Western Adventures 4x4 Driving School
& "Explorers Club" Guide Service


Western Adventures Logo (small)4 X 4 Guided Adventures by Location
4X4 Guided Adventures by Location

California Arizona Utah Colorado Baja California Old Mexico

(You may click on a selection above to go directly to a particular adventure, or simply scroll down the page. Click on any "underlined name" of an adventure and go to a more detailed description and itinerary).

Please Read - Important Change of Schedule:

 ON HOLD - All adventures scheduled for Mexico are currently on hold until further notice - Frenchie La Chance.

How safe is Mexico today? Is Mexico a place where you should go to today? These are some serious questions to ask yourself before you go to Mexico.

This is the view from the 4X4 tourist guide's point of view, who travels to Mexico a lot. I have been going to Mexico since the 1950's and never felt the concern that I have now.

After the last adventure into Mexico's Copper Canyon with clients, I would have to change my mind a lot to return into Mexico now. I have heard about the problems the others have had in the last 6 months. I got to see it first hand on this last trip. I returned on April 19th. 2008.

I am not a big player in the scheme of things. My clients only bring in about $750,000 a year to Mexico. The cost of the loss goods and money this last trip was over $20,000 for myself and my clients. I guess we were lucky that we got out with ours lives.

The story of this adventure:

The adventure into the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico and Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is a 14 day exciting adventure in of itself. The first half of the trip went very smooth as usual. While we were setting up camp along the Rio El Fuerte for one of our camping nights. We were visited by a local resident, packing a 45 caliber pistol stuck in his belt, riding his mule into camp. This is a location where last October we had some drunken locals partying and shooting their guns as they crossed the river. They eventually left after about 3 hours. The local resident did not threaten us in any way while he visited with us. The evening was peaceful after he left. This is a country where the citizens are not allowed to have personal pistols. Upon our departure in the morning we spotted another local with binoculars on a hill. Again this did not bother me, though some of our clients were concerned.

The next week was smooth again as we were heading back to the border at Nogales. We were in Hermosillo, Sonora when we stopped at a nice restaurant for lunch. We were pulling off-road trailers so we parked in the parking lot where we had room to pull through. We got seated in the front of the restaurant and our vehicles were just out of our site. We were in the restaurant for about 30 minutes when we returned to our vehicles the front Passenger windows were shattered. This was a "smash and grab" type of break-in. They cleaned out our vehicles in a minute or two. The security guard who was watching the building across from where we parked came over, but not to close. The security guard disappeared when the cops showed up. This was reported to me by my wife and the clients later. Was he a real security guard or a part of the gang of thieves? We did as you should and filled out the theft report with the Police. We called the Mexican insurance company about the incident and to our amazement they are as bad as the American insurance companies. They have more loopholes then a block of Swiss cheese has holes. We got our copy of the police report and headed home.

The need to return was hastened by the fact that they took prescription medicine that I needed that evening. We were left with only our clothes on our backs (literally) and some pesos in our pockets. Upon my return, I contacted my insurance company in the good old USA. I find out that I can only get up to $.10 on the dollar, minus the deductible (and a few days of paper work to get receipts of the stolen goods). I have not got a penny yet from anyone so the show is not over. I am now a believer in the saying "Show me the Money".

Due to the stories in the last 6 months about Mexico, robberies, assaults and killings, I thought that we were being very careful in all we were doing. I have to be responsible for myself, my family and my clients.

Now back to the questions from the start of this story. How safe is Mexico today? Is Mexico a place where you should go to today?

My answer to the questions:

I have canceled my adventure trips with my clients to Mexico for the present. When the Mexican government can make their country safer to an reasonable level I may return to Mexico. This decision is not a easy one for me to make as for the most part the Mexican people are wonderful. I have a responsibility to protect my clients while they are with me. Until I am assured that I can do this I will follow the lead by the surfing community and stay out of Mexico. The adventure trips I lead into Mexico make up 75% of my guide business. This will be a hardship for me financially, but it is the safest thing to do for the moment.

Frenchie La Chance

Pricing of our adventures are per vehicle unless otherwise noted! We charge extra for additional person requiring a separate room and for meals for three or more people in a vehicle. This is required only on adventures where we include lodging and meals.

 

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California

Big Bears Jamboree -
Summary:  This is a moderate, exciting trip, with exceptional mountain and desert views.  We travel the old mining district roads and logging roads.  You have the option to camp-out or stay in a motel; (Motel is not included in the Adventure price).  We have two fun filled days high in the clear mountain air.    
Rated as 3   $249

Borrego Badlands Bash -
Summary:  This is a camping trip in some of the most beautiful, desolate deserts on earth.  We will cover natural bubbling mud pots, mud caves, unusual rock formations, and an historic route of travel.  This is two days and one night of camping.     
Rated as 2˝   $249

Death Valley / Panamint Mountains -
Summary:  Here we will spend four days and three nights of camping and exploring the canyons of the Panamint Mountains, and then traveling into Death Valley.  The history of the mining camps and the people's struggle to survive in such a hostile climate is all around us as we travel in the footsteps of the miners.  We will see the beautiful desert with all of its geological history exposed through millions of years of time.  Four days of true wonder.    
Rated as 2˝   $429

