BajaNomad

Yuma to Ensenada - Where to cross?

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 07:53 AM

We are moving to Ensenada on May 1st and will be overnighting in Yuma, AZ our last night in the US. As we will be crossing the border on a Saturday and have read about the delays crossing at San Ysidro, would better off crossing at another point?

We expect to be arriving to the border around noon. Would it be better earlier? later? on Friday?

Thanks

Timo1 - 3-28-2010 at 07:56 AM

Tecate would be my route from there

MikeYounghusband - 3-28-2010 at 08:14 AM

As Timo1 said Tacate is your best route. No wait at all at the border and go straight down the Ensenada fron there. Down through wine country its a nice drive as they recently widened the road and I believe the construction is nearly done. You will enjoy the drive.

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 08:52 AM

My maps don't indicate the quality of the roads from Tecate to Ensenada (via Francisco Zarco and El Sauzal de Rodriguez). We have taken the bus via the beautiful coastal route from TJ. How do they compare? The route looks pretty isolated.

David K - 3-28-2010 at 08:59 AM

It's a paved Highway... heavily used by all manor of vehicles.

The southern end is being widened to four lanes...

Many towns along the way... isolated? Have you been south of San Quintin or off a paved road before?

Timo1 - 3-28-2010 at 09:04 AM

The wine route is one of the most beautiful and unique areas of Baja North
You'll love it

bajadock - 3-28-2010 at 09:11 AM

Chapala-ex,
Holler when you get settled in Ensenada. From your handle, would like to hear about your past and new adventures.

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 09:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
It's a paved Highway... heavily used by all manor of vehicles.

The southern end is being widened to four lanes...

Many towns along the way... isolated? Have you been south of San Quintin or off a paved road before?


Haven't been south of Punta Banda yet but know several routes from Texas to Guadalajara and they can be beautiful and treacherous at the same time. Its those paved, two-lane, no-shoulder (w/ six inch to 10 ft dropoff), pot-holed routes that make dodging the big rigs and buses an adventure that only a teenager could enjoy.

Can't wait to begin exploring Baja. :yes:

bajaguy - 3-28-2010 at 09:23 AM

Yeah, maybe we could have an Ensenada area Nomads welcome gathering!!!!! :bounce:

David K - 3-28-2010 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
It's a paved Highway... heavily used by all manor of vehicles.

The southern end is being widened to four lanes...

Many towns along the way... isolated? Have you been south of San Quintin or off a paved road before?


Haven't been south of Punta Banda yet but know several routes from Texas to Guadalajara and they can be beautiful and treacherous at the same time. Its those paved, two-lane, no-shoulder (w/ six inch to 10 ft dropoff), pot-holed routes that make dodging the big rigs and buses an adventure that only a teenager could enjoy.

Can't wait to begin exploring Baja. :yes:


You will just LOVE Hwy. 1, south ofSan Quintin!!! :o

Welcome to Baja Nomad!!!:bounce:

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 09:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajadock
Chapala-ex,
Holler when you get settled in Ensenada. From your handle, would like to hear about your past and new adventures.


Yup, soon to be leaving Ajijic/Chapala after just 6 mos. Altitude doesn't agree with us and expat community too far into retirement for us. Ensenada will hopefully satisfy our need to be around people of all ages, nationalities and languages. Can't wait.

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 09:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Yeah, maybe we could have an Ensenada area Nomads welcome gathering!!!!! :bounce:


Sounds good to me! That wouldn't involve tequila or beer, would it? Throw me into that briar patch. :biggrin:

bienvenidos

sylens - 3-28-2010 at 10:48 AM

primos:tumble:

your posting raised me from sleep mode and lurking here. the time draws nigh. the welcome party should make you two feel right at home. see you may day!!!
lili:dudette:

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2010 at 12:09 PM

The insular ex-pat environment of Ajijic is an attraction to a certain type. They don't live there to be in Mexico, so much as they live there to save on expenses. And you are right on about the idea of the potpourri you will encounter in and around Ensenada. Best of luck.

Pescador - 3-28-2010 at 01:07 PM

Well, if you are a little adventourous, I would cross at San Luis, go on the tollroad on hwy 2, go through Rumarosa, which is one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in all of Baja Norte, into Tecate and then either exit at Tecate and go south to Ensenada or continue on the toll road to the coast. Since you will probably see a lot of the coastal highway once you move in, you might want to consider doing this road through Rumarosa. It is how I always enter because I refuse to do Tijuana and the scenery is nothing short of magnificent.

