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 

 

 

 

The Camp4lo Blog is Back! Your Biweekly Dose of Baja Adventure

After a long hiatus, we’re bringing the Camp4lo blog back to life! If you love Baja off-road adventures, overlanding, and the off-road lifestyle, you’re in the right place.

What to Expect

We’re committing to biweekly updates, packed with everything that makes Baja special:

✅ Off-Road Adventures – Updates on our trips, routes, and trail conditions.

✅ Baja Happenings – Local events, races, and must-know news.

✅ Life in Baja – The challenges, the wins, and the beauty of living here.

✅ Baja Eats – The best tacos, roadside finds, and hidden food gems.

✅ Industry News – What’s happening in the off-road world? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re an overlanding veteran, dreaming of your first trip, or just love Baja culture, this blog will have something for you.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates 

Got questions or topics you’d love to see covered? Drop a comment 

Hanging out with Fred Williams

We recently were contacted by Fred Williams and the Dirt Everyday crew. They wanted to take a 2017 Toyota Tacoma and 2 editors of Surfer Magazine to Baja for some surfing and to put the truck through its paces, We were happy to oblige. We had a fun time hanging out with Fred and crew, Lots of Tacos, and trails covered and many laughs with our new friends. Fred really put the truck through some challenges. Sand, dirt roads, some hill climbs. Solid little truck.
Thank you guys for coming to Baja with us!
Enjoy

Overland Coffee Company

We are so happy to announce Overland Coffee Company has come on board and sponsored our next trip.
This coffee company is right in line with our values. They are a small company focused on creating a high quality for a good value.
They don't re-brand other peoples beans. They source their beans from small, family farms. That means a smaller environmental footprint, and simply better coffee.
We know. because we have tried. it and it's delicious.
Another benefit is you will be able to enjoy this fine coffee on your Camp4lo adventure.
Give em a shout and tell them Camp4lo sent you!
Thank you Overland Coffee for everything.

Overlanding?

We have all seen this,

Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.

Where does it say you have to outfit your kit with thousands of dollars worth of gadgets?
After a trip to the Off Road Expo this past weekend I was reminded by plenty of exhibitors that most of their wares were out of reach for me and I started to get a little discouraged. I felt my 83 Bronco with it's 3 inch lift kit, and double shocks, and dents and dings was just a complete POS.

Then I thought about the trips I have taken throughout my life.
My wanderlust began at an early age. Surfing up and down the coast of Southern California. I had a 1976 Mustang 2 hatchback which I promptly pulled the back seat and built an area to stow my surfboard and it also doubled as a sleeping area. That little car had a 4 cylinder motor it was basically a Pinto with moderately better lines. I did put quality BFG Radial T/A's on it and tried my best to keep it up mechanically. It was what I had, and I didn't let anything stop me from going anytime I had the time and enough cash for some fuel and a couple cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
You see, I was all about going and doing. I did not care how I went and did. I just did. I had a small group of also broke ass and like minded friends and we all did the same thing together.  I guess I've  been an overlander since the early 80's.
This trend continued when a couple of us became a pit crew for a class one racer. He was one of the last true privateers and he did not have a huge bank roll. We used to pre run for the Baja 1000 and several times we camped and slept on the trailer on the side of the highway. So what. I was a 17 year old kid riding in a race car pre running the Baja 1000. Hell, I'd sleep in a scorpions nest for that opportunity.
These experiences and others have taught me one thing. It is about the adventure, taking yourself out of the norm and getting fresh air and seeing the world.

Don't sit on the couch and wait to have the ultimate adventure rig before you get your rump in gear.
All you truly need to have a great time is a rig of course. Something to keep you warm at night, something to keep your beer cold, and a chair. Coffee is pretty important too, it separates us from the savages.
 Grab a buddy and go. Try some local trails first so you can work out the kinks.
My point is just get out there. You will be sure to find other like minded adventurers on your journey.
You will be surprised how much fun you can have and how little you really need.

There are a couple Instagram feeds I have been really liking lately

 @hollyj_tj
Look at her! There is no BS with this chick.
She is a real inspiration. Can't wait to meet up with her on the trails someday.














                                                                         

@underland_usa
Their tag line says...
Do you really need a rooftop tent, an 8 drawer system, a fridge, a sink, a toilet, and a shower for your weekend trips?

I am on board with these guys.










