Jump off here in El Rosario! This has been a travelers' stopping point as far back as when the first Model T ventured through the desert headed south. El Rosario had the first gas pump installed to accommodate the horseless carriage and today it is the best place to fill up before the longer haul through the desert to Guerrero Negro. Heading south out of El Rosario is a expansive valley with a long sweeping bridge crossing a dry river bed. This area is also known as the gateway to the Valle de los Cirios, a protected area with the fanciful Boojum, a cactus like tree. From here the road opens out into dramatic boulder fields and striking desert terrain.

A night at Baja Cactus is a nice way to break up a long drive down the peninsula. Antonio Muñoz, the owner, began the upgrade and changing the name to Baja Cactus in 2003. One of the first families in El Rosario they go back to the 1902 era. With lots of hard work they established the first Pemex station making it a fill up that can be counted on. With the important modern upgrades guests have TV with satellite channels, phones and internet access, air conditioning and ceiling fans. Antonio went the extra mile and included orthopedic deluxe king size beds. The Colonial rooms are larger with more open space, beautifully decorated. The pet friendly rooms are on the first floor for easy morning walks. All rooms are smoke free. The commercial rooms are basic and economically priced. There are security cameras and 24 hour front desk services as well as a security staff. Their website is still under construction. Many hotels along this route do not take credit cards, a nice convenience is you can use your credit cards or traveler's checks at both the service station and hotel. Antonio has done a good job covering all the differing needs and desires for the traveler.

If you are not in a hurry, just south of town is the museum with artifacts, ancient bones and huge petrified sharks teeth from the sea. Down the street, Mama Espinoza's has a restaurant and a nice gift shop with clothing and crafts made from cactus, shell and alabaster. Or you can take a drive on a dirt road from mid town that ends at the fishing village Punta Baja. It is very remote with tide pools and small protected coves. Miles of sandy beaches belong to you.

Baja Cactus has high ratings on Trip Advisor. Traveling during the high season, the week days tend to be more laid back and quiet. Weekends and holidays tend to fill up the hotels with families and folks having a good time. Fill up your tank in El Rosario before heading south into the central desert. The next possible gas stop, is in Cataviña, where gas is for sale from the tailgate of a local entrepreneur's truck.