Mision Santo Domingo Canyon
Total Kilometers
15.0
Elevation
107.03 m
Duration
1.75 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Overview
This trail was mapped from the top, and the first half is extremely challenging. It begins with deep rain crevices that demand precise tire placement, followed by steep, rocky sections that are tough to navigate. One particularly difficult stretch is about 15 feet long, filled with basketball-sized boulders. While there are some smoother sections where you can pick up speed, the high difficulty rating comes from the sheer variety of obstacles along the route. To tackle this trail, it's essential to have underbody protection for your vehicle and to travel with at least one other experienced driver, as expert-level recovery skills may be needed. There is one gate to open and close, and after clearing the toughest sections, you'll cross a wash and encounter sandy stretches ahead. Once you spot the powerlines, most of the challenges are behind you, though you'll still face some loose gravel and deep sand. At the time of mapping, the road had been so rarely used that only animal tracks and a single mountain bike tire mark were visible. Additionally, there are a few sections where you'll need to cut back branches to avoid pinstripes from overgrown trees. Despite its difficulty, this is a beautiful and rewarding trail.
Photos of Mision Santo Domingo Canyon
Difficulty
This trail features several narrow, steep, and rocky sections with large boulders that require significant experience in both driving and recovery. Without high clearance, a second vehicle, and skid plates, it should not be attempted. This was clearly once part of the Baja 1000 route, with 30-inch deep tire ruts in some areas. Also, keep in mind that this trail was mapped in dry conditions, and the final mile of the steep section is essentially a dry wash leading to a larger dry wash. After storms or during rainy conditions, significant water could be present, making the route even more challenging.
Status Reports
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