoid winter driving and camping
conditions.
Yes, boon-docking is still possible, but rest stops may be closed due to lack of funds or weather. Some malls will ask you to move on. Super truck
stops are an option with pay showers.
For trouble free travel, you will need less than you think, but be prepared with the basics and fuel up when you see a gas station.
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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From Alberta, I would take the inland route to Mexicalli, then down Mex 5. The west coast down through CA may be an efficient road, but I'll take
wide open spaces as much as I can get! The southern California megalopolis is more than this rural guy can deal with.
There are many places to check out on your trip, you will need more time, or another trip. One stop I recommend, is Los Barriles. It is a neat
little town, with a camp ground/RV park on the beach at the north end if you are in need of such, or you can set up on the arroyo next to it.
Keep reading older reports for more ideas, and have a great trip!
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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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Altenative route: overnight in Cranbrook, cross at Kingsgate, stay near Hood River, then I-5 to Medford. It will potentially be cold and snowy, but
there less high mountain passes are lots of super truck stops along the way. The weather could be better, but again watch for storms rolling in from
the Pacific. Then drive from Medford to Rancho San Diego (be prepared to know LA route and driving). Then drive to Tecate, cross and head on Mexico #3
to Ensenada and reward yourselves with a stop in a Hotel in San Quintin. Actually, meals and hotels are pretty inexpensive. Maps and GPS will be your
friend through major centres. A little Spanish helps too. Then, Guerro Negro to Loreto, then on to Cabo.
Do your research if it's your first time driving in the US and plan your stops for safe driving. We don't drive like banshees anymore...U2U me if you
want the slow route.
Enjoy your adventure planning,
J
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Request
Ramblinman - If you have room, please bring me a bottle of Alberta Springs 10 year rye whiskey. We can meet when you pass through Ensenada
Thank you
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hombre66
Nomad
Posts: 281
Registered: 10-29-2014
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Not sure why windgirl wants you to deviate all the way over to Medford Oregon and all the way down I-5 , especially since you'd like to bee-line it as
efficiently as possible. Possibilities of challenging weather are everywhere, even the Siskyous south of Medford. Great Falls/Pocatello /Salt Lake to
Las Vegas is an obvious straight on.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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here's all you REALLY need to know:
3 weeks is more than enough time
have vehicle insurance
use ATM to get Pesos by the 1000's at a time
don't drive at night
keep your fuel + 1/2 tank
try something you've never eaten at least once a week
try to hang out with the locals occasionally
don't be a d!ck
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hombre66
Nomad
Posts: 281
Registered: 10-29-2014
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Take it from th' Woodmeister...Pesos is the magic word. Buy everything in pesos and your chances of getting shortchanged diminish, especially at the
Mexican gas pump.
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23S52N
Nomad
Posts: 135
Registered: 7-30-2015
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I do the trip twice a year from north of Edmonton to La Paz and have used the tecate crossing coming down thru the cluster f*** of I15. This year I
followed some good advice and cut off I15 at Vegas and had a wonderful and peaceful drive through the desert to el centro, then crossed at Mexicali
east and down 5. The last 40 kms of goat trail to #1 is a breeze and leaves the Pacific route to those who don't mind the traffic etc.
I'm in no hurry so take 8 days. I've iron butted it in 5 but you're gonna have long days on the road doing the ab to mex in 3 days, plus you're
driving in winter. Enjoy your trip and be safe.
Regards,
Keith
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Quote: Originally posted by hombre66  | | Not sure why windgirl wants you to deviate all the way over to Medford Oregon and all the way down I-5 , especially since you'd like to bee-line it as
efficiently as possible. Possibilities of challenging weather are everywhere, even the Siskyous south of Medford. Great Falls/Pocatello /Salt Lake to
Las Vegas is an obvious straight on. |
If you've ever tried to escape winter in Alberta you'd understand you need options when you're on a timeline. 
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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