BajaNomad

Safe to cross and Tecate and drive south to Enselada

Binger - 1-18-2010 at 08:30 AM

Could I get some more opinions on this. Leaving from Phoenix in AM. Not sure how long it will take to get to Tecate if we cross there. Want to be in GN by sundown or close to it. Two drivers, safe speed. Thanks a mucho.

k-rico - 1-18-2010 at 08:38 AM

I'd spend a night in San Quintin. IMHO, what you're trying to do isn't possible (GN at sundown, safe speed). Maybe if you leave Phoenix at 12 AM.

[Edited on 1-18-2010 by k-rico]

henshaw - 1-18-2010 at 08:42 AM

Not sure about the time required to get from Phoenix to Tecate but my expierence driving south is this, It takes us 4.5 to 5 hours to get the San Quintin the another 5.5 to 6 hours to GN. We drive the speed limit for the most part. We don't try to do it in one shot but it is doable. Good Luck.

Bob

yellowtail67 - 1-18-2010 at 08:42 AM

Should not be an issue if you have your FMT and all you need is getting it stamped. If you need the bank, they open at 0800, will put you in way after dark. Or just go and take a shot at getting your FMT at GN?
If you're leaving PHX in morning it better be early! I usually stay in El Centro and it takes a solid hour and a half to Tecate, towing!
Have fun!

DENNIS - 1-18-2010 at 08:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Binger
Could I get some more opinions on this. Leaving from Phoenix in AM. Not sure how long it will take to get to Tecate if we cross there. Want to be in GN by sundown or close to it. Two drivers, safe speed. Thanks a mucho.


I'll just assume you're talking about today in which case you will probably hit rain on the Tecate road. Then, road construction, made worse by the rain.
I wouldn't take the Tecate road any day this week because of the weather. Head over to San Ysidro or Otay.

David K - 1-18-2010 at 08:49 AM

There are other paved roads/ routes to Ensenada from Tecate.... The construction zone is south of Guadalupe... Reverse the arrows on this map I made for someone asking about driving TO Tecate without using Hwy. 3 between Ensenada and Guadalupe. Specifically the new paved road from Guadalupe to Old Hwy. 1 near El Tigre...

k-rico - 1-18-2010 at 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Binger
Could I get some more opinions on this. Leaving from Phoenix in AM. Not sure how long it will take to get to Tecate if we cross there. Want to be in GN by sundown or close to it. Two drivers, safe speed. Thanks a mucho.


I'll just assume you're talking about today in which case you will probably hit rain on the Tecate road. Then, road construction, made worse by the rain.
I wouldn't take the Tecate road any day this week because of the weather. Head over to San Ysidro or Otay.


Yes sir, especially if you're in a hurry.

Too Much for one day to do safely

tripledigitken - 1-18-2010 at 09:01 AM

It would be tough leaving from Tecate at Sunrise to make it to GN in daylight this time of year.

I second the suggestion of overnighting in San Quintin. Concern over the rain is valid as well, will only slow you down.

Ken

rts551 - 1-18-2010 at 09:04 AM

Binger
6-7 hours to Tecate from Tucson depending on what you are driving. Towing something? remember California speed limit and the slow hwy 94. so plan accordingly. Then GN is another 9-11 hours depending on how fast you drive etc. Tucson to Punta Abreojos is right at 1000 miles. So GN would be around 850. A long day

David K - 1-18-2010 at 09:12 AM

If it is still light at San Quintin... 30 more miles (45 min.) brings you to El Rosario with 2 really nice motels a nice bed & breakfast, 2 emergency motels, and RV park and many many places to eat.

mulegejim - 1-18-2010 at 09:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
If it is still light at San Quintin... 30 more miles (45 min.) brings you to El Rosario with 2 really nice motels a nice bed & breakfast, 2 emergency motels, and RV park and many many places to eat.


I agree with David K about El Rosario - I like the Baja Cactus there, however, there are several other good spots.

David K - 1-18-2010 at 10:23 AM

Some recommendations for El Rosario...

1) Baja Cactus (motel #1)
2) Turista Motel (motel #2)
3) Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast (b&b)
4) Sinahi RV Park (behind their motel and restaurant)
5) Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast Restaurant (all new)
6) Mama Espinoza's Restaurant (all new)
7) Tacos Mision ((tacos, burritos, stuffed patotoes, more)

Be careful south of San Quintin (note photo)... that's right... there are some tourist-nuts who also ride bicycles on that highway!

[Edited on 1-19-2010 by David K]

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

DENNIS - 1-18-2010 at 10:35 AM

Another route you might consider....Cross the border at Tecate and take the toll road over to Blvd. 2000, then west to HWY 1. That will keep you out of the mud. The Toll Road is a great drive, 80 Pesos for 16 miles but, worth it, especially in bad weather.
High speed and unsafe distance goals don't mix well with bad weather and these storms are promising that. Be safe.