Baja’s Cape Loop: Desert Bikepacking Meets Mid-Winter Beach Vacation

Why Bikepack the Cape Loop?

Amongst all of the locations I’ve bikepacked and toured, Baja and the Cape Loop stand out for his or her mixture of powerful off-pavement using and straightforward all the things else. Right here’s a abstract of the professionals and cons as I see them.

What’s nice in regards to the Cape Loop:

At its greatest in Jan and Feb when most US routes are chilly or snowyFrequent resupply and good foodEasy entry to water and wind sports activities (browsing, kiting, diving and snorkeling)Good singletrack using in La Ventana, Cabo PulmoRelaxed vibes, no hassleAmazing desert landscapes (so many big cacti!) and delightful beachesModerate temperatures, nights are chilly however by no means too coldRiding is difficult however not too brutalMostly very low-traffic filth roads, drivers are usually respectfulOptions for shortening journey by taking paved roads or busses

Drawbacks and challenges:

In style trip space for Individuals, so might lack a sense of genuine connection to native tradition except you’ve gotten extroverted tendencies and good SpanishFairly costly lodging and eating places (cheaper than the US however not by as a lot as we anticipated)Days could be highly regarded, and water in some areas is limitedSandy roads = wider tires really useful (2.4” might be absolutely the minimal, many individuals run 2.8 or 3”)Spikey desert foliage = tubeless tires strongly really useful

Prime Suggestions

In case you’re on the brink of journey the Cape Loop and also you solely learn one part of this journey report, make it this one! Listed here are my high ideas: 

Pack mild: In case you’re in search of a path to experiment with ultralight packing, the Cape Loop is an effective one. Heat climate and frequent resupply imply you don’t have to hold a lot additional bulk. You could possibly go stoveless and take into account minimal rain shelter (we had zero rain, but it surely does occur). You’ll need room for water (5 or 6 liters max).

Deliver seaside garments (I introduced a swimsuit, operating shorts, and a light-weight tank high). The seashores in Baja aren’t at all times heat this time of yr although, so that you’ll additionally need a rain / wind jacket and maybe a midlayer.

Strive some seaside actions! In case you like (or wish to attempt) browsing, kiteboarding, wingfoiling, snorkeling, or SCUBA diving, see Seaside Actions under.

Spanish isn’t vital, because of Google Translate and the English expertise of many locals working in tourism. Nonetheless, Spanish is a comparatively accessible language for English audio system and a few fundamental Spanish is useful, to not point out a well mannered technique to present the locals you’re making an attempt. 

Comfort shops promote chilly “Electrolit” drinks which are fairly tasty and nice for replenishing fluids misplaced whereas sweating beneath the extraordinary Baja solar.

It does get chilly at evening regardless of the new daytime temps. I wouldn’t counsel forgoing any of the same old layers or sleeping bag, although mild variations of all the things are wonderful.

Huge (ideally 2.6” – 3”) tubeless tires are extremely really useful for the sand and prickly desert foliage. Deliver loads of chain lube for the sandy mud.

Two locked gates block the street between Todos Santos and the cut up to La Paz. The primary (heading clockwise) could be bypassed beneath, which is seemingly comfortable with the locals (solely motorized autos are prohibited). The second, just a few miles additional, is locked however has a key hanging close by or hidden beneath a rock.

Our Cape Loop Itinerary

We began in Los Cabos and rode clockwise, following the newest model of the route from the Baja Divide Fb Group with these modifications:

Skipped the infamously sandy (and now presumably closed?) powerline street on the very starting, simply rode the freeway north from Los Cabos till it was time to show left.Skipped the out-and-back to La Paz (have heard some folks prefer it and others don’t discover it well worth the freeway using) and lower over a bit sooner towards Los Planes by way of El Triunfo. Went off-route about 48 miles from Los Cabos, shortly earlier than Todos Santos, to Los Cerritos for browsing.Added an out-and-back into La Ventana for wind sports activities. 

