Experience Baja like never before — three epic days from Tecate to the Colorado River and back, conquering mountains, desert, and history on the Baja 3-Day River Run.

Video from the ride thanks to Tim

🏜️ Baja 3-Day River Run

From the Border to the River and Back – Three Days of Baja Adventure

Get ready for an unforgettable off-road journey across the heart of northern Baja! The Baja 3-Day River Run is a thrilling side-by-side adventure that begins in Tecate, Mexico, and takes riders through some of the most iconic and diverse terrain in the peninsula — from pine-covered mountains to vast open desert and volcanic landscapes — all the way to the mighty Colorado River.

Day 1 – Tecate to the Colorado River

Our adventure kicks off in Tecate, winding south through rugged trails and climbing high into the Laguna Hanson mountains, where cool air, pine forests, and panoramic views mark the start of the journey. From there, we descend into the wide-open expanse of the Laguna Salada desert, an ancient dry lakebed known for its endless horizon and fast-flowing dirt routes. The day ends as we reach the Colorado River, where the desert meets the water — the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day’s ride.

Day 2 – Hot Springs and Volcanoes

The second day dives deeper into Baja’s natural wonders. We’ll explore the remote oasis of Guadalupe Canyon – Los Manantiales Hot Springs, a hidden gem surrounded by rocky cliffs and natural pools. After a soak in the warm waters, the route takes us toward the dramatic landscape of the Cerro Prieto Volcano, a massive dormant volcano that dominates the horizon and adds a volcanic twist to our adventure. This day is all about exploration, relaxation, and pure Baja magic.

Day 3 – The Old Grade to Tecate

On the final day, we turn north for the legendary return to Tecate via the historic La Rumorosa old grade road — a breathtaking mountain climb that winds through boulder fields and offers spectacular views of the desert far below. It’s a perfect finale: technical, scenic, and rich with Baja history. The trail leads us back to Tecate, completing a full loop of adventure — mountains, desert, river, and back again.

Ride Overview

• Duration: 3 days

• Start/Finish: Tecate, Baja California

• Highlights: Laguna Hanson Mountains • Laguna Salada Desert • Colorado River • Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs • Cerro Prieto Volcano • La Rumorosa Old Grade

• Vehicle Type: Side-by-Sides (UTVs)

• Skill Level: Intermediate – suitable for experienced off-road riders comfortable with varied terrain

Experience Baja Like Never Before

The Baja 3-Day River Run isn’t just a ride — it’s a journey across Baja’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. Three days, one epic adventure. From border to river and back, this is Baja at its best.

Ride Signup info: 

The cost to join this 3 day ride is $595 for a single rider.  This covers your lodging for the 3 nights during the ride.  Hotel rooms are double occupancy. This also covers your ride packets which include custom Garmin GPS maps on a micro SD card and printed ride maps and descriptions.

The cost to join this 3 day ride is $745 for a Rider and Passenger.  This covers your lodging for the 3 nights during the ride.  You will receive a double hotel room, meaning it will have two beds.  This also covers your ride packets which include custom Garmin GPS maps on a micro SD card and printed ride maps and descriptions.

Now taking signups: You can now reserve your spot on this ride by leaving a $100 Deposit for a single rider or a $150 deposit for a rider and passenger. (Ride limit is 16)

After your signup riders will receive an email from me with further ride information and instructions.

Note: 

Riders must make full payment by February 14th, 2026.

Riders will receive ride packets in the mail one week before the ride.

Refund Policy

Your ride deposit is fully refundable until the full payment date above.  We encourage riders to make their deposit early in order to ensure they will get a spot on the ride and to begin working on you own ride arrangements.  After making your ride deposit, you will be connected with the other riders in order to coordinate any plans or discussions you may have.  And to just have fun developing plans with the other riders.  If your plans change, you will receive a full refund until the full payment due date above.

Ride Details

 I know many of you also enjoy dreaming about the ride and making your plans, so here is the detail, enjoy! 

How does the ride navigation work?

This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own.  You are responsible for your own riding.  You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit.  People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together.  You are not encouraged to ride alone.  You are responsible for your own riding and yourself. 

 (see my ride Navigation Video) 

Are you right for this ride?

When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help?  You should be in the more likely to offer help camp.  This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help.  Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.

How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?

I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride. They come from much of what I and others have ridden.  I take the best from all my rides and make new ones. 

(See my Custom Ride Maps Video) 

Note from me, gpsKevin

My goal for this ride is simple, great riding, so you can count on great routes and places to ride.

But in addition: the ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of northwest Baja.

Thanks

gpsKevin

FAQ's

Q:What will the weather be like this time of year?

A: In February, the weather is most often nice, could be a little hot in the lower elevations and it can be cold in the morning and in the mountains.  But sometimes there can be rain. Wet and muddy routes can force us to change our plans.  Come prepared with extra gear for cold and wet.

Q: Would this be a good ride for new riders?

A:  No, this ride is for intermediate and experienced riders only. The riding has easy route choices and tough route options. Each evening we will study the following day's choices. You will find lots of supportive people at the ride.

Q: What are motel room arrangements?

A: Rooms are double occupancy, meaning each couple or family shares a two bed room.

Q; What do I do if I don't have a Garmin GPS?

A: Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)

Q: Is the riding really on my own?

A: Yes, but almost everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.