Trail Overview
This scenic desert route kicks off just off the east side of Highway 5, just north of San Felipe, and ends in sight of the sparkling blue waters of the Sea of Cortez near San Felipe. From the northern entrance, the trail begins in less-than-glamorous fashion, with scattered illegal dumping. Once past this short eyesore, the trail quickly transforms into an off-road gem. The initial stretch is a mix of small rocks over firm, hard-packed sand, easing you into the terrain. As you progress, the route winds through a narrow wash framed by striking desert peaks--an impressive contrast to the open flats that follow. The middle portion opens up into a classic Baja landscape, dotted with Ocotillo arms reaching skyward and sprawling Creosote bushes. The surface here shifts to all sand, with mild whoops and short loose sections that add a bit of spice without being overly technical. Continuing, the trail dips into another serene valley, again wrapped by colorful hills, with the majestic Sierra San Felipe ridge line in the distance. The final push points you south, straight toward the coast, where the glimmering Sea of Cortez emerges on the horizon--a perfect capstone to this desert run.
Difficulty
Most of the trail is accessible to high-clearance 2WD vehicles with solid tires, but a few short sandy stretches may call for 4WD. It's a great beginner-friendly route with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. You may need to air down for comfort and the sandy sections.
