Trail Overview
This off-road trail, part of a well-known Baja race route, begins roughly a mile and a half before the North Road turnoff into San Juanico. As soon as you leave the pavement and veer right, there's a flat, scenic campsite on your right with sweeping views of the Pacific, while directly across the highway sits another beach camp, offering alternative overnight options. The trail starts with an inch or two of soft sand as it winds in and out of arroyos for the first mile or so. After a sharp left turn, you'll hit the switchbacks--kicking off with a 50- to 60-yard sandy incline that demands momentum, aired-down tires, or 4WD. This is followed by another steep grade with loose, baseball-sized rocks, culminating in a stretch where rocks reach softball size or larger, requiring precise tire placement and self-recovery readiness. In hotter months, expect the temperature to climb a degree or two with every mile inland. Past this rocky climb, the terrain alternates between sandy washes and scattered rock fields. About midway, you'll hit a junction with more visible local traffic and some dumped trash, which unfortunately mars the otherwise remote feel. Beyond that, the trail becomes easier and eventually connects with another established Baja race course heading northeast, while turning left will drop you onto the North Road into town.
Difficulty
Under dry conditions, this route presents only two sections where you might need to engage 4WD, air down your tires, or both. The first is about a mile and a half in, where the trail enters a series of switchbacks featuring sandy inclines that can sap momentum if you're not prepared. Shortly after that, there's a second climb that's noticeably steeper, with a surface covered in loose rock ranging from baseball to softball size. Both sections are manageable with the right setup and driving approach, but they're the only areas along the route that might challenge traction or require extra attention.
