Costa de Jalisco Hidden Beach Circuit
Pacific coast's last undiscovered beach route
This 85-mile coastal loop drops off Highway 200 south of Puerto Vallarta to chase forgotten dirt roads connecting hidden beaches like Playa Careyitos and Playa Tehuamixtle. The route weaves through coconut plantations, crosses seasonal arroyos, and threads between clifftop ranchos where locals still fish from pangas. The section between Tehuamixtle and Chamela tests your suspension with deep sand washes and rocky creek crossings that flood during summer storms.
High-clearance 4WD handles most conditions, but carry a shovel for the sandy sections near Playa Careyes. Wet season (June-October) makes several creek crossings sketchy — locals know which ones run deep. Stock up on fuel and water in La Huerta; services are sparse once you leave the highway. The reward is empty beaches, killer surf breaks, and sleepy fishing towns that time forgot. Perfect for multi-day coastal camping with endless sunset views.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 920 ft |
| Best season | November-May |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | La Huerta, Jalisco |
| Land manager | Municipal and Private |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need lockers?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get you through most of it, but deep soft sand sections and the water crossings can swallow stock rigs if conditions are wet. Lockers or a limited-slip rear end are a real advantage here — don't count on momentum alone on the beach stretches.
What happens if I try to run this route during hurricane season?
June through October is a hard no. Swells push water crossings inland, beach sand turns to quicksand-level soft, and flash flooding on the inland cuts can trap you for days. The November–May window exists for a reason.
Do I need permits or special permission to drive through this area?
No formal permit system exists, but portions cross private and ejido land — expect to stop and talk to locals, pay small informal access fees at some beach gates (usually $3–10 USD), and always ask before camping on private stretches. Respecting the gate-keepers is what keeps this route open.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The deep sand beach runs between fishing villages are where rigs get stuck — long exposures of loose, dry sand with no hard pack underneath and no easy bailout if you bog down. Airing down to 15–18 PSI is mandatory, not optional, and you want a recovery board within reach before you hit those sections.
How far is the nearest gas station, and can I do the full 85 miles on one tank?
La Huerta is your last guaranteed fuel before the route — top off there no matter what. Most rigs with a standard tank will be cutting it close over 85 miles of low-gear sand driving, so carry a minimum 5-gallon spare fuel can or run an auxiliary tank if you have one.
Trail track
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