BajaNomad

Best route through Mexicali.

Minnow - 12-10-2007 at 05:18 PM

Any tips on getting through Mexicali to San Felipe would be greatly appreciated. I have some friends heading down.

Roberto - 12-10-2007 at 05:49 PM

Can they use a GPS plot?

BajaWarrior - 12-10-2007 at 05:54 PM

Follow the overhead signs marked San Felipe from either border. There is about 15 miles of Mexicali either border before you hit the highway, then another 110 miles to S.F.

Not too many shortcuts. We stay main drag from new border. Works well.

Minnow - 12-10-2007 at 05:54 PM

I doubt it.

wornout - 12-10-2007 at 06:15 PM

Here is sort of a map....

[Edited on 12-11-2007 by wornout]

Mexicali Border Crossings.jpg - 44kB

Minnow - 12-10-2007 at 06:31 PM

Thanks wornout. I think we, ooops, I mean my friends will take what you marked as the easiest route.

Bajafun777 - 12-10-2007 at 06:33 PM

Ok, here is the way I go down: Turn right at new port and then go to a small park with poles, the poles form something like a piece of art and all of the poles have different colors. Here you will also have to see the small park, as you have come to a stop sign and on that boulavard street turn left. You will keep going straight about 5 miles. You will go under a bridge that is the new bridge going to San Luis and at about the end of the 5 miles you will be down to the the Kensworth Truck Manufactoring Company sign. This sign will be on your left and a gas station on your right. Now, at this intersection of the Kensworth Manufactoring company you will turn left here and just keep going straight and it takes you to San Felipe. Hope this directions helps and it the the easiest way to remember your way down with things that do not change. Later------------------------- bajafun777

BajaWarrior - 12-10-2007 at 06:34 PM

After crossing the new border hang a right at the T which is less than a quarter mile from crossing. Follow till you get to WORNOUT'S easiest route (left) and that puts you (them) directly on the road to San Felipe, again, well signed.

Best ?

MrBillM - 12-11-2007 at 10:15 AM

I would suppose it depends on your memory.

I've tried them all and the route to the Right (on the map) has been consistently the fastest. It is also marginally shorter than Gomez Morin to Bloque Moderna on Hwy 5. 10.0 vs 10.7 from the garita exit.

There ARE a lot of turns. Even though I have a sketched map I made up years ago, I've had people complain that they got confused.

Minnow - 12-11-2007 at 11:48 AM

The easiest route comes out by Costco, and I want to, I mean they, want to stop there and get a few things. If I remember correct it is difficult to get into the Costco parking lot coming that direction, any tips? Also, how is the produce at Costco?

bbbait - 12-11-2007 at 12:43 PM

We use Wornout's "easiest route" and have found it to be the most expeditious coming from our direction (Blythe). We used to use the Costco's signs as the landmark for the turn but they have become more obscure with construction and the Kenworth sign stands out better now. If you turn a block earlier you can access the side entrance of Costco which may have less traffic than Mex 5. When pulling something large we'll go thru Algodones taking BCN 2 to Mex 2 and then across to the San Felipe road eliminating most of Mexicali.

BajaWarrior - 12-11-2007 at 04:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Minnow
The easiest route comes out by Costco, and I want to, I mean they, want to stop there and get a few things. If I remember correct it is difficult to get into the Costco parking lot coming that direction, any tips? Also, how is the produce at Costco?


In bulk!

Minnow - 12-11-2007 at 04:55 PM

Is there a good Fruiteria on the Main road?

BajaWarrior - 12-11-2007 at 05:13 PM

There's gotta be one in Mexicali, but we don't seem to stop in town much.

We use the one in San Felipe, it's on the road that goes south of town (Laguna Chapala, Puertocitas, Airport) one mile south of the second traffic circle as you are coming into town, It's just past El General Taco restaraunt on the right side, open into the evenings as well. 300' south of El General also on right which is at the stop sign. Good fruit. El General good beef tacos.

Another good restaraunt for sitting, very low prices and has drinks, is almost on the waterfront. Drive along the Malecon (one way) and where it terminates there is a turn in the road just before the stop sign. Your looking at it, to the right of the liquor store. Sorry, forget the name. Great Ceviche, plan on sharing it, es mucho.

Don't forget the Miramar Bar for a drink, ask anyone for location, it's on the Malecon. Rositas is good too for dinner, Rice and Beans good too. Lot's more, but these are the better bargain for lunch/dinners.

When are you (ahem',they) heading down?

We're there from Dec. 25th through Jan. 6th.

Minnow - 12-11-2007 at 05:17 PM

Great info, thanks Chuck. Yeah, we love the General.:bounce:

bajalou - 12-11-2007 at 08:52 PM

Was in town this evening and Rockadille, Beachcomer and Miramar - all closed???


The Mega store across the street from Costco in Mexicali has a large produce dept as well as most everything else you might need.

Sur2baja - 12-12-2007 at 12:57 AM

It's funny but my kids refer to the giant colored poles as "we hang a left at the Giant Pick-Up Sticks" (A toy from the sixties) Sure enough, that's what they look like. Anyway, that's a great route. Just remember, drive only during the day.

Bajajorge - 12-12-2007 at 11:17 AM

I always cross at the East(new) Crossing into Mexicali. Then go down Gomez Morin Blvd to Hwy 5. Takes about 10 minutes. When towing my trailer customs always takes a look, but when I'm just in my truck I have never been stopped going through the "No Declare Line".

Ken Cooke - 12-13-2007 at 08:25 PM

Easiest, most "fail-proof" way is through Tecate, down La Rumorosa, past Laguna Salada to SAN FELIPE TOLL ROAD. Pay a few dollars, and you are positioned south of town in an instant!

A buddy drove his father south through San Luis from Phoenix and he traveled south from San Luis, and he took the highway west across the Rio Hardy - sorry, but I do not have the name, my 'Almanacs are "lost" at the moment. But, he avoided town by traveling south of San Luis and then west - positioning himself south of Mexicali as well.