For us this got here to about 250 miles, together with the out-and-back to La Ventana (20 miles spherical journey the best way we went). Our tempo was pretty leisurely with a number of time for seaside actions alongside the best way. We spent 14 full days in Baja, not together with one journey day on both finish. We had 8 using days, 5 seaside / water sport days, and someday originally to construct our bikes and get located.

Day 0: Fly to Los CabosDay 1: Construct bikes, discover Los CabosDays 2-3: Journey from Los Cabos to Los Cerritos simply south of Todos Santos (56 miles)Days 4-5: Browsing in Los CerritosDays 6-7: Journey from Los Cerritos to La Ventana (75 miles)Days 8-9: Wind sports activities in La VentanaDays 10-11: Journey from La Ventana to only north of Cabo Pulmo (72 miles)Day 12: Quick journey to Cabo Pulmo, relaxation day (6 miles)Day 13: Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo in morning, journey into mountains in afternoon (13 miles)Day 14: Journey again to Los Cabos by mid-afternoon (31 miles), pack bikesDay 15: Fly residence

In hindsight the one factor I might change about our itinerary was the part from Todos Santos to La Ventana, which I might permit an additional half day for. This part had some gradual using, and we rushed by means of the good cities of El Rosario and El Triunfo as a substitute of having fun with their cactus sanctuary and mining ruins, respectively. Having 2.5 days for this part would have allowed for extra stops alongside the best way.

Right here’s the RideWithGPS route of our actual journey:

Right here’s an image displaying how our route differed from the official route: 

Tempo Planning Tip: Remember to issue within the shorter sunlight hours of winter. For us in mid-January the solar rose round 7am and it was darkish by about 6:15pm. In case you’re used to lengthy leisurely summer time days this will restrict your day by day progress.

Route Sources and Alternates

Baja Divide Fb Group: Good spot to attach with present and previous riders, search for latest updates on water or street closures, and far more. Within the Recordsdata part yow will discover up-to-date GPX recordsdata and resupply tables.

Baja Divide web site: Not the freshest, however has part by part route descriptions and downloadable resupply charts and maps

Bikepacking.com’s information to the complete Baja Divide route 

RideWithGPS recordsdata we discovered useful (together with some variations):

Alternates

There are just a few alternates to make the route simpler for those who’re quick on time or underbiked. We didn’t take most of those and have been pleased with that call, however for completeness listed here are those I’ve heard about (so as clockwise from Los Cabos. These are additionally proven on the map image of our route above.

Alternate 1: From Todos Santos, head 35km north on freeway earlier than turning proper into mountains to rejoin route simply after El Valle Perdido. Skips a considerably sandy and gradual part with some rocky hike-a-bike, a bonus for people who could be underbiked. Freeway has good shoulder however isn’t that nice.

Alternate 2: From El Triunfo yow will discover a shorter method all the way down to the japanese coast for those who’re skipping La Paz. Go away the route on the junction to El Triunfo (just a few miles off route) and journey by means of city, stopping for good ice cream and previous mining ruins. Take the “Outdated El Triunfo to San Antonio Street” (filth, a bit tough, proven on Trailforks app) to San Antonio, then the large paved descent (low site visitors) to Los Planos simply south of the flip off to La Ventana.

Alternate 3: From Cabo Frailes proceed alongside the coast as a substitute of heading up into the mountains. This skips just a few tedious miles of sandy climbing. You’ll be able to nonetheless lower over to Palo Escopeta by way of a street that leaves the coast about midway from Cabo Frailes to El Cardon (we didn’t do that however kinda want we had, looks like better of each worlds.) It’s also possible to simply comply with the coast all the best way to the south finish of San Jose del Cabo, however then you’ve gotten miles of busy roads to get again north to the airport / Cactus Inn.

I’ve additionally heard of individuals taking a bus between Los Cabos and Todos Santos or La Paz, then using the remaining. Personally I might not have wished to skip using these sections, however for those who’re quick on time it’s an possibility.

