The Plan...

2,500 Backcountry
Miles in 10 Days

An epic rally down and back up the rugged Baja California peninsula offering participants an unbridled adventure over an unrivaled landscape. 

A path can take many forms—whether it’s a literal trail winding through an unknown landscape or a metaphorical journey of personal discovery. Sometimes a path is something that is discovered, its direction becoming clear with each step, while other times it remains undiscovered, shrouded in mystery, yet beckoning us forward. Even when a path is known in advance, its uncertainty holds a poetic allure, as we never truly know what will unfold along the way. For our film crew, we will document every facet of the path, capturing the physical landscapes and the mental landscapes, exploring both the tangible and intangible elements that shape the journey and those who walk it.


As our crew ventures into Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, we will meticulously document the rugged beauty and complexity of the terrain, from the stark desert landscapes to the lush oases that offer respite. The physical path, with its varying challenges—be it the desert heat, rocky mountain trails, or coastal cliffs—will be captured in all its raw, breathtaking detail. Alongside this, we will follow our fellow overlanders, documenting the trials and tribulations they face, their determination, frustration, and triumphs as they navigate the unpredictable landscapes. The juxtaposition of the land’s beauty and the human struggle will provide a visually stunning narrative of perseverance and discovery.


Equally important is the philosophical path we will explore—one that is deeply emotional and personal. Through candid interviews and interactions with fellow travelers, we will capture the emotional growth, self-reflection, and shared experiences that unfold on the journey. This inner path, the thoughts and feelings that evolve with each challenge faced, will be woven into the narrative, offering a window into the human experience. As the journey progresses, our crew will explore how the physical path intersects with the emotional one, allowing us to understand not only the terrain but the deeper, more profound journey each person is undertaking.


Our ultimate goal is to bring all of these paths together in a documentary adventure film, offering a holistic view of the journey that encompasses both the external and internal landscapes. The film we produce will provide the audience with an uncertain path as they start watching, just like us as we set out. As the story plays out the film will dive the audience into an immersive experience, allowing them to feel the uncertainty, beauty, struggles, and growth of each path we encountered. Through this cinematic journey, we will invite viewers to reflect on their own paths, to understand the shared human experience of exploration, and to discover the profound connections between the trails we all walk (whether they are paved, unexplored, mental, or emotional) and how those paths influence the connected lives we lead.

3D Render of a Topographic Map of Baja California. 
All source data is in the public domain.
Color texture: Made with Natural Earth.
http://www.naturalearthdata.com/downloads/10m-raster-data/10m-cross-blend-hypso/
Water texture: SRTM Water Body SWDB: https://dds.cr.usgs.gov/srtm/version2_1/SWBD/
Relief texture: SRTM data courtesy of NASA JPL (2020). URL of source image:
https://e4ftl01.cr.usgs.gov//DP133/SRTM/SRTMGL3.003/2000.02.11
The Path (sort of)...
Safety Third

Kidding… obviously safety first in all aspects of our planning, preparation, and completion of this journey and this film. With that said, our path and timing will only be referenced to on this site. For safety reasons we cannot reveal the trails, camps, cities, or timeline with precision ahead of our journey. But we can offer some hints at the highlights…

A few snapshots of approximate waypoints...

baja xl film documentary
baja xl film documentary

SPECIAL THANKS AND TREMENDOUS APPRECIATION....

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film

We could never think of taking on this journey and this film without the tremendous hard work of the BajaXL community, and a small handful of renegade souls who piece this together.

 

It is out of respect of those BajaXL community (unofficial) leaders that we respect their confidence and guard the details of our path.

 

We trust our supporters and future audience will understand. After all, we have to leave some excitement to the imagination.

 

 

baja xl documentary adventure film voodoo racing
sandy-dufrane-turck-bajaxl-film

EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY...

