Teacher Karla Vasquez, 45, looks out at the panoramic views over Baja California from atop the peak of Cerro El Coronel in Rosarito, Mexico on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico — Laid off from her job as a dialysis tech during the pandemic, Mexicali resident Beatriz Ojeda felt like she could not take another day alone in her home.
"I've been struggling to get out of bed," said Ojeda, 45. She's been depressed, "to the point that I never would have thought I could get like this — because before the pandemic I had always been so happy."
So when a friend invited her to take a hike, Ojeda took her up on it, just so she could get out of the house.
She has company. Baja Californians have been turning to the remote, natural wonders of the state, whether they seek the isolated white-sand beaches and natural pools of Bahía de los Angeles or one of the state's snow-dusted mountain ranges.
It's a trend Mexico and Baja California officials have embraced by certifying certain trails — installing maps at trailheads, gathering information online for hikers, and placing signs throughout those trails to let users know if they are on the right path.
The effort is part of Mexico's efforts to promote ecotourism and adventure.
Baja California has the most certified, marked hikes of any state in Mexico, according to state officials, with 12 certified trails, from the national park Sierra de San Pedro Mártir in Ensenada to Rosarito to Mexicali.
The state is also in the process of certifying what will be the longest hike in Latin America, running 68 miles across the state and along the ocean all the way to Baja California Sur.
Ojeda, her 24-year-old daughter and her best-friend headed out recently to the highest mountain in Rosarito. The Cerro El Coronel's snaggle-tooth peak springs skyward 735 meters from rugged hills covered in chaparral. It is one of the 12 certified, marked hiking trails in Baja, located about 3.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and Puerto Nuevo.
State officials have recently partnered with the company Baliza México to certify its hiking trails according to an internationally accepted system they say makes them safer and easier to navigate and enjoy.
"People want to escape the day-to-day," said Mónica Véjar, executive director of Baliza México. "If we add in the pandemic, people have had even more to deal with, and they are looking for that escape."
Véjar said her company works with the locals of the remote lands to be informal guides to hikers and offer water and restrooms.
Mountain biker Danny MacAskill is used to traveling the world to find new sources of adrenaline rushes.
"At first, some (locals) were asking, 'Do we need to put in cabanas and restaurants?' and we said 'No, no, no. Water, restrooms and a trail-head,' and that makes for a great hike," she explained.
It's been working.
"They are telling me they are already overwhelmed by the number of people who are arriving, and while it is certain that people want to escape, it is very important that people do it responsibly and part of doing it responsibly is going to places that are already marked," she said.
In addition to the certification process, the company is responsible for maintaining the trails, and geo-coding them to allow maps to show up on search sites like Google. They are working mostly in Baja but with plans to expand throughout Mexico. They have already certified two trails in the state of Tamaulipas, on Mexico's eastern coast off the Gulf of Mexico.
Those signs were very useful to Ojeda and her companions. The precarious path leading to the El Coronel's peak makes for a challenging — and in her case, much-needed — hike.
"I feel totally different today," she said the day after she ventured out. "It just opens up your mind, your heart and gives you a totally different perspective," she said about her experience on the trail.
Because of work-related hand and back injuries, Ojeda didn't make it all the way to the top, but she said the views were breathtaking anyway.
"You don't need to go all the way up to take it all in," she said. "You can just sit down and breathe and watch the view and it does a world of good."
Since October Karla Vasquez has climbed Cerro El Coronel four times. She initially took up walking to lower her blood pressure, but found the peace of nature did more for her hypertension than the cardio. She said she liked that it was a safe, socially distanced activity.
"Everyone's thinking right now about what they can do to improve their health," said the 45-year-old Rosarito teacher. "Maybe this is one of the only good things to come out of the coronavirus, and maybe it will stick with us."
Baja tourism officials are hoping to eventually attract adventurous San Diegans.
"And the truth is we're inviting the whole world," said Dr. Ruben Roa, the state's under-secretary of sustainable economy and tourism.
Roa said when international visitors come to Baja specifically for the purpose of hiking, they have an average stay of 10 days and spend on average at least $2,000. He also said every one in four visitors to the state partakes in at least one nature activity, whether it be paddle-boarding, kayaking, sand-boarding in Mexicali or surfing.
Highlighting the hiking opportunities in the state is an extension of a long-time movement to make tourists aware of other activities in Baja California beyond partying during Spring Break. That began with culinary tours, the craft beer boom and wineries in Valle de Guadalupe.
