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Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)
By Richard | July 17, 2008
Once in a while an ATV paradise exists right under your nose, but it’s so far off the beaten path that it is virtually unknown. There is such a place just south of Arizona, in Mexico. Its official name is Puerto Penasco, or as people North of the border call it, Rocky Point.
One of the main reasons it is so little known is that, unless you have a private jet, the only way you can access Rocky Point is via automobile through the border entrance in tiny Lukeville, Arizona. Once in Mexico, a short drive through the town of Sonoita, Sonora, will lead you to a four lane highway that, sixty miles later, leads directly into Rocky Point.
Why is Rocky Point a place that attracts people who want to ride their quads? The sand dunes northwest of town near Cholla Bay are some of the most challenging on the North American continent.
Keep in mind that riding any vehicle on the beach is no longer legal in and around Rocky Point (incl Sandy Beach and Las Conchas). If you do and are caught by the police, you will get fined and there have even been reports of ATV confiscations.
There is, however, plenty of quad riding behind the beaches at Las Conchas, Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay, Playa Encanto, etc.
One of the most popular places to ride is known as Competition Hill. It is located next to Cholla Bay. Basically it is a 30° sloped, 300 foot long sandy hill. All types of vehicles can be seen going up this challenging hill at all times of the day and night.
More About Rocky Point
It seems that most tourists that visit Rocky Point are from Arizona or southern California, not surprising since driving is the only affordable way to get there. The town is nestled on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, and attracts thousands every year to its beautiful beaches.
The development boom hit the town beginning in the early to mid-90s. Before then, there were a few hotels, mostly in the urban center of town. At that point Rocky Point mainly attracted people with RVs who would pull them into town and park and camp right on the beach. Some adventurous types would do the same thing without an RV - they would simply fall asleep in the back seats of their cars - a nice weekend on the beach was worth the hassle of the sleeping arrangements.
Nowadays there are many resort hotels along the beaches offering just about any amenity you could think of. Although that means there is less beach space to camp on, a few RVers are still able find spots right on the water like before.
Even if sand dunes aren’t your thing, the section of town called Cholla Bay is a sight to be seen. Settled by expatriate Americans, Cholla Bay features homes and cottages, small grocery stores, and restaurants and bars. There is even an outdoor cantina along the Cholla lagoon that seems like something out of a Hemingway novel.
Swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and even whale watching are all at your disposal in Rocky Point.
If you live in the Southwest U.S. or southern California you should add Puerto Penasco to your list of ATV vacation spots for a truly unique experience.
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