Trail Overview
This trail begins at the entrance to Ventus off the highway to La Ventana, just before entering town, with an alternate access point about a mile further in. The route follows a scenic, winding road through a future residential area, offering glimpses of the bay, where you can often spot up to 100 kites in the air on windy days. Continuing along, the trail connects to the road behind the dunes, frequently used by kite surfing outfits to access areas where surfers drift on high-wind days. This section of the trail is an easy, well-maintained path suitable for any 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance, offering access to scenic beach areas and potential camping spots. However, after the first 90-degree right turn, the terrain becomes more challenging, featuring a narrow, dug-out section where 4WD could be beneficial. The second 90-degree right turn leads to a low-traffic route, as a trench at its entrance blocks the more popular old path. For an easier alternative, you can bypass this section by continuing straight, reconnecting with the main trail about half a mile ahead. If you proceed through the overgrown segment and make the left turn, the trail improves significantly, though it includes some deep-rutted corners carved side-by-sides. This better-defined path leads to an intersection where you can turn left toward the beach or right to tackle the more challenging Los Planes West Road to the junction of the La Ventana and Los Planes highways.
Difficulty
The first 3.5 to 4 miles of this route are easily navigable for any 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance. However, as you progress, you'll encounter a few challenging sections that may require 4WD and will certainly demand the ability to air down your tires if 4WD is unavailable. Note that this assessment is based on very dry conditions, so plan accordingly.
