Deserts, cardón cacti and the Sea of Cortez down the length of Baja. That is what Baja California Highway 1 promises, and it delivers. At about 900 miles (1,448 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 7–10 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Ensenada to La Paz.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Ensenada
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Ensenada is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Valle de los Cirios. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together San Quintín, Guerrero Negro and Loreto. Each one makes a natural break, and Guerrero Negro sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Gray whales at Guerrero Negro.
Arriving in La Paz
Save energy for the final stretch: Bahía Concepción is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Valle de los Cirios, Gray whales at Guerrero Negro and Bahía Concepción, and you will understand why Baja California Highway 1 belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is November–April. Plan on 7–10 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