Begin and End Logistics

You’ll be able to fly into both San Jose del Cabo (south aspect of the loop) or La Paz (north finish of the out-and-back part). Since we deliberate to skip La Paz it was a no brainer to fly into San Jose del Cabo, generally additionally referred to as Los Cabos or simply Cabo.

In case you fly into Los Cabos, keep on the Cactus Inn! They’ve turn out to be well-liked with bikepackers because of their free airport transportation, handy location (close to the airport and the beginning of the Cape Loop) and willingness to retailer bike containers. They’ll make your logistics extremely simple, and also you’ll most likely meet another bikepackers when you’re there. I initially thought they have been considerably costly, however Cabo isn’t an inexpensive place to remain and their costs are cheap. 

On the airport, merely exit the terminal and search for the “Cactus Rental Automobile” shuttle ready within the parking zone. They’ll take you to the lodge free of charge. There are just a few mini-marts within the space, particularly just a few blocks north, or you may Uber to the large grocery store just a few miles south to replenish for the journey.

Terrain and Issue

The Cape Loop follows principally unpaved roads starting from well-graded hardpack to chunky 4×4 tracks. Considerably distinctive to this route and area are the sandy washes-turned-roads that may have you ever pushing your bike or utilizing method an excessive amount of power to pedal the flats. 

How laborious is the Cape Loop? After all that is all relative to what you’re anticipating and what you’ve ridden earlier than. I assumed the using was difficult sufficient to be fascinating (some steep punchy little climbs, lengthy gradual sandy slogs, chunky descents) however not overwhelming. There have been just a few quick sections of hike-a-bike or steep climbs we selected to stroll, but it surely was principally rideable. We comfortably managed about 35 miles per day with leisurely mornings and quick sunlight hours.

That mentioned, two issues could make this route a lot more durable for those who’re not ready for them: warmth and sand. The Baja solar could be brutal even in winter, so carry loads of fluid and take breaks as wanted. As for underbiking, in case your tires are too slender for the sand or the chunky mountain roads you’ll be strolling greater than you’d like.

Tenting and Lodging

Aside from the Cactus Inn in Los Cabos and a non-public room with shared toilet in La Ventana, we spent each evening in our tent. Wild tenting is straightforward and accepted in Baja, simply don’t pitch proper subsequent to somebody’s residence (there are some ranchos alongside the mountain roads). Within the mountains we saved a watch out for flat areas and snuck off the street on cow paths. Alongside the seashores there are many casual campsites, some extra secluded and others full of RVs and campervans.

In cities we appeared for a hostel or glamping spot the place we may pitch our personal tent. The going price was round 250 pesos per individual per evening (so not low cost) however usually got here with loos, sizzling showers, wifi, communal kitchen, and a secure place to depart the bikes throughout our relaxation days.

Right here’s the place we stayed once we weren’t wild tenting:

Los Cabos: Cactus Inn (extremely advocate)Los Cerritos: Libra Glamping and Hostel, tent campsite (extremely advocate)La Ventana: Susu’z Village Hostel, non-public room with shared bathtub (advocate)Cabo Pulmo: Pepe and Lorena’s Glamping: tent campsite (a bit dear for what you get, however pleasant and handy)

Water

The total Baja Divide route is infamous for very lengthy water carries, however the Cape Loop part is extra average. We every had capability for about 5 liters however in hindsight it ought to have been 6 liters every. We solely wanted that a lot as soon as, for the mountain part between Los Frailes and Palo Escopeta (the little city proper earlier than Los Cabos) the place we discovered no pure sources. In case you’re unsure the right way to carry that a lot water in your bike, see 9 Methods to Carry Water Whereas Bikepacking.

Alongside the japanese coast you’ll discover small cities a minimum of as soon as a day the place you may replenish or purchase water at shops. The mountains between Los Cabos and Todos Santos have been flowing with quite a few streams, however I can’t promise they’ll be there yearly (the area had unusually late rain this yr). I consider there’s a minimum of one dependable river crossing on that part.

