Baja off-roading won’t disappoint.
Baja confidently replies, “Challenge accepted.”
Baja beckons, “Bienvenidos, amigo! Rent a vehicle; let me show you my beautiful, but gentler, off-roading terrain.”
The bottom line: Mexico has the perfect off-road trek for all experience levels.
The landscape alone easily qualifies Mexico as an off-roading mecca, but couple that with the amazing local cuisine and beach views… well, then you have an off-roader’s heaven on earth.
Here’s our best intel on the hottest off-road towns, tips, and trails in Mexico.
This entire peninsula is often referred to as simply “Baja,” but you should know it contains two Mexican states— its namesake, Baja California, and Baja California Sur.
If you want to sound like a pro, though, simply call the whole region “Baja.” Here’s what you will find in Baja:
Baja Off Road Map
Ensenada’s vibe: The waters off Ensenada offer boast spectacular sport fishing, sailing, surfing, scuba, and much more. The city has some of the most elegant spas, resorts, and hotels in Mexico. Restaurants and shopping venues are throughout the city, and its clubs present exciting nightlife. Ensenada is also home to Valle de Guadalupe—the best vineyards in North America.
See the race schedule here
No mention of off-roading in Mexico would be complete without mentioning SCORE’s (Southern California Off-road Enthusiasts) famous race series that includes the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. Many travelers make a point to visit one of Baja California’s tourist towns during one of these races to catch a glimpse of the pros and to enjoy the non-stop parties and celebrations.
A 500-mile loop that starts and ends in Ensenada and loops around San Felipe. This Baja 500 is typically the second of four annual off-road races in Baja that SCORE organizes. It is usually scheduled in late Spring (the first week of June).
Draws in visitors from around the globe. Because of its close proximity to the United States border, many people from the U.S.A. venture down to attend every year. The race is always held in November. The Baja 1000 comes in many forms: point-to-point races (such as the one from Ensenada to La Paz), and loop races that both start and finish in Ensenada.
There are a variety of racing classes. These classes are first broken down by type of vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV). And then broken down further by engine size, wheelbase, operator’s age and experience, and a variety of other factors. Because of its extreme length, world-class participants often take longer than 20 hours to finish!
An internationally famed race, the Baja 1000 was first run from Tijuana. It’s a course that changes from time to time but typically ends in La Paz, located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. The course has also started from Mexicali and Ensenada and is usually raced in a loop. Rosarito has become an ideal place to stay while attending the race.
The Baja 1000 was first raced in 1967. It is unique in that it allows various classes of vehicles to race on the same track. From motorcycles to dune buggies, this is a true pageant of off-roading marvels that draw crowds from around the world.
Rosarito’s vibe: Just south of Tijuana and only thirty-five minutes from the United States border, Rosarito is popular for both overnights and day trips. The city’s growing tourism industry is mainly situated on Benito Juarez Avenue. Sprawling high-rise hotels offer luxury accommodations, but many visitors to Rosarito rave about stays in rented villas or condos. There is also plenty of economical bed and breakfasts and travel lodges to find in the area.
A favorite activity for visitors when they aren’t enjoying Rosarito’s vibrant nightlife, water sports, or off-roading in the dunes, is visiting the renowned nearby lobster village for fresh lobster.
Rosarito is renowned for its 4×4 exhibitions as well as its ATV experience.
For spectators: The Rosarito 200 has recently become a popular race for the off-roading community that continuously flocks to the Rosarito area. Many people love to stay in Rosarito to attend the Baja 1000 off-roading race.
For adrenaline junkies: you’ll understand why this place has gained ground as an off-roading wonderland. The mountain trails offer a bumpy ride with terrain to match all skill levels.
For beachgoers: The Baja Dunes of Rosarito Beach have been said to resemble Sahara dunes, and they provide off-roading fun for people who like to hang out closer to the beach.
For newcomers to the world of off-road: There are off-roading tours into the mountainous area that are ideal for newcomers to the sport or for people who just like to ride in groups.
Tips for Off-Roading in Rosarito
Los Cabos vibe: The beauty and fun of Baja culminate in the sheer splendor of the Los Cabos region. The municipality includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Find luxury all-inclusive resorts, romantic villas, eclectic health, and beauty spas. You can also find affordable rentals and travel lodges.
Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula in Baja California Sur, has the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sea of Cortez on the east. Known for its world-class sportfishing and golf, vacationers come both to relax on the beaches or and be active. Try scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, sea kayaking, and so much more! Vibrant communities and delectable cuisine make Los Cabos an internationally renowned holiday destination.
Looking for a famous place to take your 4×4? Try Los Cabos. There are lots of off-roading rental companies and tours based in the Los Cabos region.
Tips for Off-Roading in Los Cabos:
Very few places in the world offer motorcyclists such gorgeous roadside views: the seemingly endless coastline, coves, and unnamed fishing villages like Baja.
Need a bike? If you don’t have your own motorcycle, there are several bike rentals and tour groups available in Baja. Renting a motorcycle for a week or two is a fun way to see the country from the seat.
Beginners If you’re a true beginner but like the idea of two-wheel fun, there are a number of motorcycle tour groups to choose from. Several of them even leave from the United States, particularly San Diego, so you don’t have to travel all the way to Mexico just to get set up with a group.
Short on time? Most people choose just to motorcycle down part of the peninsula instead of the whole thing. One of the most popular routes to take is to cross the border at San Diego and take the main road through Tijuana. You can head down as far south as you’d like, stopping whenever you please along the way. When you’re tired or your time runs out, you can simply turn around, take the main highway back up the coast, pass once again through Tijuana, and make your way across the border. It can be a very simple, relaxing, and entertaining trip.
Experts Riders that are looking for a full-fledged adventure, multi-week adventure might even choose to ride around the whole of the Baja Peninsula on their motorcycles.
Cancun’s Vibe: Cancun is an adventurer’s paradise. Snorkeling, scuba, parasailing, and jet skiing are just a few of the water sports that are popular among vacationers in Cancun. Home to numerous world-class resorts, there are also many economical accommodations as well. Delectable cuisine, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife are just a few more hallmarks of the Cancun experience. Because it’s such an international hotspot, be sure to make eservations in advance for any activity during your Cancun stay.
On the east side of Mexico, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find the Yucatan peninsula. Known for its expansive jungle environment that is home to ancient Mayan ruins, the Yucatan also offers several off-roading options:
A highlight of any off-road experience in a Hummer in Yucatan is a visit to the cenotes. The waters are crystal clear and breathtaking to see, especially after a dusty and rugged drive. ATVs, on the other hand, are the ideal way to adventure over the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Dune buggies are fun and allow you to soak up the sun while basking in an exciting ride. Cancun is one of the best locations to get off the beaten track.
Tips for Off-Roading in Cancun
The Yucatan is very nearly another world in Mexico—its various eco-systems enchant travelers from everywhere under the sun. You can help protect the region even as you rev over its trails.
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