BEFREE IN BAJA

Our Baja UTV Adventure: 560 Miles of Trails and Discovery

For Adam and I, every ride is more than just a trip — it’s an adventure that connects us with the land, the people, and the machines we love. Our recent UTV Adventure in Baja was no exception. Over the course of four nights and five days, we covered 560 miles of rugged terrain, coastal trails that hugged the ocean and desert trails that once again reminded us why Baja is truly an off-roader’s paradise.  I remember saying when we did our first UTV trip down to Baja in 2022, that I  thought it might just be a “bucklist” riding destination.  Say we did it once and we got our fix.  But indeed, we were hooked.   With six trips and thousands of miles of Baja trails we keep going back again and again.  

Day 1: Tecate to Horsepower Ranch

We kicked off in Tecate under cloudy skies. The first morning greeted us with rain, heavy at times, and overcast weather, but after a heartfelt prayer in the truck on the drive to Tecate, asking for clearer skies, the rain stopped about 40 minutes after we crossed the border.  From there, it was as if Baja herself opened up and welcomed us in.

Our first day took us through winding trails toward the legendary Horsepower Ranch, a name synonymous with Baja racing. Surrounded by memorabilia and history, it was the perfect start to our journey.  Every single trip we have been greeted upon our arrival by Oscar and Jacqueline and we are welcomed in to beautiful accommodations, great food and wonderful hospitality.  

Day 2: Mike’s Sky Ranch

From Horsepower Ranch, we climbed into the mountains on day two, making our way to the world-famous Mike’s Sky Ranch. This stop is etched into Baja racing history, and pulling in with our UTV after a long day on the trail felt like coming home to an old friend.  We did actually made a friend here.  Mike, himself.  He’s 84 years old and lives in TJ full time but comes up to the ranch at least weekly to deliver fresh steaks when they have overnight guests.  He sat with Adam and I for over and hour and talked about the history of Mike’s Sky Ranch, how he handles the day to day things at the Ranch, the love of family and Baja in general.   His English is broken but his heart was warm and kind.  

Day 3: The Old Mill in San Quintín

Day three brought us down toward the coast and into San Quintín. We stayed at The Old Mill, a historic and charming spot right on the water. Baja’s desolate beaches and incredible ocean views left us speechless, reminding us why this part of the peninsula is so beloved by off-roaders.  We had dinner at the Eucalipto where we have eaten many times before.  Always delicious! 

Day 4: Back to Ensenada

Our last night was spent at Posada El Rey Sol in downtown Ensenada, where the energy of the city met us with open arms. We walked a couple of blocks from the hotel and had dinner at a place we actually ate at years ago when we swung into port on a cruise.  After dinner grabbed a Thrifty ice cream and we walked down to the fountains where children played in the water and families gathered. After days on dusty trails, the comforts of a hotel and the buzz of the city were the perfect way to wrap up the adventure.

Familiar Trails, Familiar Faces

This was our sixth trip to Baja, and each time it feels a little more like home. The trails that once seemed daunting now feel familiar, guiding us through canyons, ridge lines, and riverbeds we’ve grown to know by heart.

But it’s not just the land that makes Baja special — it’s the people. We’ve come to know the hotel staff by name; many of them are still there year after year, greeting us with smiles that feel like family. In Ojos Negros, locals who follow us on Instagram were waiting to see us ride through. Moments like these prove that the Baja UTV adventure community is alive, connected, and thriving.

Why Baja is a UTV Adventurers Paradise

The UTV industry is deeply welcomed in Baja, thanks in part to its long history of racing and tourism. Off-roading has a long history in Baja.  Events like the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000 have been running since the 1960’s.  Many locals grew up around motos, trucks, buggies, and now UTVs.  In the past 10-15 years UTVs have exploded in popularity in Baja. The locals appreciate the energy and economy it brings, and riders like us appreciate the open arms with which we’re received. Baja offers everything an off-roader could want; challenging trails that test both driver and machine, scenic beauty from desert to ocean and welcoming communities that make you feel part of something bigger. One of our biggest joys is bringing bags of toys with us down to Baja to  hand out to the local children!  They love the cars and it feels so good to give back!!  

Be Free Off Road in Baja

Every time we return, Baja deepens its hold on us. It’s not just the trails, the miles, or the destinations — it’s the way Baja feels. Familiar. Welcoming. Wild.

It’s the kind of experience that changes the way you look at riding — and maybe even the way you look at life. In Baja you slow down and unplug to reconnect.

 Interested in joining us for our next ride? Follow along on Instagram @seppybefree to stay up to date on future rides…..

See you on The Trail!

Beth & Adam 

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