Ruta de los Minerales La Paz to El Triunfo Circuit
Silver rush ghosts in the Baja desert
The washboard road between La Paz and El Triunfo cuts through some of Baja California Sur’s most storied mining country, where silver strikes in the 1860s built boom towns that now sit as weathered shells in the desert heat. You’ll navigate rocky arroyos and steep climbs past the ruins of Hacienda Santa Fe and through San Antonio’s remaining structures, where mine tailings still glitter in the sun and old smelter foundations mark where fortunes were made and lost.
This moderate route demands high-clearance 4WD for the technical sections between San Antonio and El Triunfo, especially during arroyo crossings after rain. Bring extra water, spare tires, and recovery gear — cell service is nonexistent between towns. Best tackled October through April when desert temperatures are manageable. The reward is stepping into Mexico’s mining history while camping under some of the darkest skies on the peninsula.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125.5 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | La Paz, Baja California Sur |
| Land manager | SEMARNAT |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires will get through — no lift required. The arroyo crossings and rocky two-track sections are the main concern, so low-range is mandatory. A lifted rig with skid plates gives peace of mind but isn't the entry ticket.
Is this route passable in summer, or will the heat and rain shut it down?
Best window is October through April. Summer brings extreme heat and the threat of tropical moisture pushing up from the south, which can flash-flood arroyos with zero warning. Don't push it — July through September can turn a moderate route into a stuck vehicle and a long walk.
Do I need a permit to run this route, and are there any fees?
SEMARNAT manages the land, but there's no formal permit or fee required to drive the circuit as of now. Crossing into Mexico requires a valid FMM tourist card and Mexican auto insurance — those are your real paperwork obligations before you leave the pavement.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The arroyo crossings between El Triunfo and the mining ruins are where things get honest — loose rock, steep wash entries, and soft sand depending on recent rain. Nothing technically extreme, but a moment of inattention on an off-camber shelf section will ruin your day. Take it slow through the canyons.
There's no cell service on this route — how far am I from fuel and water resupply?
La Paz is your last reliable fuel stop before heading out; carry enough for 100+ miles of slow two-track with reserve. Water is scarce on the route itself — don't count on finding it in the arroyos year-round. Load up in La Paz, bring more than you think you need, and pack a satellite communicator because nobody's coming fast if something goes wrong.
Trail track
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