Winter Warm Up Recap: An Epic Baja Adventure

The Winter Warm Up was a trip to remember! From challenging off-road trails to beachside tacos and nights under the Baja stars, this four-day adventure was the perfect way to shake off the winter blues.

 With an awesome group of off-roaders, we tackled Baja’s iconic trails, explored San Felipe’s coastline, and ended the trip with an unforgettable stay at Baja Oasis. Here’s a look back at the highlights! 

 Day 1:

 Crossing into Baja & Hitting the Trails We kicked off the adventure in Tecate, where everyone gathered early to cross the border and air down for the first stretch of dirt. The Compadre Trail was in great shape, making for a smooth but scenic ride through Baja’s high desert. By midday, we rolled into Valle de Trinidad for some legendary tacos—because no Baja trip is complete without incredible food! After refueling (both our rigs and ourselves), we hit the pavement for a short stretch before arriving in San Felipe, where the Sea of Cortez greeted us with stunning views. That night, we settled in at Kiki’s Beach Camp, grabbed dinner at  La Vaquita, and enjoyed a few drinks while swapping stories about the day’s ride.

 

Day 2:

Off-Roading, Beach Runs & San Felipe Vibes We started the morning at Rosita’s, a must-stop spot for breakfast in San Felipe. Then, it was time to hit the dirt! We ran sections of the San Felipe 250 race course, winding through washes, rocky terrain, and fast desert tracks. Lunch at the Chenowth Legacy Lodge was a highlight, with some great history about off-road racing in Baja. Afterward, we made our way back to San Felipe via a beach run, driving along the coastline with ocean views stretching for miles. The evening was all about good food and good company. We had dinner at Tacos El General before heading to the Malecon for some bar hopping. San Felipe never disappoints when it comes to nightlife! 

 Day 3: 

Dry Lake Beds, Baja 1000 Trails & Baja Oasis Leaving San Felipe, we crossed a dry lake bed, then jumped onto sections of the famous Baja 1000 route. The mix of fast trails and technical terrain made for an exciting ride as we worked our way west. By late afternoon, we arrived at Baja Oasis, Justin Strong’s incredible off-road retreat along the Rio Hardy. This place is a hidden gem—lush palm trees, a beautiful river, and the perfect spot to unwind after a long day on the trails. Dinner was a family-style meal, and the night ended around the fire pit, sharing laughs and stories under the stars. 

 Day 4: 

Heading Home After a relaxing morning and a hearty breakfast, we aired up and started the journey back to Tecate. The border crossing went smoothly, and just like that,  Winter Warm Up was in the books! 

 Final Thoughts:

  This trip was all about great trails, great people, and the best of Baja. Whether it was ripping across dry lake beds, cruising the beach, or just enjoying a cold drink after a long day on the trails, the Winter Warm Up delivered everything we love about Baja adventures. Want to Join the Next Baja Adventure? If this recap has you itching to hit the trails, check out our upcoming trips! Whether you’re new to Baja or a seasoned off-roader, we’ve got something for everyone.  Check Out Our Upcoming Trips