Off the paved highways that stretch down to the tip of Baja California are many dirt roads with a sign to welcome visitors to a bed and breakfast inn someplace towards the interior of Baja California; Or, perhaps some other attraction.
Those that are curious and adventure onto these roads, toward the interior, discover that Baja California is more than an extreme between cactus and coastline.
In ages past people lived in the mountain range that stretches between the US border to the tip of the peninsula - where there is water from snow fall on the tops of the mountains that flows down through waterfalls and pools. Hot springs created by the geology under the range; and panaromic views to the ocean on both sides of the peninsula, (someplaces both sides can be seen from the same viewpoint).
In the Sierra de San Francisco is where you will find cliff painting 30 feet above the ground which are responsible for the creation of a legion of giant people.
The tallest peak in the range is Picacho del Diablo a challenging summit for experianced mountain climbers ... adventure details. The Meling Ranch is a stopping point for many of the adventures to this peak and a destination in and by itself, it is far enough off the beaten path that one can describe an adventure to it as going back in time; Although Meling Ranch does have electrical power via a generator and communications via a ham radio repeater.
The scenic road to La Bocana (less traveled) and Puerto Santo Thomas on the coast is 25 miles south of Ensenada down the paved road and off a graded 16 mile dirt road, (suitable for sturdy cars); But, it takes about 55 minutes to travel, (average speed 18 MPH). La Bocana is featured in Jack Smith's book, "God and Mr. Gomez." Here you will find his home ... adventure details.
The Road Not Taken
BY ROBERT FROST
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Mike's Sky Ranch
Mike's Sky Ranch has been a favorite destination for off road nomads, motorcyclists, and off road racers for many years. It is not on most tourist maps as it requires a high clearance vehicle to drive up the back road; but the trip is well worth it.
Rancho El Matomi
Rachno El Matomi is Near San Felipe in the Valle Chico; and a favorite destination for off road nomads. At the bottom of the mountain range the stream of water creates a pool and an oasis.