BajaNomad

El Compadre Road Tecate to Ojos Negros

Baja Juan - 6-21-2026 at 10:12 AM

Headed down to Baja in September and route planning. What is the road like between Tecate and Ojos Negros and what speed can I expect to average? Never been on this road, usually go through Ensenada with a quick stop at Hussongs (somewhat quick) then out 3. Always looking for a new adventure. Traveling in off road capable vehicles. Thanks in advance.

surfhat - 6-21-2026 at 12:07 PM

After fifty plus years of driving down Baja to Baja Sur and back, I

have yet to wean myself from experiencing the majesty of the Valle de Cirios every time I get the chance.

Stopping to breathe in that pure desert Catavina air will reinvigorate

your road time, every time.



SFandH - 6-21-2026 at 12:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja Juan  
Headed down to Baja in September and route planning. What is the road like between Tecate and Ojos Negros and what speed can I expect to average? Never been on this road, usually go through Ensenada with a quick stop at Hussongs (somewhat quick) then out 3. Always looking for a new adventure. Traveling in off road capable vehicles. Thanks in advance.


I'd be worried about cartel bad guys on rural roads. Do some research. The Sinaloa and CJNG cartels are both active in northern Baja.

Welcome to the forum!

AKgringo - 6-21-2026 at 12:45 PM

If you are talking about Hwy 3 south from Tecate, then east through Ojos Negros, it is a good run. In September there may be roadside vendors selling fresh cured olives along the route.

If you are talking about the dirt road that heads south somewhere near El Hongo, I am also very curious about the condition. I notice that it is part of the Baja divide bicycle route, so is probably drivable for support vehicles.

I am considering checking it out myself about the same time you are planning your trip, so if I get there first, I will report my findings here.

Baja Juan - 6-21-2026 at 01:19 PM

Thanks all for the input and welcome to the forum. I first went down in 1974 in a backyard volks powered buggy, one year after highway 1 opened. The route I am talking about in my post would cross the border in Tecate, and then the road heads South East for a while, and then south to highway 3 just east of Ojos Negro. Appears mostly dirt for approximately 70 miles. I have attached a pdf which shows the route from Tecate to Mike's. My biggest reservation is having to miss out on the margaritas as Hussongs!

Baja Juan - 6-21-2026 at 01:29 PM

Doesn't appear the attachment came with the post.....