No matter you do, don’t depend on maps to determine pure water sources. Most of the blue “rivers” you’ll see on maps are literally simply sandy washes. The Baja Divide Fb Group is an effective supply for latest water studies. 

We carried our common water filter system: a Sawyer Squeeze filter with 3 liter CNOC soiled bag. We used this for pure sources and to filter faucet water. I didn’t get the sense that waterborne viruses are a difficulty on this a part of Mexico so we didn’t fear about purification (see Water Remedy for Bikepacking).

If the climate is sizzling, search for “Electrolit” drink within the comfort shops. It’s surprisingly tasty (I a lot desire it to Gatorade) and actually helps replenish what you’re sweating out.

Meals

We ate fairly properly on this journey in comparison with many previous bikepacking adventures. Our longest stretch with out resupply was solely two days between Los Cabos and Los Cerritos, in any other case we discovered outlets and/or eating places a minimum of as soon as a day.

Unsurprisingly, there may be some superb Mexican meals in Baja. Fish tacos have been a constant hit for us, although actually any type of tacos normally hit the spot. We normally ate one restaurant meal per day when on the town as a compromise between having fun with the superb meals and holding prices down, then ready our personal meals from grocery shops the remainder of the time.

For groceries and resupply we discovered small comfort shops in most cities. The bigger ones normally had some recent produce, good diary, and different more healthy gadgets.

We introduced a easy wood-burning range (see under), which we used just a few instances for warm espresso and ramen, however I might say it’s simple to go with no range on the Cape Loop if you wish to avoid wasting weight.

Our favourite lunch or no-cook dinner was refried beans on a tortilla heaped with avocado, tomato, Fritos chips, and a spritz of lime juice. Refried bean pouches can be found all over the place and the recent tortillas are utterly completely different (method higher!) than those we purchase on the grocery retailer at residence.

Breakfasts have been typically granola and milk powder, or generally tortillas with Nutella and peanut butter. Each of the latter have been simple to search out in small plastic jars excellent for carrying on the street. On the spot espresso was additionally simple to search out.

And naturally you’ll wish to take pleasure in a chilly cerveza (beer) or two for those who’re so inclined. It actually does hit the spot on these sizzling afternoons.

Our Bikes

We each rode inflexible mountain bikes with carbon forks and would positively do it this fashion once more. There’s no want for suspension on this route besides maybe for some additional consolation on tough floor. Gentle and easy is the best way to go in my view, although after all suspension works too if that’s what you’ve received.

My bike: Stella (Chumba Stella Ti) with carbon fork and flat bars. Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6” tubeless tires. 

E’s bike: Solace OM-2P (Pinion) with carbon fork and Jones Loop bars. Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.8” tubeless tires.

Tires are an enormous matter for the Cape Loop and Baja Divide basically. Sand is the primary difficulty. There are additionally some rocky, chunky 4×4 roads and a good quantity of washboard. Due to all this, however particularly the sand, most individuals advocate 2.8” – 3” tires. 

My rims are a bit slender for 3” tires and I’m on the sunshine aspect at 120 lbs, so I selected 2.6” tires. This labored for me however may not work for heavier riders. E ran 2.8” tires however weighs 1.5 instances what I do, and he appeared to battle a bit extra within the sand. Basically each of us may journey most of what we wanted to journey, although some pushing was inevitable on the sandier uphill sections. 

Tubeless tires strongly really useful! We had zero leaks or punctures regardless of dozens of thorns embedded in our tires. It’s not possible to keep away from spikey issues on this route. I suppose a tried and examined system of tire liners and different methods (sealant inside tubes?) could be price a shot, however attempt at your personal threat.

I rode with my dropper put up as a result of I used to be too lazy to swap it out (this bike doubles as my hardtail with a fast fork swap). I used it sometimes for some steep downhills, since I had it, however didn’t actually need it ever. (See Bikepacking With a Dropper Publish)

We each have dynamo hubs however didn’t want them in any respect for this journey, since civilization got here alongside at most each two days. We every carried a 10k mAh energy financial institution. (See Are Dynamo Hubs Value It?)

