Destination: Punta San Carlos
Nestled within desert mountain mesas bordering Baja's sparkling Pacific lies a 60-plus-mile network of clandestine, ever-growing trails. Though many of these trails are only a few years old, they’ve already been praised by some of the sport’s top riders.
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Kevin Trejo's SoloSports Adventures at Punta San Carlos in Baja, Mexico, has been a top destination for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing since it opened in 1987—famous for the south-facing cove's "side-off" winds. But Trejo, who splits his time between Baja and Orange, County, California, recently caught the mountain bike bug and has been building trails in the surrounding hills and mesas around Punta San Carlos. He now rents bikes and is courting mountain bikers to explore his secret stash, which offer a mix of traditional XC riding and freeride terrain.
“The terrain is rugged as hell, but the trails are clean, flowy singletrack that is not all sandy and rocky, with perfect bike-size transitions,” said Chris Van Dine, who recently visited Punta San Carlos.
Many of the trails wind through a maze of arroyos and hills reminiscent of Badlands national park in South Dakota. On this buttery, undulating terrain, Trejo has built trails for all levels. Initially, these trails provided a quick diversion for windsurfers and kiteboarders when the waves or winds were uncooperative. But what began as a simple trail network has now expanded to more than 60 miles of singletrack. And as riders like Van Dine have made the trek, more freeride features—like natural ride wall-rides and hip jumps—have been added.
The trails, however, are only a part of Trejo’s package. The resort still primarily courts surfers and windsurfers as its primary customers. But even water-weary mountain bikers can find rentals and lessons. Though the on-site bar is legendary, and the endless supply of lobster and fish tacos are extraordinary. While the resort has wireless Internet, and is solar and wind powered, the accommodations are rustic—little more than heavy tents that sit atop vast decking. But Trejo isn’t promising anything more than an “adventure” and some good trails.
That adventure, however, comes with a price. Trejo’s Solo Sports camp sits 275 miles south of San Diego and it’s a 7-8 hour drive through Baja, which comes with some risk these days. The camp covers ground transportation from San Diego, and also has a charter plane service available. A weeklong, all-inclusive stay costs about $1,500 for bus service, or about $2,200 via private plane. The camp also permits self-sufficient guests to camp for $5 a night on the property. Other pricing packages exist, so it is best to check out SoloSport's site for more information.
Is it worth it? That probably depends on the size of your wallet, the number of times you’ve already traveled to Moab and Whistler, and how adventurous you are. A love of water sports also might alleviate the sting of the price. But many riders who have visited the camp insist they will return. They speak of the rugged terrain, pristine trails, adventurous atmosphere, remote beaches and the proprietary “Baja Fog” tequila beverages.
Rider Chris Van Dine was one such satisfied guest. After detailing his recent trip, he swore he would return “as fast as humanly possible.”
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