Death Valley / Funeral Mts.  -
Summary:  True western camping excitement as we live the history of the great Death Valley. Old ghost towns, historic
mining districts, Ubehebe Crater, Scotties Castle, old Indian writings, springs, and the millions of years of Mother Nature carving out the
lands. A true family adventure with a couple of nights. This is a camping adventure.
Rated as 2˝   $429

Arizona

Grand Canyon North -
Summary:  The North side of the canyon is an area that most people never see along the Arizona Strip.  This is a wonderful, exciting adventure to the remote land almost forgotten. Stand just inches away from the edge of a precipice, with  the Colorado River three thousand feet below.  The trip includes three days of breath taking beauty and two nights of wonder are under the stars.  We can possibly work in one night in a lodge if the group wants (this is extra).   
Rated as 2˝   $399

Utah

Rocking Hole in the Rock -
Summary: A challenging camping adventure showing the courage and strength of the Mormon pioneers as they built a road into the wilderness to settle the 4-Corners area of the west. We will travel next to or over 100 miles of trail, and the 30-mile recreational section of the trail that is the most remote. You will get a true understanding of the hardships the pioneers experienced. We will stop at Indian ruins along the way. Camping out for three nights is required along the 4-day trail.
Rated as 4   $429

Wonders of the Red Rock -
Summary:  The five adventures are each one-day long, so you can camp, RV, or stay in a motel in town. We will cover some of the famous trips such as Chicken Corners, Poison Spider Mesa, Hey Joe Canyon, Metal Masher, and Gold Bar Rim. These trips range from beautiful to exhilarating and we will even drive over a natural rock arch.    
Rated as 2 to 4   $529

Colorado

Silverton Dollar Jamboree and San Juan Alps
Summary: We will venture into the mining towns and camps of the past, at elevations of over 11,000 ft. Following the miner's trails, we will drive the famous Black Bear, Cinnamon, Imogene and Engineer Pass, Animas Forks, Stoney Pass, Gladstone and Red Mountain. Our adventures will take us to the rich gold and silver camps, just as the miners did. With the wild flowers as a colorful carpet and the deep blue Colorado sky provide beautiful scenery along the trail. The five exciting days are one-day adventures and you can camp, RV or stay in the comfort of a motel, great for the family.
Rated as 2˝ dry and 3 wet.   $529

Camp St. Elmo -
Summary:  We will be able to drive to the top of 14,000 ft. Mount Anterio, visit the historic Tin Cup, Pitkin, Alpine Tunnel and Cumberland Pass.  You can camp, RV or motel the three, one day adventures in the alpine setting.  The trip would not be complete without a stop at "Frenchy's Cafe" in Tin Cup.  
Rated as 2˝ dry and 3 wet.   $349

Baja California

4X4 Baja and Kayaking - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: This is a exciting adventure in the remarkable most awesome desert of the Baja Peninsula. You can bring your own kayak or rentals are available, if you do not want to kayak you can fish, sun bathe, beach comb relax on the beaches. This is 7 day trip! Rated as a 2 ˝ - 3. $749

4X4 Baja and Kayaking w/ Whales - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: This is an exciting adventure in the extraordinary section of the Baja Peninsula. You can bring your own kayak or rentals (*) are available. You do not want to kayak you can ride in the pangas to see the whales, fish, sun bathe, beach comb, relax on the beaches.

(*) Contact the office prior to the adventure

Sierra Baja Jamboree  -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  A taste of Mexico as it really is, in its own splendor and beauty, from the coast to the mountains and the towns in between.  You will travel some of the famous Baja 1,000 racecourse and stay at the famous "Mike's Sky Ranch".     
Rated as 2˝   $369

Baja Explorers Jamboree -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  This unique six day adventure covers the northern end of Baja from gulf water to the Pacific Ocean. The desert, mountains, and Baja water, more splendid than you have ever imagined.  Two nights in lodges and three of camping are included.    
Rated as 2˝   $749

San Felipe 4X4 Fiesta -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  A four-day desert adventure that explores exciting San Felipe and the Sierra de Juarez mountains with palm filled canyons and hot springs.  We will camp out each night under the stars. Rated as 2˝   $429

El Marmol & Whales -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  This inspiring six day adventure includes whale watching, rock art, old missions and exceptional beauty.  This is the prettiest part of all of Baja.  Three nights in lodges and two camping in remote areas, is required.    
Rated as 2˝   $829

Mission, El Marmol & Whales -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  This seven day exhilarating adventure is similar to the six day, with a special side trip to Santa Maria Mission ruins.  This part of Baja, with the landscape and plants, is especially beautiful.  Four nights of lodging and two camping out in the wide outdoors.     
Rated as a 3   $929

Missions of Baja Jamboree -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:   We will visit the sites if the early missions to breath taking missions.  The obscure Baja missions as well as the famous missions in this unique 4-wheeling adventure. From the Jesuits, Franciscans to the Dominican Missionaries in 12 days. This is a camping and hotel adventure for the whole family. Rated a 3 1/2   $1,399