Gear Notes

The Cape Loop is pretty easy to gear up for as a consequence of its average local weather and frequent resupply. I carried most of my common bikepacking gear record for brief journeys, with just a few notable modifications.

Range

I normally wish to bikepack with a range, however the Cape Loop’s mixture of frequent cities and comparatively heat climate make going stoveless much less of a sacrifice. You could possibly take pleasure in hearty dinners of tortillas, refried beans (out there all over the place in light-weight pouches), and avocado and tomato. Breakfast could possibly be granola and milk powder. On the spot espresso works wonderful in chilly water. If you would like a really light-weight meal, cold-soak a ramen cup.

We did carry a range, however not our common. Isobutane canisters appear not possible to purchase in Baja, and whereas I’m certain yow will discover gasoline for a liquid range it may be a problem to trace down the correct stuff. We determined to check out this little wood-burning range, which price $35 and weighs solely 7 ounces without having to hold gasoline. 

How did it go? There’s a little bit of a studying curve and endurance is required; we gave up as soon as on a windy seaside and simply cold-soaked our ramen. Dry gasoline is straightforward to search out, however the correct tinder and kindling is essential. We introduced cotton balls soaked with Vaseline as a firestarter and this helped lots.

Value it? It was good to have sizzling ramen and occasional, however I might say it was nearly not well worth the effort since we additionally loved our stoveless meals of tortillas and refried beans.

Heat Garments

This a part of Baja can prepare dinner in the course of the day, however nights can nonetheless be chilly. You definitely don’t want the type of chilly climate gear you’d need on one thing just like the Nice Divide, however of us who go with none type of heat stuff usually remorse it. Anticipate temps down into the low 50’s at evening within the mountains, and the seashores could be chilly as a consequence of wind. Relying on whenever you journey and what the climate patterns are, you may wish to be ready for an occasional evening within the excessive 40’s. 

Right here’s what I dropped at maintain heat, which ended up being excellent:

Light-weight down puffy (Ghost Whisperer)Light-weight rain jacket (OR Helium) – very helpful for wind tooLight merino base layer high for sleeping and going out within the evenings in townTights for sleeping and going out within the evenings in townSleeping quilt rated to round 30 levels, which was a lot heat

Some heat issues I typically carry on bikepacking journeys that I didn’t carry or want on this one: heat gloves, rain pants, heat hat.

Elkhorn Cargo Cage Rack

I used to be tempted to run a seat bag on this journey to maintain the burden down, however I went with an OMM Elkhorn Rack and it ended up being an awesome alternative for a number of causes. The most important is that I used to be capable of nonetheless use my dropper seatpost, not strictly vital for this journey however good to have on a number of the rougher descents.

It’s additionally a pleasant technique to manage cargo. It’s a medium-capacity setup, greater than a seat bag and fewer than my bikepacking panniers, which was excellent for this journey. The rack deck simplifies carrying extras like extra water or meals for sure stretches. It’s additionally most likely probably the most organized I’ve ever been on a bikepacking journey, with two separate small dry baggage as a substitute of a single seat bag or huge panniers.

If that sounds interesting, right here’s my detailed evaluate of the Elkhorn rack.

For cargo cage suggestions, see Salsa Something vs. Blackburn Outpost.

Shelter and Sleep

We broke out our previous Tarptent Double Rainbow for this journey and it was an awesome compromise, if a bit cozy. We do longer bikepacking journeys with our 3-person Massive Agnes Copper Spur (that additional area is essential when on the street for awhile) but it surely appeared overkill for this route. 

In hindsight we may have gotten away with our ultralight water resistant bivvies, basically simply “cowboy tenting” beneath clear skies. But it surely was good to have non-public area at a number of the campgrounds / hostels. Additionally, it does generally rain in Baja, although we didn’t expertise any. 

