Sierra de la Giganta - Ridge Ride

Day 1- Arrive Loreto. We will meet you at the Loreto airport and arrange for your transfer to the Hotel Junipero. An orientation meeting will be held in the afternoon to help you get prepared for the upcoming adventure and to meet the guides. Dinner on your own.

Day 2- 18 miles. Meet at 7 a.m. for breakfast and to load gear into the support vehicle. The first part of the day we will be riding through costal foothills with great views of the Sea of Cortez and the ridges of the Sierra de La Giganta. Then after a few miles of strenuous climb up the Las Parras canyon road to the 'great divide' of central Baja, we arrive at our ranch camp in a valley surrounded by volcanic plateaus. Trails around the ranch offer some great singletrack rides in the evening.

Day 3- 16 or 22 miles. This morning we ride down the gently sloping western watershed to the village and mission of San Javier, one of the first and definitely the best preserved of the California missions. After a tour of the church and gardens, and breakfast mid morning at Memo's restaurant , we head north to the Comondu road and our camp for the night. A traditional ranch meal awaits at Monte Alto, where our friend Chari makes fresh tortillas, beans, goat cheese and orange leaf tea to relax around the fire tonight. For those who want a cool evening ride, there's an optional cruise out to a nearby palm oasis.

Day 4- 22 miles. Our day begins with a warm up ride over 3 miles of hills and flats in the crisp desert air to the base of a major climb. Maneuvering the rough road to the top, along the ridge, and down the infamous Cuesta del Horno will be the first of the real technical riding for the day. After a well deserved break at El Horno spring there's a short climb to sweeping volcanic ridges. The road weaves around the red-rock flows with cactus and mesquite covered plains in the distance. A spectacular sight awaits as the route drops into the lush palm canyon of the Comondus. A camp-out in our friend's sugar cane garden ends the day.

Day 5- 20 miles. A short history tour of the village will give you something to ponder as you crest the northern ridge of the valley in the morning. Soon after you'll be treated to the classic Sonoran desert garden show as prickly pear, cardon and organ pipe cactus fill the valleys and ridges. And then, winding down into the valley of La Purisima we'll find a comfortable camp set up near the San Isidro lagoon.

Day 6- 35 miles. A quick intro to the art of reed mat weaving, a tradition of the area, may start the day. Then we wind up and out of the valley, with beautiful desert vistas back towards the east coast of Baja. You'll enjoy some downhill rides today into arroyos filled with Palo Blanco forests, while heading across the sierra. We'll camp that night near Rancho San Cristobal, a horse ranch, nestled in a mesquite covered arroyo.

Day 7- 25 miles. From Baja's Highway 1, we continue east through coastal hills to a small fishing village on San Cristobal. The Murillo family, whose ancestors founded this picturesque oasis, will be our hosts as we camp and enjoy their shaded gardens and palm thatch cabanas.

Day 8- 11 miles. This final day our optional round-trip route follows the coast past beautiful beaches, small local fishing camps and a fantastic view to San Ildefonso island and Punta Pulpito. Those who prefer a day at sea can opt to take a skiff trip out to view wildlife or snorkel on the island - weather dependent and additional cost. In the afternoon we drive back to Loreto to the hotel for a fun-end-of-trip dinner.

Day 9- Anyone for a morning ride along the beach before heading home on the afternoon flight? Or stay a few days and enjoy the sights and local day trips around the area. We'll see you into a transport vehicle for your return to the airport and your departure. Hasta luego.

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