January 22, 2015 - Catavina to Guerrero Negro, California Baja Sur

We left our camping area and drove about five kilometers to stop and see the “pinturas rupestres” (cave paintings) which are located near Km C-176). We hiked to them ten years ago and there were no trails then, and according to our guide book, there are still no trails. Not true. Between 2005 and now, the Mexican government built a museum, gallery and hiking trails. Well, the museum and gallery have fallen into disrepair, but there are beautiful hiking trails and signs, and arrows pointing the way to the cave! We parked near the abandoned museum and hiked back about .3 mile and followed the signs up the hill to the cave.


There are numerous red, black, and yellow paintings in the tiny cave. While these are not the largest (and some people say not the most awe-inspiring) of the Baja cave paintings, they are probably one of the easiest to reach. It was cool to see some of the culture of the Baja’s earliest inhabitants and we were glad we made the hike to see them again.

Back on the road, we continued through the boulder field and saw lots of cirio cactus. They always remind me of carrots, growing in reverse, roots in the air!

At Km C-180, we crossed an arroyos where there were groves of native Washingtonia fan palms – and even a little water crossing the road!

We also left most of the boulder field behind at this Km marker. Around Km C-210, we did pass by “El Pedregoso” . It is funny to read the guide book – it says, “On the right (west) side of the highway can be seen a hill of grotesquely shaped granite boulders It is named El Pedregoso (the rocky one). It is a boulder field in the process of development.” It didn’t seem that grotesque to us!

Near Km C-245 the highway passes through a large forest of cardon (giant cactus). There were more of the cirio cactus, as well.

The wind blew today … and blew! It was a tough drive for Tobey. This is the only highway through Baja California going north and south – Hwy 1. It is two lane, narrow, and most places have no shoulders or pullout areas. Fortunately, there is also very little traffic! On this stretch of wide road, we spotted some white burros. They didn’t mind us at all!

The huge flag below is at Km D-128, Paralelo 28, the State Line between Baja California and Baja California Sur.

Just past the flag, we had to pass through a military check point and agricultural inspection station. We were asked if we had any citrus fruit, which we don’t, and where we were heading (Cabo). Pay $20 pesos to have the undercarriage of the vehicle sprayed with insecticides and we are on our way.

We fueled up and are camped at Malarrimo Hotel and RV Park in town. It is $215 pesos ($14.85 USD) per night and includes water, electric, and WIFI (not very good). Amazing, the electric actually works for us! Tobey is feeling a little better, but certainly not 100%. Early to bed for him! We are signed up to go on a whale watch excursion tomorrow morning at 11, then will decide whether we stay another night or move on.