The allure of Baja runs deep with Adventure Riders. Baja calls to us with its vast open spaces and dazzling desert landscapes. Away from the crowds, developments and heavy regulations, Baja is where you can experience the true sensation of freedom.

Earlier this year we rode with RawHyde Adventures on their Big Bikes in Baja motorcycle tour. The tour traveled 1,600 miles (2,500 km) to the mid-point of the peninsula and back to the border again. We covered a variety of different climates and terrains over seven days — from pine forests to pristine beaches, thick cactus groves and even a true oasis in the desert. Along the way, we visited many of Baja’s top off-road destinations like Mike’s Sky Ranch, Santa Veronica and Coco’s Corner. The route also traveled along part of the legendary Baja 1000 tracks.

Dirt roads offered challenges in spots but were well maintained for the most part.

The tour took us on incredible scenic asphalt roads as well, like Highway 3 through Baja’s wine country, Saguaro cactus lined Highway 1 with its volcanic landscape looming in the background and Highway 5 from San Felipe to Puertecitos where the views of the deep blue Sea of Cortez are nothing short of spectacular.

The views of the Sea of Cortez on the highway to Puertecitos are spectacular.

Some of the unique Baja experiences on the tour can only be explained as surreal, like watching the sunrise over the Sea of Cortez and riding all day to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. For many, touching a whale in the Lagoon of San Ignacio was a life changing experience, and the thrill of riding on the beach at sunset in San Quintin was a fitting last evening to an amazing trip.

There are few places in the world where you can get up close and actually touch these gentle giants.

The feeling of riding on the beach in Baja is beyond explanation. You just have to experience it.

But this trip was more than just a string of exhilarating experiences on a motorcycle. One of the biggest reasons to visit Baja is to immerse yourself in the culture and to taste new foods and flavors that can’t be reproduced elsewhere in the world. Experiencing the warmth of the friendly locals or the joy on a child’s face when they sit on your motorcycle are moments that are simply priceless.

Local kids grow up watching the Baja races and gather to check out any type of off-road motorcycle.

Once you’ve been to Baja, you realize it’s not a place you visit once and scratch it off your bucket list. Baja keeps calling you back and it’s a place that many Adventure Riders like to visit again and again throughout their lives.

If you’ve never been to Baja, a Baja motorcycle tour is the perfect introduction to the region. There’s no need to spend days researching the hotels, restaurants, landmarks and routes for your trip. With the Big Bikes in Baja tour, we got to see some of the best spots in Baja in a one-week trip and RawHyde even had a few surprises for us Baja veterans. Check out the RawHyde Adventures website for more information on their Big Bikes in Baja tour.

Baja Motorcycle Tour Photo Gallery

Hacienda Santa Veronica is just a short ride from the border near Tecate.

Fast sweeping dirt roads in Baja are what big Adventure Bikes are made for.

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The deep blue Sea of Cortez is hypnotic on the road to Puertecitos.

Excellent beachside dining at Alfonsina’s in Puertecitos along the Sea of Cortez.

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Riding to Mike’s Sky Ranch. An off-the-grid hotel in the middle of nowhere.

Poolside parking and a beautiful view at Mike’s Sky Ranch.

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Coco’s Corner is a must see attraction in Baja. And so is Coco!

Getting up with the sunrise has its rewards.

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Long highway stretches with beautiful vistas make for great helmet time.

Incredible beach sunset on the Pacific Coast of Baja.

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Volcan Tres Virgenes looms ominously over San Ignacio.

Mission San Ignacio was founded in 1728 by Jesuit Priests long before the U.S. even existed.

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Wild horses enjoy the freedom of Baja just as much as us Adventure Riders.

Proud mother humpbacks push their babies right up to the boat to show them off.

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An abandoned tourest rest stop off the highway in Catavina.

Some fabulous twisty asphalt to ride on the way to San Quintin.

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Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.