Trail Overview
Sendero del Arroyo de las Tierras Altas or "Highland Arroyo Trail" takes you through a broad, beautifully sculpted sandstone canyon that's both visually stunning and technically engaging. Starting near VCP 135 of the Baja 250 and ending at VCP 139, the trail gradually climbs 600 feet--from 963 to 1,458 feet--as you ascend through a wide arroyo flanked by multicolored brown and tan mountain walls. The terrain is a mix of deep sand and loose gravel, which may require lowering tire pressure for better traction and control. As the elevation increases, the canyon dramatically opens up, offering panoramic views of "The Highlands," with striking rock formations and layers of desert hues surrounding the path.
Difficulty
This trail is moderately challenging due to deep sandy sections and loose gravel. While not technical in terms of rock crawling, the trail demands vehicle preparedness, proper tire PSI, and confident throttle control to navigate the shifting terrain and elevation gain effectively. Plan accordingly and bring self-rescue gear and plenty of water.
History
There is little know about the ancient history of the area but many are drawn to this area's backcountry with the annual Baja races.The SCORE San Felipe 250, a 250-mile off-road race, was first held in 1982 and is sanctioned by SCORE International. The race takes place near San Felipe on the Baja California Peninsula. It is one of four races in the SCORE World Desert Championship series, which also includes the Baja 500, Baja 400, and Baja 1000. The San Felipe 250 is often referred to as the "Baby Baja". The race course has featured several legendary washes like Matomi, Huatomote, and Chanate over the years.
