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.

Please note that if you decide to stay at the hotel the night before, we'll stay 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 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 get into 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 will soon lead to pine trees and fast, windy 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.

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Day 2 -  Ensenada to Meling Ranch

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 get to experience some smooth and fast-paced trails that are commonly used by Baja race organizations. This will give us a good idea of what 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, but with trust in our UTVs, we will successfully navigate through 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 to Rancho Meling, our destination for the night. The terrain will be slower and more technical, but still manageable.

 

Day 3 - Meling Ranch to Ensenada San Nicholas

The next morning, the roosters made a lot of noise, waking us up. We had breakfast with fresh produce from the ranch and then headed out. Our chosen trail for the day was towards the Pacific, taking some lesser-known routes. The trails between Meling Rancho and Camalu were challenging but also fun. At times, we had to ride slowly as we navigated over rocks, washes, and tight turns. Later, we stopped at HYW 1 for fuel and lunch. From Camalu, we rode towards the North and spent most of the day riding along the Pacific Ocean up to Ensenada. This 80-mile stretch was amazing and had everything Baja had to offer, such as hard-packed trails, beaches, and occasional silt baths. We ended the day at the San Nicholas hotel in Ensenada for the night.

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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 towards the North, passing through Laguna Hansen, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy some fast, 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.

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Suddenly, it's time for saying our final good byes to Baja and crossing back over the border into the USA. Mission Accomplished. Safe, sound and with lots of great memories of our trip! 

- 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....

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 suits. 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.

Cooler and plenty of snacks for. the trail. We do stop for lunch, carry you through in case of any trail issues..

• 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.