"The idea is to extend the experience ... to compliment it," said Roa. "In other words, we're not closing off those other activities that are welcome, but I must admit that have exploited us for a long time, and did not allow for a recognition of the natural and pristine beauty of the state, especially in the southern portion of the state."
Travel experts and Baja officials warned travelers to at least do their homework before heading out, especially if they have very little experience either in Mexico or with hiking. Emergency services will respond to the remote trails, but the teams are not as equipped to respond as quickly as a hiker might expect in the United States.
"Although these hikes can be safely done autonomously with the signs that the trails have, we do recommend that they be done in a guided way," said Fernando Toledo, Baja California's director of tourism innovation and development. The state has list of accredited guides that Toledo said offer much more than just safety.
"They will interpret for you by pointing out what flora and fauna is on that site. Apart from the views and the physical activity, they can tell you what the legends are of those places, and why they are named what they are named," he said. "You can learn about the first communities that inhabited this part of the territory, like the Kumeyaay, which are cultures that are thousands of years old ... and make the visit that much more memorable."
Biking, hiking and rowing: How to prepare for outdoor activities this spring
Biking, hiking and rowing: How to prepare for outdoor activities this spring
Biking
Bicycling.com recommends taking a bicycle out for a test ride before purchasing it as well as making sure you have a comfortable seat and are acclimated to the brakes. It’s also important to wear a well-fitting helmet and to bike with a partner whenever possible. Nolan Hyland, a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), also suggests scoping out good locations for cycling that are away from busy streets. “There’s all kinds of good forums available online for cyclers,” Hyland says.
Hiking
Wesley Trimble, the communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society, suggests lower body stretches to prepare areas like calves, hamstrings, quads and glutes since, "those are all of the big muscle groups that people will be using for hiking and trail running and snowshoeing.” Those same muscle groups should also get some TLC after your workout is finished to prevent soreness, especially if your hike included a lot of elevation gain, Trimble says.
Hiking or camping
Trimble also recommends making sure you bring along the 10 essentials of hiking for any outdoor excursion: appropriate footwear; map and compass; water and a purifying source; food; rain gear and layers that will dry quickly if they get wet; safety items such as a light, fire source and a whistle; a first aid kit; a knife or multi-tool; sun protection; and shelter.
Mountain Climbing
A large amount of climbing incidents (including more than 80% of snow incidents) occur during the descent. Trimble says this is often because climbers run out of resources or are fatigued and can’t get themselves down from their location. That’s why Trimble recommends having a defined timeline to make sure climbers get back to their home base in time without running out of resources. And, Hyland stresses, “Always make sure you take your water; don’t leave your water in the car.”
Rock climbing
Rock climbing outdoors in cooler temperatures requires layers and gloves that you can take on and off so that you can regulate your temperature. This is especially important because, unlike at a gym, “if you’re belaying while somebody else is climbing, you’re just still and you get cold,” according to Courtenay Schurman, the founder of Body Results. Schurman also recommends doing easier pitches “as a warmup for something harder.”
Horseback riding
Staying upright on a horse is crucial to having a successful ride, and Hyland notes that the key to staying upright on horseback is core strength, which requires working on pelvic and core exercises. According to My Equestrian Style, planks, supermans, leg raises and reverse crunches are good ways to build core strength for riding.
Rowing, canoeing, paddling and kayacking
When doing outdoor activities on open water, Schurman recommends having a turnaround point and also knowing what direction the wind will be going so you don’t find yourself too far out in the water having to row against the wind. “If you go with the wind too far out and then you’re tired, and you have to go against the wind, you’re going to be in a lot of hurt,” Schurman says. You can determine the direction of the wind using instruments like wind vanes or by testing the wind with your finger or even by turning your head to see which direction the wind is coming from.
Snowboarding, snowshoeing and skiing
When snowboarding and skiing, Hyland recommends doing workouts that focus on time under tension. “Anything where you’re isolating in a squat,” Hyland says. “Whether you’re doing a wall squat … or a band walk.” Schurman also recommends starting slowly. “You don’t want to go out so hard that all of the sudden you’re just drenched in sweat because that means you’ve sweat through your layers and you’re going to get chilled,” Schurman says.
