Trail Overview
The Coastal route from Rancho Estella to Bahia Soledad offers a stunning off-road experience, blending natural beauty with varying levels of challenge. The journey begins with a relatively easy 3.5 miles, rated at a level two difficulty, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable start. However, the trail's difficulty intensifies in the final 1.5 miles, where the path becomes more rugged. This section is marked by steep climbs, narrow washes, and potential obstacles that could be particularly treacherous during the rainy season. As you traverse this scenic route along the coast, you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of vibrant wildlife, including birds, donkeys, and roadrunners, all set against the backdrop of the ocean. This trail ends just before reaching the road out of Bahia Soledad towards La Bocana, but there is an alternative route that ascends through the nearby canyon, which can be passable under certain conditions.
Difficulty
This trail is traveled almost daily by the ranchers that live along the way. The difficulty of the trail will increase significantly with rain or after a storm. There are several deep washes in the last mile or two that will be difficult to cross when running with water. Some could be several feet deep during a storm or flash flood.