Seaside Stuff

We spent 5 complete off-bike days at seashores across the loop, and these have been important for having fun with that point:

SwimsuitAthletic shorts and tank topStuffable ultralight backpackSports sandalsLots of sunscreenSunglasses and sunglass retainer strap for water sports activities

Seaside Actions

This positively isn’t required to benefit from the route and it does add vital expense, however we went all-in on seaside actions throughout this journey. I don’t know if that is typical in excessive season, however we have been profitable with last-minute bookings. We reached out a pair days upfront for kiting and snorkeling, and the remaining (browsing and wingfoiling) have been organized on the spot. 

Browsing in Los Cerritos: In response to our analysis that is the spot for browsing alongside the Cape Loop. It’s simply south of Todos Santos and you may simply lower over from the route about 49 miles out of Los Cabos. CRT Surf College is correct on the seaside, you may’t miss them. 

E is an intermediate surfer, so he simply rented a board and had fun. I’m a complete newbie, I took a lesson and in addition had a good time. The lesson was completely price it as the teacher stabilized my board and did all of the laborious work so I may really get up and catch some waves. Costs appear considerably negotiable, however boards have been round $20 per day and my lesson was about $75 for an hour (with use of a seaside umbrella and chairs for the day). Situations have been greatest within the morning once we have been there.

Kiteboarding and wingfoiling (and singletrack) in La Ventana: It is a greater dedication than browsing and gained’t be for everybody, but when you are interested in wind sports activities La Ventana is unbelievable. Inexperienced persons can take classes or extra skilled of us can hire gear. Costs are a bit cheaper than the US however not a lot, so we’re speaking lots of of {dollars} for just a few hours of classes.

In case you don’t wish to partake in wind sports activities, La Ventana continues to be a enjoyable place to hang around for a relaxation day. It does take just a few miles of using off-route to get to, and it’s stuffed with foreigners camped out for the season, however we appreciated the vibe nonetheless. There are a number of networks of very nice singletrack if you wish to get extra biking in. I extremely advocate following the simple Cardon Connector path (discover it within the Trailforks app) on the best way out.

E took a kiteboarding refresher lesson and rented gear for the afternoon. We each took newbie wingfoil classes the following day. We took our classes from Playa Central, however there are a number of different faculties round (Baja Joe’s can be well-liked). The whole lot was well-run and good high quality. 

Snorkeling or diving in Cabo Pulmo: Cabo Pulmo, just a few miles north of Los Frailes, is residence to a protected marine park with a coral reef. We took a 2 hour snorkel boat journey with Cabo Pulmo Dive Home and appreciated it, price was about $70 per individual, however there are various firms operating related excursions. Highlights have been jellyfish, sea lions, whales, turtles, and loads of colourful fish. It’s additionally an awesome place for SCUBA diving journeys.

Los Cabos: Since we began from the Cactus in on the north finish of city and completed the loop on the mountain route, we by no means really noticed the seaside in Cabo! However for those who move by means of the waterfront space there are alternatives for browsing, snorkeling, and extra seaside actions.

Tradition and Vibes

I’ll be sincere, this journey was much less in regards to the native tradition than lots of my others. The area is well-liked with vacationers and expats, particularly Individuals, and except you converse good Spanish it may be laborious to attach with locals. On the intense aspect this makes for a really snug and familiar-feeling journey, maybe a great start line for these with out prior expertise bikepacking overseas.

Amongst different foreigners we felt proper at residence with the overlanders, surfers, and backpackers. A bit much less so with the snowbirds and costly condominium homeowners, however they have been principally concentrated in a comparatively quick stretch on the japanese aspect.

Locals have been very type to us, useful and pleasant however by no means pushy. No aggressive children, no undesirable consideration, no points with my shoulders or knees being seen (a aid after a number of latest journeys in conservative Muslim international locations). We have been chased by just a few canine, however the place does that ever not occur?

What I did see of the native tradition was nothing however constructive. Out on the distant roads we at all times received pleasant waves from passing ranchers. Playful Christmas decorations, historically left up till mid-January, advised of festive celebrations. Numerous roadside memorials hinted at religious and household connections. Sometime I might like to mud off my Spanish, return to Baja, and attempt to be taught extra.