Skateboarding
Skateboard warmup exercises should focus on ankles, hamstrings, knees and quadriceps. In an article for Skateboard GB, strength and conditioning coach Yannis Kostadinomanolakis recommends a 10-minute warmup that includes raising up on the balls of your feet, rolling over on the sides of your feet, reaching over to touch your toes, squats, lunges, raising your knee in front of and to the side of your body, and preparing your upper body by twisting your torso back and forth.
Backpacking
Going on a trek with only a few items is already a challenge, but carrying a heavy backpack along with you can be a struggle if you don’t prepare adequately. “Think of the outdoors as your gym. You wouldn’t lift 200 pounds without warming up, right? Similarly, you wouldn’t throw 45 pounds on your back and just take off. Walk around in the parking lot, do some squats or kicks, and once you have your pack on, ease into your pace. At 15 minutes, get some water, strip a layer and go for your stride,” Schurman says.
Fishing
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service notes that first-time fishers should make sure they have a fishing license (in several states this is required for anyone 16 and older), good quality equipment and lures. For safety, the USFWS recommends fishing with a companion, not casting sharp fishing hooks near other people and wearing a Coast Guard-approved flotation device or life vest.
Roller-skating
If you plan to hit the pavement outdoors, U.K.-based Roller Girl Gang recommends having your path (and an escape route) planned out, wearing protective gear according to your comfort and skill level, and making sure you clear a path for others to be able to pass you as you skate.
Basketball
When deciding to play basketball outdoors, choosing the correct shoes is important. According to Basketballworld.com, they should be breathable and made out of leather and mesh fabrics. Players should also bring a backpack and select a ball that will not deflate quickly.
Tennis
Preparation for a tennis match is equal parts physical and mental. The United States Tennis Association recommends getting a good night's sleep, waking up at least two hours before your match and doing warmup exercises (sprints, quick feet drills, reaction drills, shadows with racquet) and warming up with an opponent. But your preparation should also involve “mental activation.” The USTA recommends avoiding mentally draining activities and instead finding a quiet place to listen to music or read in the 15 to 30 minutes before your match.
Beach workout
Training on sand can offer different benefits than being on grass or a gym floor and can lead to greater performance improvements. Schurman advises against piling on layers if you’re working out on the beach or during warm weather. For people who do layer up in warmer temperatures in an effort to sweat more, Schurman says, “It’s very likely that they’ve actually caused themselves to be dehydrated. … Some sweating is good (but) ... that’s so unhealthy.” Make sure you also apply sunscreen and plan your workouts for early in the morning or later in the evening so your sun exposure is less.
Jump rope
The key to a successful jump rope workout? Having the right jump rope. This means ensuring that your jump rope is the correct length for your height. Dick’s Sporting Goods’ blog says you should step on the middle of the jump rope and pull the handles up by your shoulders. “The cables, not the handles, should hit right around your armpits.” You should also make sure you’re using an appropriate rope for your experience level and workout setting. For example, leather jump ropes are better for outdoors.
Surfing
Preparing for surfing involves a lot of swimming to prepare the back and shoulder muscles, according to SwellWoman, a wellness and travel company that offers yoga, surfing and health retreats for women. Aspiring surfers can also get their bodies ready by doing push-ups, planks, squats and even yoga to prepare their whole bodies for riding the waves.
Archery
According to Archery360, archery works your shoulder and back areas, involving many key muscles. To properly prepare and condition those muscles, Archery360 recommends exercises like yoga, side planks and single-arm dumbbell raises. Archery also involves a stable lower body so exercises that engage your core can also be helpful.
Kite flying
Kite sales have seen an uptick in India, where people flew kites from their homes as a diversion during lockdown. If you’re interested in joining the fun from wherever you are, it’s important to make sure your ornate kite wi ll fly. Sending your kite sky-high is related to upward force (lift), downward force of gravity (weight), forward force (thrust), and the backward force opposing the direction of motion (drag), according to the Smithsonian. Balancing these forces involves paying attention to the wind but also adjusting your walking patterns, arm movements and even spinning of the kite to keep it in the air. Kitty Hawk Kites recommends flying your kite in an open space away from power lines, making sure the wind doesn’t exceed 20 miles per hour, wearing gloves with large kites, and using a release system so you don’t get dragged by a heavy kite.
Outdoor yoga
When doing yoga outdoors, Yoga International recommends practicing with a mat to avoid certain hazards, checking the weather, clearing your practice area of debris and making sure there aren’t any allergens around you.
