Vizcaino Cutoff

Trail Overview

Starting about a mile outside of Vizcaino on Highway 1, this route offers a smoother alternative to the heavily washboarded main road to Rancho Santa Marta, making it a great choice if you're heading toward El Arco or the back route to Bahia de Los Angeles. The journey begins on a well-maintained road, passing a ranch before requiring a left-hand turn. The road remains well-graded until you take a right turn, where it becomes significantly narrower, posing a challenge for full-sized vehicles that are likely to scrape against encroaching vegetation. Further along, the trail passes through an arroyo with up to a foot of deep sand, requiring four-wheel drive, low tire pressure, and a solid understanding of sand driving to navigate successfully. After this 50-yard stretch, the route continues through narrow paths bordered by large desert vegetation before reconnecting with the road to Rancho Santa Marta. Alternatively, you can proceed straight toward El Arco.

Photos of Vizcaino Cutoff

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Difficulty

The majority of this trail is relatively straightforward, but a single arroyo crossing significantly elevates its difficulty rating. Successfully navigating this section requires properly aired-down tires and the use of four-wheel drive, with maintaining steady speed often being key to crossing. While experience in handling deep sand and self-recovery techniques is important in case of getting stuck, the challenge is manageable for prepared drivers. Beyond this point, the remainder of the trail is uncomplicated and easy to traverse.

Technical Rating