Arbolitos Cove

Total Miles 2.6
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

This trail is an out-and-back route with a loop at the end, offering the opportunity to visit several lookout points ranging from 50 to 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Despite its short duration and proximity to Ensenada, this road offers a substantial reward for those who venture along it. Initially, you will ascend for half a mile on a dirt path, followed by a left turn at the top of the hill. As you proceed, you will encounter what appears to be a former campground with approximately 50 spaces, and then make a right turn at the tree-lined corner. A short distance ahead, you'll come across a sign indicating a camping fee of 100 pesos, although it has not been enforced for the past two years. Continuing on, you will reach an elevated viewpoint where you can see the ocean from above before descending through a couple of steep switchbacks to return to level ground. Along the way, you will pass several idyllic camping spots, each with its own small peninsula to choose from. Despite its remote atmosphere, this location receives daily visits from families who come to fish from the rocks below.

Photos of Arbolitos Cove

Difficulty

This is a fairly easy trail even for a high clearance 2WD vehicle. CAUTION: If you take the loop at the end it is recommended you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle, SxS or an ATV. There are very narrow and steep sections on the loop that would not be passable by a 2WD vehicle. In rainy conditions the difficulty level will change significantly.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Scott Adams
Aug 29, 2024
Open
We are the original poster here. When we arrived last week, there was a lot of trash, but after talking to the ejido group they came and cleaned it up again. Please even if you see the blue barrels empty take your trash out if it all possible. Definitely take it if barrels are full. We always try to take whatever trash we find because it’s such a beautiful place. The VIP in Manadero across from Calimax has an open dumpster and free ice for your cooler if you buy some drinks. The shelf road is not for the faint hearted but I watch Honda Civics and mini vans (locals) passing it frequently so it’s a one. Bathrooms have not been in service for years although structures exist. Bring shovel, walk down a hill. If they come down they will charge the posted rate of 100 pesos per car per day or 200 overnight considered 2 days which surely will go up if they rebuild/update bathrooms.
JADE FELIX
Jul 05, 2024
Open
The trail was rough but easy to handle there are a couple side routes that would require high clearance and 4x4 vehicles but for the most part was not to difficult. But be careful wherever you set up camp because there are western diamond back rattlesnakes that are out and about
Mario Carrillo
Oct 10, 2023
Open

Arbolitos Cove Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Arbolitos Cove Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map