EL ROSARIO, MX
So the reason why this place has its own page is because, in my opinion, it is a very important land-marker in Baja. It is where highway 1, which up until this point has hugged the coastline, takes a sharp turn inland. It's an important town because you are leaving the Northern part of Baja California behind. Things change from here on out. They get even more rural, even more remote, and there is even less civilization. So it is an important focal point. There are loads of waves up along highway 1 to the North of El Rosario. I didn't go to too many of them because the safety situation along the stretch under Ensenada to El Rosario is a serious concern. So I avoided those waves for the most part, which are plentiful, and headed south. See the Cuatro Casas page for more information on the safety concerns in this area. El Rosario is a weird little town. It is a desert town, and a major stop for the Baja 1000 race. An as fast as you can go, race from the top to the bottom of Baja in offroad outfitted dune buggies that happens once a year. When you get to the town, you will understand the influence this race has had. El Rosario, importantly is one of the last places to get gas for a WHILE. So fill up. Fill up your extra gas tank. Buy any supplies you need, because from here on out the gas stations are rare and far from one another, and supplies can be tough to come by. Won't be much here in terms of a guide here, but it's an important place. It's famous really for a restaurant called 'Mama Espinoza's', which is the photo at the top of the page.
Pretty much is all mentioned above. But El Rosario is an important land marker on the trail through Baja California, it signifies the end of Northern Baja. Not the end of the state of Northern Baja, just the end of the northern part of this state. If that makes any sense at all.
But this is also an important distinction, because as you pass El Rosario, wild camping pretty much becomes a free for all. You have left behind most all of the danger that lurked above either near the border or along the 250km stretch south of Ensenada that is littered with drug rehabilitation centers and recently released crackheads. From this point forward you will be all but safe. You can camp pretty much anywhere you like, and you will be safe. Hence why I think this location is so important to mention as its own section. After here, the 1 goes inland, and will remain inland pretty much all the way until you reach Baja California Sur.
HOSTELS, CAMPING, AND HOTELS (IF ANY)
Did not stay here. Not sure.
EATS
This place is famous for two things — the Baja 1000, and a small restaurant called 'Mama Espinoza's'. I will admit that this place was shockingly expensive being this deep in Baja. But the food was pretty good. I got the lobster burritos. I wouldn't do it again because of the price, but they were delicious.
We had been recommended this place on the way down, and that was the thing to get. They also have a gift shop you can buy some things at. I bought a sweatshirt — those Baja nights can be cold.
SIGHTS
Nothing.
NIGHTLIFE
Does not exist. This will be the story for most of Baja.
SURFING
None here. Like I said there are waves to the north between here and Cuatro Casas, but I didn't really explore any of that. Wanted to get out of that part of Baja and onto the safer areas that have better waves anyways.