So maybe I am not an overlander. Looks like I am an underlander after all.
Is this becoming a thing? I think I have been an underlander my entire life.
Lets start #underlanding trending

I'm not bashing the gadgets by any means, I 'm just saying don't let your lack of funds and cool guy gear detour you from getting out there and doing stuff.

Pole Line Road / Baja 1000 spectating run

November 15-19 2016

Pole Line Road / Baja 1000 spectating run

During WW2 the fear was the Japanese may invade the US through our southern border. The Army secretly constructed a telephone line from San Felipe to Ensenada in an effort to be able to call in trouble if any was seen.
The telephone line has long gone away but there are remnants of poles still in the ground and other signs of our presence years ago.
The Pole Line road is not for the stock rig. We recommend at least 33 inch tires and lockers to attend this event. There will be plenty of challenges along this trail. We will also be camping 1-2 nights as well.
Once we complete the Pole Line Road we will head West across the peninsula to the West coast and we will stay at Cuatro Casas.

We will also be spectating the Baja 1000 from one or two different spots. Because Racecars!

Day 1
Meet in Mexicali early AM
Travel  South to the entrance of the Pole Line Road
Wheel until late afternoon and camp.

Day 2
Up early camp style breakfast and coffee
Head out to finish the Pole Line Road and traverse to Cuatro Casas

Day 3
Off road trails to the beach and dunes.
Stay back at Cuatro Casas

Day 4
Easy relaxing morning. Big breakfast
Head out to watch the Baja 1000

Day 5
Head home





As always this trip is all inclusive. All lodging, meals, snacks, and refreshments (yes beer) are included.
The price is $750.00 per person $250.00 for co rider.

$100.00 deposit due when signing up

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

CLICK HERE to see photos of a previous run. 
MAIL  or call 951-251- 44LO with any questions

June trip report

Another Camp4lo Baja off road tour is in the books. We had a great group with a couple returning guests and a couple new friends. Mike, has been communicating with us for quite a while and the dates finally lined up and he traveled all the way from Oregon!
We met at the Tecate border Crossing Friday morning early and crossed into Tecate, met up with JC, had a few tacos just because and we were off.

A few miles from Tecate we came to the top of the Compadre Trail. A great run South with smooth dirt roads and twisty turns through the Chaparral up through the pine forest then dropping down into the Ojos Negros valley.

Oregon Mike's super sorted Land Cruiser

The first few miles of our adventure were smooth and trouble free. Just a great run through some great scenery.

Rolling into the start of the Compadre Trail

Not your typical Baja scene with all those pine trees!

After a short sstop in Ojos Negros we motored down the highway for a bit then went on a trail up to Mike's Sky Ranch for a refreshing beverage

Crossing the stream into Mike's Sky Ranch

Rigs taking a rest at Mike's while the happy campers cool off inside

After a short visit with our friends at the ranch we motored down yet a different trail back to Highway 3 and headed into San Felipe for the night. We had a great steak dinner and a few margaritas and a well deserved good nights rest.

Saturday morning after breakfast we headed West out of San Felipe and hit El Diablo dry lake. This is a part of the Baja races often and we really got to put the hammer down and go as fast as we wanted. We had so much fun we turned around and did the run twice.

Max and his Tundra clearly ate up the dry lake

Oregon Mike and the stoke

So free

We headed North to Valley De Trinidad for some tacos then traversing the peninsula West to the  Pacific side.

Super vistas and cooler temps greeted us along the way. 

Breathtaking

The next two nights we bunked at Cuatro Casas Hostel where Richard and staff took very good care of us. 

Sunday we headed up Punta Colonet to the beach for a little cruise along the water. 

Our guests really enjoyed driving along the beach.

Our last night we had a great dinner at Cuatro Casas and JC made his famous margaritas. We had a great night bench racing and laughing until the wee hours.

Monday morning we headed North and picked up a sction of the Baja 500 race course from Erendera to Santo Thomas where our dirt adventure came to a close.

We covered a lot of different terrain this time Desert to the sea via mountains. Great trip with some great new friends and returning ones as well.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure.

Our new friend Oregon Mike was awarded the Camp4lo VIP trophy for his 1000 mile journey just to get here. He had a great time and his super nice rig was an inspiration.

Here is a link to more photos FLICKR ALBUM

2016 Schedule

2016 is here and we can not be more excited to announce this years schedule.

We have some great Baja off road adventures planned and we are looking forward to meeting more of you and sharing Baja with you. We have some new trails we recently checked out and think you will really enjoy. Bring your overland rigs RTT's and camp gear as we plan to add a camp night on the March run. Hotel rooms will also be available as well.

