BajaNomad

Mexicali to San Felipe PAST Puercitos to Hwy 1 and BEYOND

oakydokey - 12-15-2006 at 03:59 PM

This was a trip to remember and my first time down into Baja. We traveled with 4 campers. One of our group had made several trips to Mulege and had some good basic info. The reason I am writing this note is because of the lack of info going past Puercitos on the dirt section of Hwy 5.
We had a various assortment of pop-up campers on 2WD and 4WD Tundras and a full size camper on a big Dodge 3/4 ton 4WD.
We traveled from San Felipe to Puercitos on a great paved road. We stopped at the hot springs and headed south. Yes the road was un-graded dirt. We could see that it was kept up because wash outs and big holes were fixed. Was passable and just touchy in 2 places. Yes- a 5 to 10 mph road with our campers. We pulled off the road for a night. We didn't know it but we were only about one hour from Gonzaga Bay. There is a beautiful mini mkt with all services and yes GAS and disiel. Our friends did have to buy disiel at the mini mart out of their big tanks but the Pemix usually carries it for a cheaper price. The bay was beautiful. We got out the kayaks for a great paddle.
After a layover we headed out to Coco's Corner and out to Hwy 1. Oh ya- stop at Coco's. The prop. is a character and an international icon.
From Hwy 1 we passed through Mulege and stayed at 3 places on the Bay of Conception. At our palapas for $8 a night on the BAY the tamale man came by with fresh hot tamales every morning. He even knocked on our door one morning when we were slow to rise!hehehe Also the bakery, produce, fresh water, shrimp, etc. vendors came by. We only went into Mulege to spend a night and do laundry and got propane and drinking water. (the devestation in Mulege is real but another story).
Let me know if you want detailed info on camp spots, road conditions, etc. I'll be glad to help. It was truely a trip to remember.

Cypress - 12-15-2006 at 04:09 PM

Thanks for the report oakydokey.:bounce::tumble:

TacoFeliz - 12-15-2006 at 04:13 PM

oakydokey -- clearly, you're hooked for good. Thanks for the report.:tumble:

DianaT - 12-15-2006 at 05:39 PM

Curious what type of pop-up camper you have on the Tundras. We have driven that road several times in the past, but we now have a Pop-up camper----small Outfitter on our Tundra.

Thanks----tis a beautiful area

Diane

So glad they paved the road just south of San Felipe---last time we drove it, it had been paved at one time, but was worse than the dirt part.

[Edited on 12-16-2006 by jdtrotter]

David K - 12-15-2006 at 05:42 PM

Welcome to Baja on the Internet... Just a few months ago you would have found 15 miles of bad pot holes north of PUERTECITOS as it was just newly paved.

Here on Nomad you will read lots of trip reports describing the GRADED road between Puertecitos and Gonzaga Bay and on to Hwy. 1, at Laguna Chapala... The graded road is actually a great improvement to those without 4WD, which was required south of Puertecitos before 1986 when the current road was constructed, but never paved (thank God).

Naturally, that pavement is coming someday!

Coco is a great character along the road... See my photos of him taken after the Baja 1000 last month here on Nomad...

Welcome to Baja Nomad... !!

Crusoe - 12-15-2006 at 07:34 PM

As they all say Oaky--- "OakyDokey Artichokey" Sounds like you had a great trip. Its one of the great classics. The Conception Bay vendors are some of the best in all of Mexico! Its so great to be able to support their efforts!:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

oakydokey - 12-16-2006 at 10:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Curious what type of pop-up camper you have on the Tundras. We have driven that road several times in the past, but we now have a Pop-up camper----small Outfitter on our Tundra.

Thanks----tis a beautiful area

Diane

So glad they paved the road just south of San Felipe---last time we drove it, it had been paved at one time, but was worse than the dirt part.

[Edited on 12-16-2006 by jdtrotter]

oakydokey - 12-16-2006 at 10:30 AM

Hi Diane from Richard aka oakydokey

I have a Tundra with a full size bed. It's 2WD so is really a 1/2 ton truck. I have an 8 foot Northstar. I had 2 sets of overload springs bought from Napa auto parts put on and was pleased with the handling. One of our group has a 4WD Tundra with a 6 foot camper. We both came through the road with flying colors. You are wise to have a pop-up 'cause our other friend has a big Dodge with a big 10 foot camper and had to reposition it several times when it shifted due to the bumpy road. He also had damage to the camper at the tie downs.
The country is beautiful- going through mountains and some beachside. One story. We were on the road just 3 days before the Baja 1000 and had to share the road with the big buggies and bikes. When we pulled off to spend the night we heard those mega vehicles flying and roaring down the road ALL NIGHT! practicing I guess...
If you get back --Gonzagas Bay is worth the whole trip !!!