Every day Notes and Pics

Day 0: We spent two nights on the Cactus Inn, giving us a full day to construct our bikes and replenish on meals. In hindsight we may have performed it faster, or we may have Ubered or bused all the way down to the seaside to take a look at the waterfront space of Cabo.

Day 1: 24 miles

From the Cactus Inn we headed north on a mixture of freeway and sandy frontage street to bypass the notorious powerline part, which I heard is now closed anyway, and turned left to rejoin the route after about 8 miles. The street right here was light at first, very quiet, and good high quality. We felt excited to be heading into the mountains away from the hustle and bustle of city.

Finally the climb steepened, however didn’t final too lengthy. We filtered water from the river round mile 19 earlier than the second climb, and in addition crossed many small streams afterward. Because it got here time to camp we discovered ourselves close to a variety of rural ranchos, however ultimately discovered a hidden spot out of the best way to pitch our tent. We fell asleep and woke to the sound of cowbells.

The surroundings on this part was very nice, most likely my favourite of all of the mountain sections on the Cape Loop. It was greener than I anticipated, perhaps because of the later-than-usual rains this season.

Day 2: 32 miles to Los Cerritos

Right this moment began with an extended descent, tough and chunky in locations, with many stream crossings (unsure how dependable they’re).

After the tiny group of Aguacate we tackled a brief however stout climb, then extra rolling and sandy terrain (and no water sources that we observed). Right here the enormous cacti began making their look in earnest, which I used to be actually enthusiastic about. I liked the saguaro on the Arizona Path and didn’t notice Baja could be so stuffed with their cousins. Enjoyable truth: the cacti in Baja aren’t Saguaro however Cardon / Elephant Cactus, an analogous however faster-growing species that may develop as much as a foot a yr! No marvel they get so tall!

Round 48 miles since Cabo we turned left off the route and adopted a great filth street to the coast, slicing by means of Pescadero en path to the small city of Los Cerritos. We handed Libra Hostel on our method in and ended up staying there for 3 nights. It’s a beautiful spot with tent campsites and some glamping beds and delightful out of doors kitchen space. It’s close to a small grocery retailer, Shaka’s Restaurant (which tends to be open when others aren’t), and a 15 minute stroll to the seaside.

Days 3-4: Browsing in Los Cerritos. See Seaside Actions above for particulars.

Day 5: 32 miles

From Los Cerritos we adopted the freeway for about 10 miles (good shoulder) into Todos Santos. It’s a pleasant city and well-liked place to discover, however since we’d already spent our relaxation days in Los Cerritos we continued by means of.

The following part heads into the mountains once more on a gradual, generally sandy climb with very low site visitors. We encountered two locked gates on this stretch. Because of the Baja Divide Fb Group I knew what to anticipate. The primary is seemingly meant for motor autos solely and could be bypassed; apparently locals have advised cyclists that is okay prior to now. The second is more durable to bypass however there’s a key hanging someplace on the gate or fence, or hidden beneath a rock. It’s like a treasure hunt. 🙂

We handed by means of each of those gates with out difficulty, although we did really feel just a little bizarre about it and tried to be extraordinarily respectful (we positively wouldn’t have camped on this part).

We discovered water at mile 88 (primarily based on our RideWithGPS route above), then continued briefly onto a extra rugged and barely used street the place we discovered a pleasant campsite. The most effective ones are a bit additional in.

Days 7-8: Kiteboarding and wingfoiling in La Ventana (see Off-Bike Actions for particulars)

Day 9: 32 miles

Leaving La Ventana we determined to chop out some street using by taking the Cardon Connector singletrack path. Lovely! It hyperlinks up with a mud street to Los Planes, a bit much less scenic and laborious to comply with in locations, however nonetheless higher than the freeway. You could find these tracks within the Trailforks app.