Baja Breezes and Beaches -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  You will spend seven days cruising the Pacific coast of Baja in the cool summer breezes.  Wonderful remote beaches in the unique splendor of Baja give you relaxing fun in the sun.  This is a camping adventure with some hotels if you want at an additional charge.    
Rated as a 2˝   $699

Southern Fiesta Jamboree -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  We sprint to 10 days in the warm sun and beaches in the southern Baja tip.  We spend much of the time on the sunny beaches, shopping and having fun relaxing.  We visit such exciting places as San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia, Mulege, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and many more.  We move north stopping and camping at the remote beaches along the way, with hotels every few days.    
Rated as a 2˝   $1,499

Expedition Baja -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  An exceptional fourteen day adventure with lodges and camping.  You will see all of Baja's beauty, romance, history and solitude.  We cover our Baja N. & C. and Baja C. & S. adventures with even more spectacular towns, missions, beaches and bays.  An unforgettable adventure of a lifetime,  from the U.S. Border to Lands End, await you.
Rated as 3   $1,899

Treasures of Baja - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  A ten day fantastic step back into the history of the Baja Indians with 4-wheeling & mule riding adventure of a lifetime!  We will visit many Indian sites throughout Baja This adventure will spend 4 days in the San Francisco mountains accessed only by mules to see the #3 rated painted murals in the world. We will finish up with a stop at a last remaining Indian community. Rated as a 3   $1,399

Old Mexico

Bahia Kino 4X4 Challenge - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: This is a remote adventure into the Sonoran Desert of Northern Mexico. This is a challenging adventure and will test your driving skills - sailing across the desert sands. We will visit the Volcanos of Pinacate and follow the coastal Sea of Cortez into the heart of the desert. We will visit the Suri Indians who make the fantastic water tight woven baskets and Iron Wood carvings. This is an exciting 7 day camping adventure where we can add lodging available at an additional cost. This rated a 3 ˝. $699 per vehicle, (meals and lodging are extra).

The Canyons of Copper Canyon - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: This exceptional "NEW" 12 day adventure "The Canyons of Copper Canyon" is a exciting adventure which includes the Train ride through some of the Barranca's (Canyons). We relax as the train climbs from near sea level to over 8,000'. You will feel the excitement as we disappear into a tunnel, over a bridge and back into another tunnel this is only a sample of the many bridges and tunnels along the way to Creel. We will return back to our vehicles and visit some additional remote canyons with their small Tarahamuara Indian villages. After this trip you will become one of the many clients to return back again and again as the wonders of Mexico get into your heart. Rated as 3 to 3 ˝ this can change from year to year   $2,095 for 1 person and $2,399 for 2 people. Additional people per vehicle are at additional cost.

Mata Ortiz & Parqume - This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: This is a relatively easy adventure into the past, where time has stood still. The ruins of a time gone by are ours to savor as we go back a thousand years. We will explore the ruins at Parqume and the village from the past, with relics which have been excavated at this site. Travel to Mata Ortiz where the finest thin wall Mexican pottery is hand made. You will have a opportunity to get your hands into the clay for your own creation. We will travel to the “Valley of the Caves” and see a 12' tall Olla and other cave ruins. A fantastic Mainland Mexico adventure with all lodging and most meals included. A 5 day adventure Rated a 2. $749 for 1 or 2 people.

Copper Canyon / Tarahumara Trek -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary: A 14 day one-of-a kind super adventure. At 1,400 ft. deeper and 2˝ times the size of the Grand Canyon this is a World Class Adventure. The Sierra Madre mountains, the third highest waterfall in North America, and the Tarahumara Indians are only a small part of this super adventure. From the volcanoes to the valleys, we will see this area as few have seen it. We will camp out and use lodges along the way. This will be a very memorable experience of your lifetime.
Rated as 2 ˝ to 3 ˝ this can change from year to year   $2,199

Old Mexico and Baja California

Expedition de Mexico -  This adventure is ON HOLD until further notice.
Summary:  A complete 21-day expedition covering Copper Canyon on the mainland and all of Baja California, with the use of the ferry to cross the Gulf.  This is a combination of our two 14-day Mexico adventures.  The mountains, vistas, bays, beaches, cactus and tranquility of Mexico are unforgettable, as well as the people one you can not forget as well as the people and their culture.  You will be a true explorer at the end of this Adventure.  On this trip, there is a combination of camping and lodges.   Rated as 2 ˝   $3,299

For trail ratings see our "Trail Ratings" page. 
To see the dates of the scheduled adventures see our Calendar .

Please Note:

These are our most popular Adventures, but we do have others not listed.  For other locations not listed above in the States and Mexico, contact us for any of your needs.  See our Reservation Form to reserve your adventure.  Rental vehicles are available as is camping equipment for those who need outfitting.

Last updated April 23, 2008
Western Adventures   P.O. Box 2451,  Ramona, CA  92065
(760) 789-1563
E-Mail:  "Frenchie"
We will answer all e-mail as soon as we can.  We are some times gone out of the office on one of our adventures and it may take us some time to get back to you.  Rest assured we will answer your e-mail!