BajaNomad

Best route through Mexicali to Hwy 2?

BajaTrooper - 3-21-2007 at 04:20 PM

I have found very little info on geting through Mexicali west to highway 2 (except that it is confusing). I'm wondering if anyone has driven it recently and if they recall the route. Also if anyone knows a good map avliable on-line that would be great. Thanks for any help you Nomads might have.

David K - 3-21-2007 at 04:31 PM

From where to where?



[Edited on 3-21-2007 by David K]

Mexicali toll road-r.JPG - 41kB

BajaTrooper - 3-21-2007 at 05:12 PM

David, I'm crossing at Mexicali and heading west to Laguna Salada. I was told that driving through Mexicali can be confusing. I can see the route on Google Earth, but I'm hoping to get ditances and turns. Thanks.

David K - 3-21-2007 at 05:18 PM

Okay... when you cross the border, watch for signs! The route to Tijuana is pointed out in many places as you drive south towards San Felipe from the border.

BajaTrooper - 3-21-2007 at 05:20 PM

I'm glad that it is as easy as that, again thank yo:biggrin:u!

David K - 3-21-2007 at 05:29 PM

I hope it is that easy... I have never traveled from the Mexicali border to the west... only from 5 miles south where Hwy. 5 crosses Hwy. 2.

At the very worst, if you don't see any signs before, just go that way!

BajaTrooper - 3-21-2007 at 05:38 PM

I'll do my best to document the drive and post what I came up with. Upon closer inspection of Google Earth I have a rough idea, I'm sure that it can't be that dificult.

Mango - 3-22-2007 at 11:15 AM

It's not too hard; but, can be a little confusing the first time or two. Here is the Verbose description... lol

If you are crossing at the Centro Mexicali crossing; going west on Mex 2 here is how to do it.

Immediately, after you pass the border gate crossing into Mexico jog(not turn) to the left and then to the right onto Lopez Mateos which is one of the biggest streets in town. (Pretty much just follow 85% of the cars) Often you will be stopped at a traffic light as soon as you get onto Lopez Mateos.

Fight your way into the middle right lane as you head S/SE on Lopez Mateos. The right lane is often blocked or slowed by busses, and the left lane has people making illeagal left turns or street vendors that slow traffic as well.

You will know you are on Lopez Mateos if you see railroad tracks on your left running down the medium.

Follow Lopez Mateos for a few miles. You will pass a big mall on your left. Shortly after passing the mall on your left(1/2 mile or a mile) you pass a few large hotels and then will see a big store called "Sorrianas" on your right with a big red/orangish "S" like sign. You are on the right track. (On google earth Sorrianas is just East of the round "O" shapped bull ring in what was then a vancant lot. Also it is just West across Lopez Mateos from the rail yard)

Head S/SE over the an medium sized overpass/bridge that crosses over Independencia. (Try not to confuse this with the larger overpass you will turn at later) Continue SE on Lopez Mateos as it turns a little more twords the east.

After about one more mile keep a lookout for the second large overpass. This is where you turn West onto Lazaro Card##as(Mex 2). (Enable your "Geographic Web" layer on google earth and look for "Distribuidor Vial") This is where you turn. Don't go onto or up the overpass, just exit to the right and turn right onto Mex 2. (On google earth this turn/yield looks almost like a hairpin turn to the right.)

Exit to the right on this photo.

Distribuidor Vial

After turning West onto Lazaro Card##as head west for a few miles. Watch your speed in this area as I see people pulled over here for speeding almost every time I turn onto Lazaro Card##as.

After some time you will get to a Glorieta (Traffic Circle) that is not well signed. I made the mistake of going straight though to the West.. instead enter the glorieta and go about 3/4 of the way around so that you will exit on the S/SW side. Presto! You are now on Mex 2 heading west.

I will go drive this today and try to get some actual milages for you. If you miss the last turn at the glorieta it will soon become aparent as traffic volume diminishes considerably in a block or two and you start seeing stop signs. Just make an easy U turn and backtrack to the glorieta, re-enter it and exit on the S/SW side.

Good luck and have a great trip.

Mango - 3-22-2007 at 12:50 PM

Ok, just went and did the drive so I have some milages to post.

I tried to get as close to the border crossing as I could when I started; but, was a few hundred yards away when I started... so there is a little error or +/- .01 mile or so.

From Border to overcrossing of Independencia (by Soriana) [2.5 miles] (Soriana is a good place to stop to get beer/food, folding chairs, etc.) There is an old looking sign pointing TJ to the right here.. ignore it and keep going S/SE on Lopez Mateos.

From Border to Distrubitor Vial/Turn onto Lazaro Card##as [3.6 miles]

From Border to Traffic circle with the 3/4(left) turn onto Mex 2 [6.7 miles]

I think the road marked "New Road" on David K's map intersects my route at about mile 7.9 .