That uncertainty applies to our audience as well... after all, you won't know the path until we finish the film.
La Laguna Salada

Starting off near La Laguna Salada, the nearby area of the U.S.-Mexico border, is surrounded by stark, desert terrain that contrasts with the shimmering salt flats of the lagoon itself. The nearby towns, such as San Felipe and Mexicali, are nestled in arid, semi-desert regions, offering a blend of traditional Mexican culture and modern development. The landscape around the lagoon is marked by rugged mountains, dry riverbeds, and wide expanses of salt flats, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Bahia de Los Angeles

Bahía de Los Ángeles is a tranquil paradise nestled between rugged mountains and the sparkling Sea of Cortez, where the golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. The bay’s serene beauty is enhanced by its vibrant marine life, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Hotel California

The myth behind the Hotel California is that it inspired the famous song of the same name. Locals claim the hotel’s eerie, mysterious ambiance, with its haunting charm, is reflected in the song’s lyrics about a traveler trapped in a luxurious yet sinister place. Our crew will capture this enduring legend and the hotel’s allure and mystique.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Bahia Concepcion

Bahía Concepción, located in Baja California Sur, is surrounded by small, picturesque towns like Mulegé, known for its charming adobe buildings and lush date palm groves. The terrain around the bay features dramatic rocky hills, desert landscapes, and tranquil beaches with warm, turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and swimming. What makes this area unique is its stunning combination of desert and sea, offering a serene escape with abundant wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Sierra La Laguna

The Sierra La Laguna is a rugged mountain range located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, known for its unique biodiversity and striking landscapes. It is part of a biosphere reserve, featuring diverse ecosystems ranging from arid desert to lush forests, with pine and oak trees at higher elevations. The range is also home to rare species of plants and animals, making it a vital ecological area and a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Mulege Municipality Area

Stopping in a remote town in Baja California Sur, located along the Pacific coast, known for its unique landscapes of the region. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, particularly during the winter months when gray whales migrate to the nearby lagoon, making it a popular spot for whale watching. The terrain is a mix of arid desert, salt flats, and dramatic coastal beauty, creating a striking contrast with the vibrant marine ecosystem. All waiting to be captured by our cameras, and described by our fellow travelers as they experience the unique nature of this particular terrian. 

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
San Lucas River

Crossing the San Lucas River in Mexico’s backcountry is an exhilarating and raw experience, where the river’s clear, cool waters flow through rugged, rocky terrain. The surrounding landscape is a stunning blend of desert hills, towering cliffs, and vibrant green vegetation that flourishes along the riverbanks, offering a stark contrast to the dry wilderness. As you ford the river, the beauty of the untamed natural world unfolds, with the sound of rushing water and the distant call of wildlife adding to the sense of adventure in this remote, untouched corner of the land.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
Valle de Los Gigantes

This breathtaking desert landscape filled with towering, ancient cacti that seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky, creates a surreal and awe-inspiring setting. Filming here offers a unique opportunity to capture the dramatic scale of these colossal plants against the backdrop of vibrant sunsets and rugged mountains, making for stunning visuals. The vastness of the valley and its eerie beauty will evoke a deep sense of wonder and humility in fellow travelers, as they experience the rare and profound connection between nature’s immense power and their own place within it.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film
The Baja XL Secret Oasis

The BajaXL Secret Oasis stands in stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert terrain, offering a lush, green sanctuary with freshwater springs and abundant vegetation. As the oasis sits nestled between rugged hills, the transition from dry, barren landscapes to this vibrant oasis creates a dramatic visual shift, perfect for capturing the essence of nature’s resilience. Filming this journey provides a unique opportunity to showcase the dynamic contrast between ecosystems, from the desert’s harsh beauty to the tranquil, life-sustaining haven of the oasis.

BAJA-XL-2020-patch-film

BECOME A PART OF THE FILM

Looking for like-minded ridiculous individuals, businesses, and bands that want to support this production. We refuse official sponsors. We make no promises. We offer no guarantees. The film will remain true to the journey without corporate control. The film will remain unscripted. The outcome will remain unknown until the journey concludes (whether that means crossing the final mile, or some other unknown outcome). If this speaks to you, your brand, your style… contact us for more information. 

what is needed?

First, we are not looking for sponsors that will hold us accountable to fake product placement. Hard pass.

Second, we are not looking for free gear or swag that we have to demo / review.
If you want to grant permission for us to show your products or gear without us having to
blur trademarks or logos… we’re listening.

 

If you want to donate gear and are ok with us using it, not using, showing
the truth of it working or breaking… we’re listening.

 

IF YOU ARE A BAND THAT WANTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOUNDTRACK, WELL HELL YES…
OPEN CALL TO ALL ARTISTS. REACH OUT TO US.
ALL GENRES WELCOME.