BajaNomad

WHICH BORDER CROSSING, AND BYPASSING ENSENADA?

amir - 6-19-2007 at 11:56 PM

Dear Nomad Friends, we need your advise:

In about a month I, Amir, am flying north from Los Cabos to Los Angeles to meet my wife, Gnome-Ad, and then we are driving down to Todos Santos. In the past we have crossed the border at Tijuana, Otay, or Tecate, and always have somehow ended up lost in Ensenada.

We want to make it to El Rosario for the first night and Mulege or Loreto for the second night. The 2 questions are:

1. Which border crossing is recommended to make the fastest time through the norte border region?

2. What are the detailed directions to bypass the Ensenada area so we don't end up downtown?

Any advise, instructions, and directions, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

--Amir & Gnome-Ad

David K - 6-20-2007 at 05:52 AM

Otay crossing, follow signs for Tecate Cuota, Mex. 2-D and then use Blvd. 2000 (BC 201, to Popotla, Rosarito) to Hwy. 1, then in about 6 miles you can get on Hwy. 1-D (Toll or Scenic Road). Longer than San Ysidro, but much quicker and only one toll to Ensenada instead of all three.

Or cross at San Ysidro and use the 'Scenic Road' (Mex. 1-D), following signs for Playas, Rosarito, Ensenada, Scenic Road. Basically stay right after crossing border, and take the well signed right turn off the overhead bridge you will be on. SEE THIS LINK: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php

At the north edge of Ensenada use the coastal route (signed for San Quintin, Tourist route)... it is shown on Hose A's map. If you miss the left turn that takes you to the Gigante market plaza (where you turn right), go to the end of the coastal blvd. and turn left, through one signal intersection to Hwy. 1 and turn right (Pemex on corner).

[Edited on 6-20-2007 by David K]

Border Crossing

bajaguy - 6-20-2007 at 07:00 AM

I would suggest Otay, then take Blvd 2000 south to Popotla, then jump on the toll road to Ensenada.

osoflojo - 6-20-2007 at 07:26 AM

The second part of the trick seems to be Ensenada, follow David K's advice for the easiest transit that I have found. I have gone both ways (on the map) and the one David mentions is definatly easier for me.

woody with a view - 6-20-2007 at 07:36 AM

obviously, stay along the water through ensenada. you will be on the street closest to the water UNTIL (on the map at the second 90 degree left turn there is a Pemex) you make that hard left. then turn right 3-4 blocks at the BUSY intersection (Gigante?). it's pretty easy.

one night (3.30 am) it was so foggy we were driving by the stipe down the middle of the road and missed the left turn at the Pemex. we continued straight thru the not very gringo friendly looking neighborhood until the road made us turn left and ultimately t-boned into hiway 1. :light:

[Edited on 6-20-2007 by woody in ob]

bajaguy - 6-20-2007 at 07:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
obviously, stay along the water through ensenada. you will be on the street closest to the water UNTIL (on the map at the 90 degree left turn there is a Pemex) you make that hard left. then turn right 3-4 blocks at the BUSY intersection (Gigante?). it's pretty easy.

one night (3.30 am) it was so foggy we were driving by the stipe down the middle of the road and missed the left turn at the Pemex. we continued straight thru the not very gringo friendly lookinh neighborhood until the road made us turn left and ultimately t-boned into hiway 1. :light:





The street name is "Agusto Sangines" and it is a signal controlled intersection. The entrance to the Navy base is on your right and the PEMEX is on your left......if you contnue straight (the neighborhood is safe), the road eventually ends and you make a left and follow to Highway 1....simple!!!

What is the issue for you?

Lee - 6-20-2007 at 08:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by amir
Dear Nomad Friends, we need your advise:

In about a month I, Amir, am flying north from Los Cabos to Los Angeles to meet my wife, Gnome-Ad, and then we are driving down to Todos Santos. In the past we have crossed the border at Tijuana, Otay, or Tecate, and always have somehow ended up lost in Ensenada.


I think it's only getting lost in Ensenada? Is there anything else?

I've not taken the marina route -- and always go around the North end of Ensenada then down the main street.

If the marina way is easier, then I'll probably take that route.

Is it easier?

:cool:

woody with a view - 6-20-2007 at 09:21 AM

looking at the map it looks more direct. plus there's usually a bunch of skanks (see other thread) to ogle as you pass through....:o

amir - 6-20-2007 at 04:10 PM

Thank you Hose A, David K, bajaguy, osoflojo, woody in ob, and Lee for all your input. I will print this thread and stop worrying.

--Amir

bajamigo - 6-20-2007 at 04:54 PM

Take the marina route and, as someone suggested, continue past the naval base, turn left at road's end, then right at the first light. Continue on that road till you have to turn left again, which is right at the Home Depot. Take a right at the next light, you're now on the Reforma. Trip should be easier through Maneadero, as they're adding another lane as far as the Quintero market. At that point, road becomes one lane again, but you're through the worst of it, till you get to open road, where vigilance and prayer are your best weapons.

Amir

bajaguy - 6-20-2007 at 07:41 PM

You have a u2u message

Now I get it -- you're worried

Lee - 6-21-2007 at 03:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by amir
Thank you Hose A, David K, bajaguy, osoflojo, woody in ob, and Lee for all your input. I will print this thread and stop worrying.

--Amir


Can you elaborate? Don't like or trust Ensenada? I don't know the town, but I like it. It's a good town. I know things can happen -- so, relax, have fun, be careful, and play well with others. I always stop there for money and gas. Such interesting people.

Seriously, are you worried and about what?

amir - 6-21-2007 at 03:34 PM

Lee, I just like to worry (a bad habit). Free floating worries... some anxiety, too, perhaps.

This permanent move to Todos Santos forced my wife of 20 year and I to be separated for almost a year, she finishing our old life in Oregon, and me starting our new life in TS. We've gotten lost going around circles in Ensenada before and didn't want to get lost again this time (sort of like PTST about driving lost, I guess). I'm anxious to get back to our new home and start our honeymoon all over again...

Thank you for your concern and comforting advice.

--Amir