As soon as again on the primary street we quickly discovered ourselves on filth and climbing over some small mountains. This street was steep and rocky, principally hike-a-bike for us, however we have been saved entertained by a gaggle of rock crawler 4x4s coming down from the opposite aspect. One stopped and generously gifted us chilly beer and coconut water, which was superb within the sizzling solar!

The following coastal stretch, south of Ensenada de Muertos, is completely attractive. The street is tough and undulating, and the views of desert assembly remoted seaside are excellent. This is able to be a pleasant place to camp (carry water) if we hadn’t simply began our day.

As an alternative we continued by means of the following part, much less scenic and farther from the water, to El Cardonal the place we stocked up on meals and water. Simply previous city we snuck off the street towards the seaside and located an ideal campsite amidst the cacti.

Day 10: 39 miles

Earlier than Los Barriles we loved one other good part of fairly seaside using with clear blue water. The precise city of Los Barriles was swarming with Individuals in UTVs, presumably seasonal residents, and the grocery store was properly stocked. We stocked up, chugged some Electrolit, and headed out towards La Ribera.

In La Ribera we discovered a small grocery store one block up from the primary street. It was an odd space lined with costly condos that appeared principally empty. We saved on pedaling till the Punta Colorada lodge, the place we turned proper and returned to the primary street to keep away from extra sand.

South of Punta Area, proper the place the route attracts nearer to the water, we camped on the seaside. We had a number of campervans and RVs as neighbors however loads of area to ourselves. It was a beautiful spot and we loved it.

Day 11: 6 miles to Cabo Pulmo

After a leisurely morning at our seaside campsite we pedaled 6 quick miles to Cabo Pulmo. We have been speculated to go snorkeling within the afternoon however our time was modified to the next morning, so as a substitute we loved a relaxation day. Cabo Pulmo is a small, relaxed city with an enormous deal with snorkeling and diving on the protected marine park.

Day 12: snorkel boat in morning, then 13 miles

Snorkeling was nice! We noticed a number of fish, jellies, turtles, sea lions, and even some whales from a distance. It was additionally type of intense within the uneven water, and I received actually chilly regardless of my wetsuit. By the point we have been put again collectively and able to journey it was already early afternoon.

The journey from Los Frailes into the mountains was gradual and highly regarded. The sand was simply deep sufficient, and the grade simply steep sufficient, that we needed to push for miles. When the street lastly turned out of the wash our progress was a lot quicker regardless of the continued climbing. We camped after solely 13 miles on a flat patch of floor hidden from the street, the place we loved a stunning, clear, nonetheless, starry evening.

Notice: Between Cabo Pulmo and Palo Escopeta (simply 10 miles earlier than Los Cabos) we discovered no water and the climate was sizzling. We every carried round 5 liters and ran by means of all of it, and we didn’t even use any for cooking. Six liters would have been higher.

Day 13: 31 miles to Cactus Inn, Los Cabos

Our final day! We had hoped to get additional the day earlier than, however the morning’s snorkel tour and sandy using took longer than anticipated. We woke early and tried to complete the remaining climb earlier than the warmth received too oppressive, however have been solely partly profitable. E ran out of water on this stretch and I got here shut, so we have been completely satisfied to discover a small comfort retailer in Palo Escopeta (look to the left after the sports activities subject).

The remaining ten miles into San Jose del Cabo have been simple, after which it was time to make our method by means of busier streets again to the Cactus Inn. We picked up tacos and groceries on the best way, and a few tape for E’s bike field, so we may spend the remainder of the afternoon packing up. The next morning we had an easy journey to the airport courtesy of the Cactus Inn shuttle, and after a brief direct flight we have been residence!

One humorous element is that the airport close to the place we dwell is in San Jose, California. And in Baja we flew into and out of the airport at San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur. So we type of flew from San Jose, California to San Jose, California. 🙂 I assume it was meant to be!

As you may inform, this journey was an enormous success for us. Since returning residence we’ve had nothing however rain, and I’m so grateful for our two mid-winter weeks of taking part in in Baja’s solar, surf, and sand. I feel we’ll be again sometime!