BajaNomad - Fastest way to Loreto/La Paz from San Diego

Fastest way to Loreto/La Paz from San Diego

chaswalter - 12-19-2006 at 09:35 PM

Greetings Nomads...

I was going down to La Paz with the girlfriend from San Diego. I was thinking of crossing at TJ and driving on down that way. A friend recommended driving out to Mexicali and crossing there and blitzing down that way, she felt it would be far shorter drive that way. That seemed kinda out of the way to head back east from San Diego. But I think it might be a quicker way to Loreto/La Paz.

We only have a week together and wanted to go as far south as possible though we will have turn right back around and head home..

Any thoughts greatly apprecaited!!!

Chas Walter

Diver - 12-19-2006 at 10:03 PM

The fastest and only direct way from san Diego to Loreto is through Tijuana then south on Highway 1.

If your friend thinks there is a faster way via Mexicali then he is smoking something too strong for his brain ! Tell him to call Dennis, he is looking for some ! :lol:

You can make Mulege in one long day. Check out the beaches south of town. From there to La Paz can be dome in a day. fairly easily.
.

bajaguy - 12-19-2006 at 10:14 PM

Spend the week in Ensenada or the Old Mill and save the driving. I'm sure that you both will find something constructive to do with the time you save :lol:

[Edited on 12-20-2006 by bajaguy]

bajarich - 12-19-2006 at 10:16 PM

Driving in the dark is not recommended due to animals on the roads. The road is narrow with no shoulder and very slow and curvy in places. Do be careful as it is not a freeway by any means. There are also speed traps. Have fun, but be safe. It's not a place where you want to wreck.

chaswalter - 12-19-2006 at 10:59 PM

Thank you all so much, mighty nomads. I concur with all the advice! Crazy thing is my friend isn't using the chronic I am! Sometimes I will listen to anyone! Mulege/Loreto/La Paz here we come! It will be great, I am truly excited.

If you folks would like to peruse some of my recent travels, take a look at a couple of pics on my photo sites..
www.cfactor.smugmug.com
www.flickr.com "soundpony"

I have found great new strength in this forum for my forthcoming Baja adventures. Thank you to all who contribute!

Chas Walter

D,

DavidT - 12-19-2006 at 11:39 PM

Speaking for myself, I have found that a two day drive south becomes a three day drive going north. Bahia de Los Angeles used to be one day down, one day back. Now the drive back includes an overnight at the Old Mill. It'll cost you about $30 for a couple of ice cold Pacificos, but you get a room with 'em.
If you are not familiar with Mexico 1 add a day or two for drive time. Even if you are the unexpected can happen. Last trip to Mulege we got stuck behind a camel and an elephant.

toneart - 12-19-2006 at 11:44 PM

Please get a map of Baja before you start your trip.
Enjoy!

capt. mike - 12-20-2006 at 05:55 AM

you should fly and rent a car. :lol:

losfrailes - 12-20-2006 at 07:15 AM

Here is some sage advice for driving Mex 1 at this time of year.

Do not drive at night, the animals love the warmth of the highway and some of them are a black as the night itself. So, if you cross the border around 7 a.m. (light enough), drive all the way to Guerrero Negro (about 450 miles) and you can get there just before dark.

Stay at the motel called Posada de Don Vicente, 225 pesos for a comfortable clean room with TV. Dinner at the Malarillimo Restaurant, (be sure and have their Sopa de Mariscos.

Then about 8 am, head south to La Paz. It will be just about dark when you pull in there.

The road down is in great condition, there are several curvaceous places that need to be given special attention but other than that, you can enjoy your drive both down and back.

Have fun!

chaswalter - 12-20-2006 at 11:36 AM

Folks... thanks again for the ideas and good advice. We are staying at campgrounds in my killer Sprinter van/RV! Getting to Guero Negro sounds doable...no big deal anyways, will stop by dark wherever!!
Ciao and adios!!
Chas

chaswalter - 12-20-2006 at 11:37 AM

Who is Dennis?Like to meet him!

CW

Sprinter RV !

djh - 12-20-2006 at 12:37 PM

You bought one of these ! ! ?

Can you attach a photo for us?

I've only seen a couple. They seem quite ingenious, efficient, and a do-able compromise of size, economy, utility, and driveability.

djh

vandenberg - 12-20-2006 at 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
you should fly and rent a car. :lol:

They're going to " FLY "a car. :lol:

bajarich - 12-20-2006 at 05:44 PM

My last trip back north, I saw 6 dead horses that a semi must have plowed into in the dark. It was on the straight road by those ranches around Viscaino. Driving at night is not a good idea!

backninedan - 12-20-2006 at 06:09 PM

I have a friend that drives semi in the states and he relayed his experience hitting a cow. It destroyed all the front end body work (fiberglass) ruined the suspension and in general screwed up his whole day. He said he was only doing 50 mph at the time.

Lee - 12-20-2006 at 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by backninedan
I have a friend that drives semi in the states and he relayed his experience hitting a cow. It destroyed all the front end body work (fiberglass) ruined the suspension and in general screwed up his whole day. He said he was only doing 50 mph at the time.

Hit a cow with a semi?

In the States? Baja?

Where did he hit the cow? Head on? Sideways? In the Butt? How fast was the cow going?

:cool:

Phil S - 12-20-2006 at 08:52 PM

Last I heard was the Sprinter R.V. fully equipped was running about $68-85K Great mileage I'm told by one owner I met in Loreto. Said gets about 23mpg average, driving 65-70. That's good enough for me. My vintage GMC averages 11 mpg driving 60mph. And it is 26 feet, with a 403 Olds Toronado front wheel drive engine & running gear.

Al G - 12-20-2006 at 09:06 PM

"""Where did he hit the cow? Head on? Sideways? In the Butt? How fast was the cow going"""
:lol:

backninedan - 12-21-2006 at 12:57 PM

He hit the cow broadside at about 45 mph, this was on an Oregon back road. I assume the speed of the cow increased substantially.