Lost Pirate UTV Expedition 2027

Dates: December 10th to 13th, 2027

Deposit: $1500.00

Cost: $3650.00 per customer-owned UTV. This covers two people per UTV, hotels, food, guides, mechanics, and support trucks.

Duration: 4 days 3 nights.

Terrain: 85% gravel mountain roads, fast-paced driving style.

Advanced. During this expedition, we will be pushing some big mile days 200 + The terrain will challenge you at times but definitely make you a better driver. Advanced: During this expedition, we will be covering long distances of 200+ miles per day. The challenging terrain will undoubtedly enhance your driving skills.

Pre-Trip Instructions

Once you have registered and your deposit is in, you will receive a registration link. This link will include the individual trip driver and passenger info, Baja Insurance link, hotel details for the night before the trip, parking information for your tow vehicle, UTV Baja prep details, personal preparations, and some FAQ. Please include a registration, Baja Insurance, and a copy of your passport in the UTV in a clear zip-lock bag.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day - 1 Tecate To Ensenada

December 10th, 2027

Overnight: Horsepower Ranch

Our Christmas adventure begins at the Tecate border, where we'll meet the Off the GRID crew, get everyone together for our drivers’ meeting, and cross into Baja as one group.

It won't take long before pavement disappears behind us.

We'll climb into the Sierra de Juárez Mountains, where Baja trades cactus and desert for towering pine forests, massive granite formations and cool mountain air. The trails are wide, fast and flowing - the perfect introduction to four days on the trail.

We'll work our way south toward Ojos Negros, stopping for tacos, fuel and a chance to regroup before heading west.

Then we'll pick up the pace on Blue Gate, a fast section of trail known from the Baja 1000, before making our final run into Ensenada and Horsepower Ranch for the night.

Tonight we'll sit around the ranch knowing tomorrow isn't just another day of riding.

Tomorrow, the real reason for this trip begins.

Day - 2 Ensenada To San Quintín

December 11th, 2027

Overnight: The Old Mill

Today is the heart of Toys for Niños.

After breakfast, we'll leave Horsepower Ranch and head back toward Ojos Negros before climbing high into the mountains.

Thick pine forests surround us as the trail twists higher into the Sierra de Juárez. Eventually, the trees open into enormous mountain meadows and we'll turn south toward sections of the legendary Baja 1000 racecourse.

Fast trails, occasional whoops and wide-open Baja scenery take us toward the small community of Independencia before we continue to Valle de Trinidad for a tradition of our own:

Fuel & Tacos.

From Valle T, we'll turn west and begin working our way toward the Pacific Ocean, eventually arriving at The Old Mill in San Quintín.

And then the UTV adventure becomes something much bigger.

We'll put away the helmets and break out the Santa suits as local children join us for an evening of Christmas festivities, gifts, smiles and memories.

For us, it's a few hours.

For a child, it can become a Christmas memory they carry for years.

This is why we come.

THIS IS TOYS FOR NIÑOS.

Day - 3 San Quintín To Ensenada

December 12th, 2027

Overnight: Estero Beach Hotel

After an unforgettable evening in San Quintín, we'll wake up knowing we've already accomplished the most important part of this expedition.

But Baja isn't finished with us yet.

Today we turn north and follow the Pacific Coast, connecting sections of Baja racecourse with sandy beaches, coastal trails and some of the most enjoyable terrain of the entire trip.

The scenery changes constantly.

One minute we're running fast hard-packed dirt; the next we're dropping into sand, navigating rougher sections or running alongside the Pacific with nothing but beach and ocean stretching ahead.

We'll stop at La Cueva del Pirata for lunch before continuing north and putting in some serious Baja miles toward Ensenada. If conditions and timing are on our side, we'll add some extra beach riding along the way.

Our final night will be at the Estero Beach Hotel, where we'll get together for dinner, drinks and probably a few stories that have already gotten better with every retelling.

Yesterday was about giving. Today is about enjoying the Baja that brought all of us together.

Day - 4 Ensenada To Tecate

December 13th, 2027

One last morning in Baja.

We'll leave Ensenada and turn north, but we're not taking the easy way home.

Weather and trail conditions permitting, we'll climb back into the mountains toward Laguna Hanson, returning to the pine forests and granite high country where our adventure began.

The final miles are everything we love about Northern Baja - fast mountain roads, winding forest trails, changing elevations and wide-open scenery.

Eventually we'll connect with Highway 2 and make our final run toward Tecate and the U.S. border.

By the time we reach home, we'll have covered roughly 600 miles of Baja over four days.

But the best part of Toys for Niños can't be measured on a GPS.

It's measured in smiles.

It's measured in memories.

And it's knowing that for one night in a small Baja community, a group of off-roaders showed up dressed like Santa Claus simply because they wanted to make Christmas a little more special for a bunch of kids.

-Guided trails from the border every step of the way.

- 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 GPS Usage page (click here).

- Hotel accommodations for all nights on the trail.

- Breakfast and dinners are provided for all days.

- Unsurpassed trail support. With our 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 breakdowns, 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 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 carried on the chase trucks. We do recommend you carry spare belts, rear axles, and commonly used parts for your manufacturer of UTV.

- 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 UTV’s are very capable and impressive machines… they are also a lot of fun to customize! Although heavy  modification isn’t necessary, there are basic items that you must have when going on a OFF the GRID run.

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.)

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

• All services done on vehicle. (oil change, air cleaner, brakes, nut and bolt )

• All tires aired to proper pressure. ( 1 Spare in required on vehicle)

• All equipment and parts securely tied down in UTV.

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

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

• Helmet with wired speakers for 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)

• Drivers licence - Vehicle Registration - Insurance

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

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

• 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 wont work in Baja 

• So why do we need a GPS? 

  The GPS is your life line 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 use for milage calculations for turns or and potential hazards as well as waypoints

• Communication is key

  We use a VHF 55w radio with a preprogrammed channel to communicate from Utv to Utv. The operating channel  is weather man (151.625) please make sure you have this preprogrammed into you're unit. All communication systems must wired into push to talk intercom system to your helmet. The VHF radios allow us to call out any potential hazards, milage, and just general communication amongst 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 head sets but with Off the GRID Expeditions you need to wear one. Goggles or full face shield as well !!!! You only have one head on your shoulders so use it wisely and protect it.

To prepare for your adventure, packing doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's what you'll need:

Luggage: A carry-on size soft duffle bag is sufficient.

Check the weather in Baja California using your smartphone. Given the possibility of getting into the ocean, don't forget your bathing suit. Additionally, pack sandals or flip-flops, comfortable driving shoes, pants, shorts, and a few T-shirts. An all-conditions jacket is essential for chilly days. Your evening attire is your choice, but keep in mind that we'll be driving in the open air, so you may get a little dirty. If rain is in the forecast, a good rain suit will certainly be helpful. For hot days, Off the Grid Sun SPF 60 shirts work wonders to keep you cool. In the summer months, remember to pack sunblock and a hat.

• 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.