Puerto Chale Cutoff

This easy, non-technical route provides a scenic shortcut from Highway 1 north to the road toward Puerto Chale. You'll begin by opening and securely closing a barbed wire gate, with a second gate around the halfway point. The route starts with a sharp left turn, following power lines for roughly a quarter mile before curving right to meet the main trail. The terrain is mostly soft and smooth, with just a few short sections of small rocks and a light layer of sand--typically less than an inch deep--making for a relaxed and comfortable ride. Though several paths cross this area, this line stays consistent, heading straight until you reach a fenced building, where you'll take a sharp right. From there, the trail winds gently through low desert brush, offering a peaceful cruise. Eventually, you'll ride along the edge of a mesa overlooking a green, river-fed valley--an unexpected splash of color for the season--before merging onto a well-graded, lane-and-a-half-wide road that carries you to the open exit at the Puerto Chale Highway.