Viva Baja! 

We still have a few spots left

Hurry time is running out, with El Nino  approaching that means a long wet Winter. Get in on this while you can.   CLICK HERE to book your vacation

NEXT Camp4lo BAJA OFF ROAD RUN September 25-28 2015

September 25-28 2015

This will be a great run that will encompass both coasts of Baja. 
We meet in San Diego and guide you through the border and down past Ensenada.
Off road down the West coast along the beach. The following day we traverse the peninsula and run to the other coast. We finish our off road journey in the town of San Felipe.
This run is open to all 4 wheel drive rigs. Stock to wild.

EMAIL  or call 844-CAMP4LO with any questions

Meeting place and times July 12

We will meet here Thursday July 12th at 10 am. You can get insurance there or online ahead of time.
See you all Thursday! Any more questions call us 844.CAMP4LO or email info@camp4lo.com
#camp4lo


223 Via De San Ysidro, 
San Ysidro, 
CA 92173-2913

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Instant+Mexico+Auto+Insurance/@32.5504978,-117.0465253,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xcf35ed2575bf48da?hl=en

Hero Off Road

HERO OFF ROAD

These folks are doing some terrific work for our troops and their families.
They work with the Off Road community to get these guys rides in races and on the trails.
Check em out, give them a like on FACEBOOK
Follow them on Twitter
Check out their ADVENTURE PAGE for some great videos.
Most of all support this great cause!

Thank you Hero Off Road!

World Patrol

During our travels we meet people. Some we simply pass by and some leave a lasting impression.
This is a story about the latter...
While in San Felipe I had the privilege of being in the right place at the right time to meet Marc and Beate of
WORLD-PATROL I just spoke to Marc briefly about what they were doing and where they were going. WOW the journey they are undertaking is simply amazing. Do yourself a favor head on over to their WEBSITE read what they are doing give them a like on FACEBOOK.
Their story will inspire you, I know it did me.
Get out there and see stuff!

Running the routes

The day after Christmas Bill and I loaded up the Taco and met Huber and Scuba Steve in his bitchen 4 runner at the border and headed for Cuatro Casas, to run the Camp 4lo day one part of the tour.

Mexico greeted us with a new port of entry. Now entering Mexico is even simpler. 

Rain followed us most  the way but as we motored South, Baja rewarded us with mostly sunny skies and low 70's temps.

We arrived at Cuatro Casas mid day, and as usual Richard, the proprietor greeted us with open arms. 

We checked in, secured our gear, and found ourselves with a few remaining hours of daylight. We decided to run the beach route South for a few miles, to shake down our rigs and go for some Tacos down at the Pirate bar on Punta Camalu.

Scuba Steve wasted no time displaying how he got his moniker.

After some lunch we took a little run down on the beach South of Camalu. As the sun started to set, feeling good that our rigs were ready we turned around and motored back to Cuatro Casas.

Back at Cuatro Casas we enjoyed an epic dinner of Richards famous halibut tacos, some fire pit, a couple cold Pacificos, and great conversation about the day that was to come.

Morning greeted us with a great sunrise. Richard had the coffee hot and breakfast ready.

We hit the trail north toward Campo Corona then hit the beach again toward San Antonio Del Mar.

We spent some time on the dunes.

Airing down

Nothing but fun to be had on these dunes.

After the dune fun, we traveled East and met up with the Baja 500 race course.

Taco in 4LO getting some work done.

A little mud obviously does not bother Huber.

Steve negotiating the trail.

We traveled North up the coast toward Erindria and saw great vistas, challenging climbs, and fun overlanding.

Baja has something for everyone. There were plenty of either or's so any 4 x 4 can have fun over this terrain.

We continued on the Baja 500 course into Erindria then hopped on the pavement back to Cuatro Casas.

Richard had a nice dinner of scallops prepared for us. We enjoyed another nice evening around the fire pit where we exchanged recollections about the trail that day.

This was a great trip with some even better guys.

Scuba Steve

Chris Huber

Bill Bryant

Rob Black 

Flynn Bryant 

my son Jacob Frick

And Chuy the wonder dog

Band of brothers forever on the Camp4lo inaugural run

Thank you all for coming down and sharing my love of Baja. 

I can't wait until the next run in February.

All the photos from this trip can be viewed at
Camp4lo Flicker page

Additional photo credits

Scuba Steve

Chris Huber

Bill Bryant