In this video Eva and I ride our BMW motorcycles across the Baja Peninsula from Bahia de Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way we stop and visit an old Spanish Mission (San Borja) and head out to Laguna Ojos de Liebres (Scammon’s Lagoon) on the Pacific Ocean where we camp in a seaside palapa and watch the grey whales off the coast.
Baja | Episode 7
Details
- Distance: 133 miles
- Location: Baja California
- Start: Bahia de Los Angeles
- End: Laguna Ojo de Liebres
- Roads: Mexico 12, Mission San Borja Road, Mexico 1
- Conditions: pavement, graded dirt, sand, rocks
- Cities: Bahia de Los Angeles, Guerro Negro
- Camping: Laguna Ojos de Liebres
Good Morning from Bahia de Los Angeles !
It’s our sixth day of motorcycling in Baja California and we’re leaving our hotel on the beach in Bahia de Los Angeles after a great night of relaxation, cocktails and laundry. We heard about a “good road” on the way south that looks like it might be interesting.
Exploring the San Borja Road
The San Borja Road (North Road) begins about 13 miles outside of Bahia de Los Angeles. The road goes into the desert to an old Spanish mission (San Borja) and then continues further until it connects with Highway One. For this reason we do not have to travel in and back out on the same road, which is appealing.
A Rugged and Rocky Road Through the Desert
When we traveled down the San Borja Road it was not very difficult although there were patches of sand and some rocky sections. It wasn’t anything that Eva and I had any problems with on our adventure motorcycles. I’m riding a Husqvarna 701 LR and Eva is on a BMW F850 GS.
Amazing Desert Plants
One of the highlights of this road is the desert vegetation that you will encounter along the way. I was quite surprised at how green the rocky brown landscape became with a variety of interesting and unusual looking desert plants and cactus.
Welcome to Baja California Sur (Southern Baja)
After leaving the old Spanish mission we got back on the main Highway One and headed south in Baja California Sur (Southern Baja).
A Real Coffee on the Road in Mexico
Guerro Negro is a somewhat largish city in this part of Baja and the separation of northern Baja from southern Baja. There are quite a few restraunts and motels in the city although it is somewhat nondescript in its overall charm and appearance. There is however a small modern cafe that I like to stop at and have a cappuccino whenever I pass through, which is an unusual treat in the parts of Mexico that I travel.
Riding out to Laguna Ojos de Liebres
Laguna de Ojos Liebres is a vast lagoon outside of Guerro negro and a popular place for what watching excursions in the area. The Pacific grey whales migrate to this area every year and can be seen offshore in the lagoon. A dirt road leads out to the area which has a visitor’s center, restaurant and camping area.
Salt Water Evaporation
Large shallow pools of sea water evaporate in the sun and wind and leave behind salt which is collected and sold.
Beach Camping in Palapas
We found these thatched roof huts (palapas) to camp in. We parked our bikes inside of the palapa and pitched our tent inside – to keep any bugs away from us while we slept.
The Firewood Vendor
A local man sells firewood out of his car. I purchased a fairly large pile for about $10 US.- perhaps a bit expensive but there was no other wood available and I like to support the local economy anyway. It’s a good thing to do!
Carrying Firewood on My Motorcycle
My Husqvarna motorcycle became my pack mule and was used to transport the firewood back to our campsite.
Palapa Camping in Baja
A perfect was to end a great day of motorcycle riding across the Baja peninsula.