Trail Overview
The Cortez Sand Trail follows the 2025 San Felipe Baja 250 course from Virtual Checkpoints 40 to 46, offering a mix of soft terrain and rugged elevation gain. Beginning at 199 feet and climbing to 533 feet over a short stretch, this trail provides sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding mountain ranges. Along the way, drivers pass through groves of ocotillo and other hardy desert flora, immersing themselves in classic Baja scenery. The lower sections are characterized by very deep sand and gravel, which can sap traction quickly. As the trail climbs, conditions become more technical, with increasing rock content and deeply rutted sections where careless line choice can result in high centering or undercarriage damage. This trail demands respect and capable gear.
Difficulty
While not highly technical, the combination of deep sand, gravel, and ruts requires high clearance and aggressive tires (33" minimum). Recovery gear and off-road experience are strongly recommended.