Our expeditions are designed to be fun but challenging at times. We never aim to overchallenge any driver. That said, we do make a recommendation for each expedition.

Intermediate to advanced. During this expedition, we will be pushing some big mile days, 200 + possibly night driving, 

Please note that if you decide to stay at the hotel the night before, we'll be staying at the Marriott Hotel in El Cajon, CA. You'll receive a group booking link in the registration email after you make the deposit payment. Our adventure will start at the Tecate border crossing, where we'll meet in the secure parking lot on the U.S. side, located behind the border crossing. This lot is patrolled and safe, so you can leave your tow vehicle there for the weekend. Once we all gather and fuel up, we'll cross the international border together. Please note that you must have current original registration and insurance for your UTV to enter Baja. You can find the necessary links in the email.

Welcome to Baja.

Day 1 - Tecate to Ensenada (Horsepower Ranch)

Heading east through the Sierra Juarez Mountains, our first trail will cover approximately 55 miles. These entry-level trails will allow you to adapt to the Baja terrain. Initially, the trail will be mountainous, but it will soon lead to pine trees and fast, winding trails where your UTV will fly through. We will make our first stop of the day in the small Baja town of La Rumorosa for refueling. After that, we will descend down to Laguna Salada. This fast-paced trail will take us southward down the Baja Peninsula for about 80 miles before we head west back to Ensenada and arrive at Horse Power Ranch.

Day 2 - Ensenada to San Quintin

On Day 2 of our trip from Ensenada to San Quintin, we will start the day with a group breakfast and then hit the trail once again. Our route will take us towards the Sierra Juarez mountain range, where we will navigate through some sideways drifting, fast-paced trails. The terrain will become more challenging as we climb in elevation through the mountains, but we will also experience some smooth and fast-paced trails commonly used by Baja race organizations. This will give us a good idea of what the race terrain is like.

The route is approximately 75 miles long, and we will make a stop at Valle La Trinidad to refuel and grab a quick snack at the local OXXO. Before we reach the highway, we will have to navigate through the famous Goat Trail, which may look intimidating at first. However, with trust in our UTVs, we will successfully navigate the giant rocks, ruts, off-camber drops, and other obstacles.

After topping off our fuel tanks, we will head up to Mike's Sky Ranch for a quick check-up before continuing our journey over the summit and down toward the Pacific Ocean. We will ride along the beachfront south into San Quintin, our destination for the night. The terrain will be slower and more technical, but we will finish up with some beach riding. 

Day 3 - San Quintin to Ensenada, San Nicholas

The next morning, the crowing of the roosters will wake us up. We'll have breakfast and then head out. Our chosen trail for the day is North, riding the Pacific Ocean, taking some lesser-known routes. The trails between San Quintin and Ensenada are challenging but also fun. At times, we had to ride slowly as we navigated over rocks, washes, and tight turns. Later, we stopped at HWY 1 for fuel and lunch. From Camalu, we ride North and spend most of the day riding along the Pacific Ocean up to Ensenada. This 80-mile stretch was excellent and offered everything Baja had to offer, including hard-packed trails, beaches, and occasional silt baths. We ended the day at the San Nicholas hotel in Ensenada for the night.

Day 4 - Enjoying Mexico at Its Best

After a good night's sleep at the San Nicholas hotel, we plan to start our journey early in the morning. Our route will take us north, passing through Laguna Hansen, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy some fast and wide-open pine forest trails. It's going to be an enjoyable and thrilling experience! At around 85 miles into the trail, we will take a turn onto a new path that will lead us to the Compadre Trail. Finally, we will head back up to the main highway.

Suddenly, it's time to say our final goodbyes to Baja and cross back over the border into the USA. Mission Accomplished. Safe, sound, and with lots of great memories of our trip!

This four-day Baja UTV Adventure will leave you counting the days until your next Baja experience.

- Guided trails from the border every step of the way. Including GPS Trail, waypoints, Hotels, POIs, and fuel stops.

- The entire course has been pre-run and mapped so that you will be able to view the trail on your Lowrance GPS unit. See the GPS Usage page (click here).

- Hotel accommodations for all nights on the trail.

- Breakfast and dinner are provided for all nights on the trail.

- Unsurpassed trail support. With our certified mechanics on the trail, your mechanical problems are a thing of the past.

- A lead UTV will guide the group. The lead UTV will radio back any potential hazards that you may encounter along the way.

- A sweep support UTV, which holds parts and tools for almost any trail breakdown, will ensure that everyone gets to their destination.

- On-the-trail mechanics will handle any issues that might pop up. These mechanics, or "Baja Ninjas" as we call them, are truly amazing to have along.

- Parts: Please remember that there are several different models and manufacturers of UTVs, all requiring different parts. Off the Grid does carry some parts, but not all. We recommend you bring any spare parts necessary for your UTV. These parts will be taken on the chase trucks. We do recommend you carry spare belts, rear axles, and commonly used parts for your UTV manufacturer. In the case that a part is provided by Off the GRID Expeditions, you will be charged for that part.

- The chase trucks hold a multitude of tools, welders, parts, wheels, and tires, as well as emergency fuel and medical equipment, barring any incidents along the way.