The trafic circle I mention is just above the L & I of "Mexicali" on David K's map. It has a statue in the middle of it as well. Be in the left 2 lanes when you enter this glorieta.

There are other ways through town, some shorter as the crow flies; but, I believe this is one of the better routes. It sticks to main thoughfares, avoids some traffic snarls found on other routes, and uses easy to spot landmarks vs hard to spot (or non-existent street signs).

David K - 3-22-2007 at 05:07 PM

Lopez Mateo is the main route towards San Felipe, with the railroad tracks in the center for the first few miles, yes.

I was thinking he wanted to head toward Hwy. 2 sooner, and the map shows a way, via Santa Isabel that seems to turn right just after entering Mexico.

If that way isn't marked then I agree to continue towards San Felipe and look for the signs pointing out the way to Tijuana.

The 'new road' I drew onto the map is the new toll route around the city. It connects with Hwy. 2 at the Pemex depot, beyond the new power plant, just before you drop down to Laguna Salada valley.

BajaTrooper - 3-22-2007 at 05:22 PM

Thanks Mango, It does sound a tricky as I was told, with those directions I think I'll find my way through. If not, I'm sure that it will be an adventure to remember. Thanks so much for thinking of writing the mileage down, unfortunately with my new tires my odometer is ascew. Tom.

Bajatroper

BAJACAT - 3-22-2007 at 08:53 PM

If I may ask where are you going?..(welcome to Bajanomad).

BajaTrooper - 3-23-2007 at 05:27 AM

Staying at Guadalupe Canyon for 3 days, then south to BLA to kayak and camp. We are very excited to have a whole two weeks to explore the areas between the two. You all have been very helpful in my planning of our trip and I will give a full report when we return.

Mango - 3-23-2007 at 10:37 AM

Have a great time in BLA.

Either way you get through Mexicali it will be an adventure. We seem to have our fair share of street vendors at major intersections selling everything from newspapers to fruit.

As Davik K suggested; there is another route or two, and like he said.. if you get lost, just go West(and south).

found a map of sorts online.. that shows some of the major streets in town.


http://www.meyercrest.com/pic-cmn-calexico-mexicali-map.gif

It is possible to hang a right after the border and work your way south down a newer street/highway that is pretty new.(Still under construction south of Lazaro Card##as) The street/expressway is called Paseo De Los Grandes Lagos. (You can see it on google earth - It is a divided road that runs north/south just west and almost parallel to Lopez Mateos.)

After heading south for a about 2 miles or so be ready to hang a right after you see the lake on your right. Follow the signs to TJ. Again, look out for the trafic circle with the statue in the middle of it on the West side of town where you will turn off Lazaro Card##as onto Highway 2. (I can't find a sign pointing to TJ at this circle) You will essentially make a left turn onto highway 2; but will need to go 3/4 of the way around the circle to do so. (Just look for the solitary statue.)

This is the quickest way way though town and in hindsight the way I should have recomended the first time. I just never use that road and forgot about it. I know there are some stores on Lazaro Card##as if you need supllies. I like Calimax stores if you need a groceries only, it should be on your left as you head out of town twords the traffic circle. Once you turn onto Mex 2 at the circle there will be few if any places to stop for supplies, etc.

Have a great trip.

BAJACAT - 3-24-2007 at 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaTrooper
Staying at Guadalupe Canyon for 3 days, then south to BLA to kayak and camp. We are very excited to have a whole two weeks to explore the areas between the two. You all have been very helpful in my planning of our trip and I will give a full report when we return.
You are starting in a good place,Guadalupe Canyon is one of my fav.places in Baja Norte,While in BOLA(Bahia de Los Angeles). try kayaking in Playa la Gringa it's a beatifull beach,Have fun,be safe,and post lots of pictures....




GUADALUPE COLD WATER(54 DEGRESS) POOLS

Guagalupe pool.JPG - 49kB

BajaTrooper - 3-24-2007 at 10:02 PM

Thanks Cat! We are very excited to get out of here and unplug in Baja. 10 days and counting! I will be sure to get lots of pictures and to let you all enjoy our trip through osmosis. :saint:

Bajafun777 - 3-25-2007 at 09:42 AM

BajaTrooper if you follow Mango's directions in his last post to you he is right it will probably be faster and easier. Mango it appears you live in Imperial Valley as I do since it seems you made that trek into Mexicali so quick for BajaTrooper. Maybe one of these times when I run down with some of my buddies to eat at Luna Azul (where the shirmp c-cktails are great as well as the mixed c-cktails with fish and shell fish) I will U2U to see if you want to go. I think you probably know of this place as most people in the Valley that love shirmp c-cktails like to head to this place. However, if they are wanting to spend more $$$ they head to Los Arcos by the Civic Center Area. Take care and BajaTrooper you have good directions to follow from Mango. Have a great trip!!