Baja Divide Bikepacking Route - Riding 1,700mi Across Mexico
Overall the Baja Divide has been one of the most spectacular trips that I have ever done. Wild in every way, remote, and completely unique unlike anything else.
MY BAJA DIVIDE GEAR:
AllCity Gorilla Monsoon Apex (purchased used)
30T Chainring and 11-42 Cassette
27.5 x 2.35in Vitoria Mezcal Tires
Helmet - https://amzn.to/47Lw3vq
Brooks B17 Saddle - https://amzn.to/47ralhu
Pedals - https://amzn.to/3LABuG9
Suspension Stem - https://amzn.to/4hL0hDn
Handlebars - https://amzn.to/47HlQAe
PACKS
MYOG - Basket Bag, Top Tube Bags, Triangle Bag
Feed Bags - Surly Dugout
Saddle Bag - Revelate Designs Terrapin 14
Hip Pack - https://amzn.to/3XhaTAw
Packable Backpack - https://alnk.to/d3FlZ4j
SLEEPING
Shelter - https://tinyurl.com/c6btpvte
Quilt - https://tinyurl.com/mv2427kr
Groundsheet - https://amzn.to/43RNZTV
Foam Mat - https://alnk.to/ei4EQIN
Inflatable Pad - https://amzn.to/492SwGL
Pillow - https://amzn.to/3WJi5oQ
Stakes - https://amzn.to/3WLOs6n
CLOTHES
Puffy Jacket - https://alnk.to/7X7nxne
Fleece - https://amzn.to/3Lw296Y
Rain Jacket - Montbell Versalite
Beanie - Melanzana Microgrid
Wind Pants - https://amzn.to/3JnJAS1
Bug Headnet - https://amzn.to/47vKVPT
Socks - https://amzn.to/3WJ3tG4
Sunglasses - https://amzn.to/49HyQZd
Spare Shirt, Shorts, Underwear, Bandana
FOOD & WATER
2x Reusable Bottles - https://alnk.to/28Unaq4
2x Large Water Bottles - https://amzn.to/4qStLUi
1x Nalgene - https://amzn.to/43l3Vhn
3L Bladder - https://amzn.to/4hNFSgX
Water Filter - https://amzn.to/47Inamh
Cook Pot - https://amzn.to/3JMJtPM
Wood Stove - https://amzn.to/4hN4iaD
Spoon - https://amzn.to/47JPfto
Lighter, pot cozy, spatula
MISC
Camp Chair - https://alnk.to/7fslC3n
Trowel - https://amzn.to/3XmRJsV
Wallet - https://alnk.to/cb5z4U4
Chafe Cream - https://amzn.to/4815Ni2
Bidet - https://alnk.to/3yer0VV
Passport, toothbrush, paste, Ibuprophen, Tylenol, TP, lip balm, nail clippers, small thermometer
ELECTRONICS
Front Light - https://amzn.to/4r2417Y
Rear Light - https://amzn.to/3WJMyTJ
Phone Mount - https://amzn.to/4hQOofi
Headlamp - https://amzn.to/3Lu3OKk
Wall Charger - https://amzn.to/4nEBPVP
2x 20,000mah Batteries - https://amzn.to/3XfdpHo
SOS Device - https://amzn.to/47uqAKP
Headphones - https://amzn.to/4qLOyJ1
Cords, Cellphone
Film Camera - https://amzn.to/4nEa7IB
Big Camera - https://amzn.to/4own8oW
Lens - https://amzn.to/3JMJ6Vo
REPAIR
Bike Lock - https://amzn.to/4nMySCH
Tire Pump - https://amzn.to/480wNOy
Tire Levers - https://amzn.to/4p2qi3M
Leatherman - https://amzn.to/43h7jKd
Multitool - https://amzn.to/3JQmlQu
Alan Keys - https://amzn.to/4qKKXuE
Tubeless Repair - https://amzn.to/47ZpDtY
Chain Repair - https://amzn.to/3LNhgZO
Valve Core Remover - https://amzn.to/3JL0QR3
Brush - https://amzn.to/47IFH25
Lube, Co2, Needle, Thread, Tape, Patches, Sealant, Derailleur Hanger, Super Glue, Rag, Zipties, Chain Links, Quick Links, Cables, brake pads, Tire Boot
I started the Baja Divide on November 12, and I finished it January 14th. Near exactly two months later. I definitely could have ridden faster and probably have done this in 45 days or less but I think this type of adventure really deserves taking the extra time to enjoy. The best times overall for this trip is between November and March. Most people start in January.
Distance: 1,700mi // 2,700km
Country: Mexico
Start: San Diego
End: Cabo or La Paz
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 months
Season: November - March
Direction: Southbound - Due to prevailing winds
Before starting this trip pretty much everyone said that with skinny tires you would basically die. Anything below 3" was downright impossible. I rode with 2.4" and my friend with 2.1" and ultimately we did fine. I think we had to go slower, and it was a bit less comfortable, but overall I don't think it diminished the trip in any way for us.
Temperatures on the Baja Divide can vary wildly. From 35c down in the southern sections, to -10c up in the northern sections (and snowing). For the most part you won't experience much rain, but definitely should still prepare for it with a shelter and rain jacket (instead of leaving those at home.) Rain also means mud, and in Baja mud should be feared.
This route is remote, but you pass through many villages. Food is plentiful, just extremely limited in what you can find. Water on the other hand is in short supply and I always carried at least 6 liters on my bike at all times. Once I carried upwards of 15 liters even for the section after Catavina.
Mulege, San Ignacio, La Paz, and Todos Santos are my favorite towns on route, if you want a break. Bahia de Los Angeles is also cool.
Bike shops were more frequent than expected. They won't have the part you need, but they will keep you rolling.
00:00 - My bikepacking kit
03:00 - San Diego
07:27 - Tecate (Mexico) & Rain!
14:56 - Pacific Ocean & MUD
19:56 - A Bikepacking Friend & Waterless Stretch
26:42 - Broken Rims
33:07 - Baja Divide Advice!
41:09 - Cape Loop
43:08 - What broke on my bike on this trip
47:39 - Thank you!