Trail Overview
This off-road trail begins off the lower mangrove road and runs mostly straight for the first four miles, with the initial two miles being narrow and relatively smooth, bordered by tall desert vegetation that may leave pinstripes on full-size vehicles. Unless you're seeking a side-by-side-style adventure with deep whoops and soft sand, the lower road offers a more scenic and forgiving option. Around the two-mile mark, most traffic veers left, while continuing straight leads into increasingly rough terrain, featuring 2- to 3-foot whoops and heavily used Baja race sections. The sand deepens to 3 to 4 inches in places, especially past a large, debris-littered lakebed. The climb out of the lakebed is known for its deep, rutted sections where many have gotten stuck, but with 4WD or properly aired-down tires, the ascent is manageable. At mile four, the trail descends into a mangrove area, providing an option to reconnect with the lower road. Continuing straight brings you to the five-mile mark, where the route turns left and merges directly back into the lower mangrove road.
Difficulty
While this trail isn't particularly difficult overall, the race section beyond the point where most traffic turns left features deeper sand and whoops that can challenge less-prepared vehicles. In dry conditions, having 4WD or airing down your tires should be sufficient to get through without issue. However, once you descend into the mangroves, it's important to check tide levels and consider any recent storms, as these low-lying areas can quickly become soft, waterlogged, and difficult to navigate safely.
