ENSENADA, BAJA
For those in the know, the home of the famed Baja 1000 is just 75 miles south of San Diego in the coastal city of Ensenada. Wide Open Excursions has epic tours departing from the sunny shores of this seaside city. Our guests can explore the vast expanse of northern Baja’s wide open spaces from this world-class racing destination. Pristine beaches, beautiful desert vistas, steep inland canyons, and quaint villages on the Pacific Ocean. It’s all there for you, and all starting and finishing in a vibrant location legendary for the planet’s most famed off-road race.
An early wake up will be rewarded with breakfast, hot coffee and orange juice. Once your baggage is loaded into a chase truck, strap yourself in for the first leg of your Baja adventure. With radio communications checked and the 2.5-liter fuel injected engines warmed-up, we’ll head out of Ensenada for the wilds of Baja. Mountain passes and twisting ranch roads lead to the rich pastures of Ojos Negros (spanish for Black Eyes). Soon, we’ll climb up miles of surprising trails lined by the rich vegetation and old growth timber of the “Pine Forest,” located in the Sierra de Juarez mountains. We’ll take an exhilarating run east into the high desert until we meet our crew busily preparing a safari-style lunch. Sizzling fajitas of shrimp or chicken are being prepared by your personal chef. A high-speed sand wash that descends down into El Diablo dry lake kicks off your afternoon driving. The cracked clay surface and towering mountains make a great spot for photographs and “wide open” running.. A final push over Zoo Road and some epic “whoop-de-dos” will take us to the sparkling waters of San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez. After you drive through the river on arrival to Mike Sky Ranch, our crew will greet you with a warm smile, salsa, chips and the best beer you ever had.
A gentle knock on the door awakes you to the crisp, clean air of Mike’s. The smell of freshly-ground coffee is a fragrant prelude to the Mexican breakfast waiting in the dining room. With meals complete and bags packed, your guide will lead you into one of the most mind-bending trails in northern Baja. This morning will be highlighted by an incredible run from Mike’s down steep mountain passes filled with boulders and tight narrow trails. Upon reaching Walker’s Corner, you’ll conquer fast roads and mountain trails as you enter the lush green fields of the farming village, Valle de la Trinidad. After a drink and a quick snack, the final dash back to Ensenada begins. It will take everything you’ve learned over the past couple of days to make your way through the tricky washes at El Alamo to get back through Ojos Negros in great shape. Your tour ends where it all began – with a quick late lunch and a shower back at Estero Beach. Our staff will help celebrate the completion of your life-changing adventure with a cold drink. Change into fresh clothes before bidding your new Wide Open friends farewell. Then you will head back to San Diego.
On behalf of our team, I want to thank you for a great time. Everyone indicated they had the time of their life! We sincerely appreciate all the extra time and effort you made to make this trip as special as it was. The group cannot wait to do another trip"
~ Warren Calgary
• Driving a $100K Baja Challenge Race Car
• Orientation & Professional Saftey Equipment
• Professional Guides & Support Crew
Rate based on double occupancy
All vehicles are manual transmission
You must be 18 yrs old with a valid driver’s license and or at least 16 yrs of age with a valid driver’s license and parent/guardian present inside the vehicle with minor.
We ask that you only drive our Baja Challenge vehicles at speeds which are comfortable for you. Our guides tailor each tour to individual clients needs and comfort levels. Yet if you must know, our vehicles have a top speed of 90+ mph.
If you are driving you must have experience with manual transmission. Unfortunately we do not have any vehicle with automatic transmissions. As for the off-road aspect of the trip, our professional guides will teach you all you need to know to conquer Baja.