Rancho El Papalote to the Holy Grail

Trail Overview

If you're not taking the fork around the ranch house, be sure to stop and chat with Senor Alfredo. He's a kind and knowledgeable old cowboy, and it's comforting to know someone like him is looking out for you as you embark on this challenging route. Once you open and close the last gate on the ranch, you're in for a real adventure. The trail immediately demands attention, with tricky sections that require careful planning to navigate, even before reaching the steeper, more difficult climbs. This trail is an old Score Baja 1000 trail that has not been used for around 10 years and though you won't encounter any silt beds, the obstacles ahead will keep you busy. The initial ascents are steep, and alternate routes are even steeper with more off-camber terrain for those looking to push their limits. Airing down your tires is a must, and it's highly recommended to travel with a buddy equipped with a winch, as well as being prepared for tire repairs and recovery. As the trail progresses, it becomes increasingly rocky, though most rocks are rounded. One of the first prolonged steep sections has been stripped of dirt, leaving behind a surface that almost feels like concrete, scattered with loose rocks--an unusual and challenging mix. For the next four to five miles, you'll face more rough, uneven terrain, including cambered sections with significant exposure, demanding precise tire placement. However, the views along the way are breathtaking, offering rare glimpses of remote wildlife and expansive vistas. After about five or six miles, the trail smooths out slightly, and it seems some sections have been graded by heavy machinery. You'll even encounter areas where vehicles have gotten stuck in the mud, adding to the diversity of obstacles. If you come across an impassable area, look for go-arounds to either side. The final mile brings another climb out of a valley, leading to the Holy Grail Trail, which connects from Coyote Ranch down to Colonet. This journey will take you deep into a remote and rugged landscape far off the beaten path.

Photos of Rancho El Papalote to the Holy Grail

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Difficulty

In several sections, you'll encounter tire crevices up to two feet deep, making high clearance and precise tire placement essential, and you may even need a spotter. Airing down your tires is a must, as the trail is littered with rocks, increasing the likelihood of tire damage or the need for repairs. Even in the driest season, you'll encounter mud in certain areas, especially around miles 6 to 7, where standing water or significant runoff is likely during rainy periods. If tackled in wet conditions, this route would become considerably more difficult, demanding even greater caution and skill. Although possible based on the fact that Trophy Trucks have cleared this trail, a full-width 4x4 would not be the favorite choice for this route.

Technical Rating