Our goal at Off the GRID Expeditions is to have a good time. With that said, being prepared and having the right tools/equipment can make everyone’s day much more enjoyable!

 

 Stock UTVs are very capable and impressive machines; they are also much fun to customize! Although heavy modification isn’t necessary, there are a few items that are required to ensure safety and proper trail passage, you must have when going on an off-road adventure. 

 

 Here’s a list of required items for our Expeditions:

 (Note: some expeditions might require more items, based on specific trail or location needs. See Run descriptions for more  details.)

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• UTV prep is a must before any run. If one vehicle has a problem, we all have a problem.

  • Clutch service

  • Fluids fresh

  • Air cleaner

  • All pivot point checked (tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, ect)

  • Nut and bolt UTV

• All tires are aired to the proper pressure. Recommended, depending on tire manufacturer, is 15 to 20 PSI( 1 Spare is required on the vehicle) 

• All equipment and parts are securely tied down in the UTV.

• Full Fuel Tank. (Spare gas can be carried, but must be safe and secure on the UTV )

• Tools, Jack, and the tow strap are securely fastened in the UTV. 

• Helmet with wired speakers for the Intercom system. Yes, helmets are 100% mandatory. 

• Radio - Mounted VHF radio,  with weatherman programmed frequency 151.625 (see below)

• Intercom - We highly recommend a wired intercom so you can clearly hear the radio and can easily transmit on the radio while driving. (see below)

• GPS - Lowrance GPS Unit only- No exceptions (We provide the GPS file the morning of the expedition) (see below)

• Driver's licence, Passport, Vehicle Registration, Mexican Insurance for your UTV (rentals do not apply to this)

• Off-road lights - Some good lights so you are comfortable driving at night. LED lights are recommended.

• At least one full-size spare. (Must be tied down and secure)

• Parts - Any additional parts you think you may need. (havey items can ride on the trailer)

• Jack (if it's a good one) 

• Tools / Tow strap (Bring only the basics, we’ll have the rest)

• Food / LOTS of Water - Dinner and breakfasts are included, and we will be stopping for lunches; however, snacks for the trail are suggested. (beef jerky, candy, chips, etc)

• Mexican Auto Insurance for you're UTV www.bajabound.com   No, you're USA insurance won't work in Baja 

• So why do we need a GPS? 

  The GPS is your lifeline when navigating these technical trails of Baja. Every turn has a surprise, and without a well-planned trail, you would be lost in minutes. The GPS not only displays your exact route, but it is also used for mileage calculations for turns and potential hazards, as well as waypoints ( instructions on use will be given before the expedition)

• Communication is key..

  We use a VHF 55W radio with a preprogrammed channel to communicate between UTVs. The operating channel is Weather Man (151.625). Please make sure you have this preprogrammed into you're unit. All communication systems must be wired into the push-to-talk intercom system to your helmet. The VHF radios enable us to report any potential hazards, track mileage, and maintain general communication among the group. Example ( Hazard mile 45.2 on right or "hey dude with the blue Can-Am, you have a strap hanging under your UTV)

• Why, because they save lives ......

  Helmets are mandatory, no questions asked. I know some ride with only headsets, but with Off the GRID Expeditions, you need to wear one. Goggles or a full-face shield as well! You only have one head on your shoulders, so use it wisely and protect it....

Remember, you’ll be in the elements, so pack accordingly depending on the time of year. Your choice of clothing can significantly impact your comfort and overall experience while exploring off-road terrains. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared for various weather conditions.

1. Soft style Duffle Bag is preferred - Bags ride on an open trailer.

2. Jacket: Waterproof and breathable jacket (lightweight) - Insulated jacket (if colder weather is expected)

3. Tops: Moisture-wicking t-shirts or long-sleeve shirts.Thermal or long-sleeve base layer (for colder conditions) - lightweight sweater or fleece

4. Bottoms: quick-dry pants (convertible pants are great), shorts (if weather permits), a pair of leggings (for comfort or layering)

5. Footwear: Comfortable driving shoes (they will get dirty), flip flops/sandals (for hotter conditions)

6. Accessories:
   - Hat (for sun protection)
   - Sunblock
   - Gloves (if it’s cold)
   - Sunglasses (with UV protection)
   - Bandana (multifunctional)

Weather Consideration:
- Check the weather forecast for your destination to adjust layers accordingly.
- If rain or snow is anticipated, prioritize waterproof style clothing and footwear.

 

 

• Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with more than 60 days notice before tour start date will receive their deposit as a credit to be used towards future tours with Off The Grid Expeditions. The credit expires 1 year after issued.
• Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with 60 or less days notice before the tour start date will forfeit their deposit as a cancellation fee. Any balance payments can be held on file as a credit to be used towards future tours and services with Off The Grid Expeditions. The credit expires 1 year after issued.
• Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with 30 or less days notice before the tour start date will forfeit their deposit and any balance payments as a cancellation fee.
• Cancellations initiated by Off The Grid Expeditions due to conditions beyond their control including but not limited to fires, weather, terrorism, civil strife, floods, earthquakes, or natural catastrophes, etc. will be credited towards a future trip in full amount of balances paid.