Trail Overview
Starting near the town of Maria Auxiliadora, this off-road route heads southwest into the desert, quickly leaving town behind. The initial stretch passes through an area cluttered with trash--common near the outskirts--so it's best practice not to stop until you're clear of the landfill zones. The route winds through a few small ranchos before gradually climbing into the open desert on its way toward the coast. In some stretches, you'll encounter 3 to 4 inches of sand, so 4WD or the ability to air down your tires is recommended, especially in these semi-remote areas. After a tight, brush-lined section, the trail opens into a broad arroyo and dry lake bed, marked by the curious sight of an old, discarded boat off to the side. From there, you'll cross through mid-high desert terrain before making a soft 45-degree turn left, ending at a junction roughly a mile inland from the estuary. A right turn leads to the estuary, while continuing straight takes you to El Canalito.
Difficulty
Although this route is not particularly difficult, there are a few sections with 3 to 4 inches of sand and some mild climbs, with hills reaching 20 to 30 meters in elevation. While not extreme, these features can be challenging in the wrong conditions, so it's a good idea to have 4WD or at least the ability to air down your tires--especially when traveling through these semi-remote areas.
