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

Please note that if you decide to stay at the hotel the night before, we'll be at the Marriott Hotel in El Cajon, CA. You'll receive a group booking link in the registration email after making the deposit payment. Our adventure will start at the Tecate border crossing, where we'll meet in the secure parking lot on the US side behind the border crossing. This lot is patrolled and secure, 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

On the first day of the trip, we have to wake up early to reach the border. This day is important not only because of the long distance we cover but also due to the excitement and preparation involved. We have planned a great day from Tecate to Ensenada, with a small highway drive along Highway 3. Then, we will cut through the mountains towards Laguna Hanson, where we will ride a fantastic trail to start the day. This trail will not be too technical or challenging but will serve as a warm-up for the upcoming days. After descending to Ojos Negros, we will take a break for some delicious tacos and refuel before heading back into the mountains, where we will ride some fast and amazing trails. We expect to reach the hotel by mid-afternoon.

Day 2 - Ojos Negros to Ensenada Pacific Ocean

"Rise and shine early in the morning! As we head out through the pine forests of the North East Baja Mountains, we'll travel through the amazing pine forests, then head South toward Valle De La Trinidad, a small agricultural town well known in the off-road world due to its location, 35 miles from Mike’s Sky Ranch for some of the best tacos in Baja. Gas and Tacos, this route has everything you could ask for, from fast-paced dirt roads to challenging hill climbs. The cross-over road will take us to the West side of the peninsula and will be alongside the Pacific Ocean and, of course, everyone's favorite – driving on the beach. Although this is a high-mileage day, we'll explore a little and still cover some big miles. We will end our long day in Ensenada at the Sn Nicholas Hotel & Casio.

Day 3 - Ensenada to Tecate

On the last day, we will ride on some thrilling smooth, drifting trails located in the pine forests of North Baja. These trails will serve as a great exit from Baja. As we climb in elevation, the trails will become tighter and more technical, but we will still maintain a fast pace. Our plan is to reach the border around 1 pm and bid farewell to each other.

- 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.

- Breakfast and dinners provided for all nights.

- 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.)

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• 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....

Packing for these adventures can be tricky, so here are some keynotes.

• Bag Size - A carry-on soft duffle works the best.

• Watch the weather. Yes, we go, no matter what—sunshine, rain, and snow. You are in the elements, so remember that a riding outfit can be worn a few times. Please pack as lightly as possible. 

• Bags ride on Our chase support trucks and trailer. So, a weatherproof one goes a long way. 

• Bags are dropped off by the chase crew at every hotel. Unless specified differently.

• 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.