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Drives Baja California, Mexico Central Baja: Guerrero Negro, Mulegé and Loreto

Highway 12: Bahía de los Ángeles

MEX 12 · Mexico 1 junction → Bahía de los Ángeles

Leisurely40 mi55 min1,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,500 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 12 leaves Mexico 1 at the Punta Prieta junction and runs east across the desert to Bahía de los Ángeles on the Sea of Cortez. The drive is 63.9 km (40 mi), about 55 minutes, and the road is mostly gentle with a low climb and a high point near 1,500 feet.

The bay at the end has an archipelago of 16 islands, with Isla Ángel de la Guarda on the eastern horizon. Whale sharks visit in summer. The town is small, with a main street of restaurants, hotels and shops.

The road sees few visitors. Most traffic is trucks hauling supplies to the boats and fishermen.

Along the way

  1. Mexico 1 junction (Highway 12)
  2. Bahía de los Ángeles
Elevation
1,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,500 ft
Mexico 1 junctionBahía de los Ángeles
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Mexico 1 junctionBahía de los Ángeles
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Fuel is sold at Pemex stations at the town's entrance, so fill up before you turn off Mexico 1.
  • Bridges along the way have been under repair, with detours, and the town has bad potholes.
  • Summer is very hot at the bay, with strong, dry westerly winds at times.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check SICT (Mexico's federal roads agency).

Questions about this drive

How long is Highway 12 to Bahía de los Ángeles?

Highway 12 from the Mexico 1 junction to Bahía de los Ángeles is 63.9 km (40 mi) and takes about 55 minutes.

Is the road to Bahía de los Ángeles paved?

Yes. Highway 12 is a paved two-lane road, though bridge work and potholes near town can slow you down.

Where is the nearest gas to Bahía de los Ángeles?

There are two Pemex stations at the town's entrance, but remote Baja fuel supply can be unreliable, so fill up on Mexico 1 before turning onto Highway 12.

When can you see whale sharks at Bahía de los Ángeles?

Whale sharks, about 20 to 30 of them, visit the bay in summer.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

All 7 drives in Baja California, Mexico ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 12: Bahía de los Ángeles, from Mexico 1 junction to Bahía de los Ángeles