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2010 at 01:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
We are moving to Ensenada on May 1st and will be overnighting in Yuma, AZ our last night in the US. As we will be crossing the border on a Saturday and have read about the delays crossing at San Ysidro, would better off crossing at another point?


the delays southbound at san ysidro are only bad at rush hour when lots of people entering mexico. most other times the delay, if any, is less than the extra time gained by traveling major highways such as I-8, I-15 and toll road.

be forewarned that many here that talk about fear and loathing of crossing at san ysidro are retirees driving vehicles too large for their driving skills or suburbanites that live in gated communities and are sort of fearful of TJ.

the fastest and prettiest entry to mexican coast is driving the toll road TJ to ensenada.

irenemm - 3-28-2010 at 02:06 PM

You will miss the weather
love Ajiji the people were so nice and helpful.
good luck in Ensenada.

Chapala-ex - 3-28-2010 at 05:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Well, if you are a little adventourous, I would cross at San Luis, go on the tollroad on hwy 2, go through Rumarosa, which is one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in all of Baja Norte, into Tecate and then either exit at Tecate and go south to Ensenada or continue on the toll road to the coast. Since you will probably see a lot of the coastal highway once you move in, you might want to consider doing this road through Rumarosa. It is how I always enter because I refuse to do Tijuana and the scenery is nothing short of magnificent.


Thanks for the suggestion. Do you mean the San Luis, AZ, just south of Yuma? I'll check it out.

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 05:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
be forewarned that many here that talk about fear and loathing of crossing at san ysidro are retirees driving vehicles too large for their driving skills or suburbanites that live in gated communities and are sort of fearful of TJ.



Awww, c'mon, goat......don't tell all our secrets on their first day here. Save some for later. :lol:

DianaT - 3-28-2010 at 07:22 PM

Where ever you cross the border, the best of luck to you in your new adventure. Change is always good.

roadhog - 3-28-2010 at 08:32 PM

AHHH TECATE ! Find Potrero County Park, San Diego County Parks. The Tecate bank takes pesos for the Tourist Card. Get up early, park at the last US mercado: $5. Walk to bank.
Recamp or continue down Mx 3.

Yuma to Ensenada

Phil S - 3-29-2010 at 05:14 AM

We have many options, now that we enter coming from West Phoenix Valley. But there is only one that makes sense. IMHO That's Tecate. Even when we used to come from Oregon for the winter, after a few terrifying traffic experiences through San Ysidro/TJ. Drive is relaxing. No toll booths. and the scenery is doable!! And yes. We'll be doing it again this coming November. By then, hopefully, the road coming into Ensenada will be completed!!!! I hope I hope I hope!!! We do continue on to Loreto/Nopolo & Cabo for the month.

Pescador - 3-29-2010 at 07:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you mean the San Luis, AZ, just south of Yuma? I'll check it out.


Yes, you enter the boder at San Luis, AZ which is on highway 95. The first major highway heading west is Mexico Highway 2. That takes you south of Mexicali and west to La Rumarosa. Just west of Mexicali, it turns into a toll road but it is 4 lane all the way. The grade up the hill at La Rumarosa is steep and on a mountain, so it is a little slower than out on the desert, but the scenery is nothing short of magnificent, with a lot of pull offs so that you can stop and see everything. And then you can exit on the south side of Tecate and head to Ensenada.
I always stop in Algodones and I go south on BCN2 to the same road. Prescriptions and liquor are the best price there compared to everywhere else in Mexico.

David K - 3-29-2010 at 07:45 AM

If you are coming west from San Luis... You may want to avoid city traffic going through Mexicali!

Use Hwy. 2-D, Libramente de Mexicali... the toll bi-pass highway... It is the way to go... The toll gate is just west of the Hwy. 5 junction...

I haven't been on it east of Hwy. 5, but it should be well signed as a short cut for the San Felipe highway, Tecate, Tijuana Cuota, 2-D, etc.

Chapala-ex - 3-29-2010 at 09:08 AM

The Nomad group rocks! Here in Ajijic there are many posters that contribute positively and then there are those that always are crotchity, angry or complaining about everything. Life is too short to put up with the latter. You guys seem to be very positive and like to have fun with your posts.

Thanks to all of you for your interest, concern and information. We look forward to getting to know the Ensenada crowd.

durrelllrobert - 3-29-2010 at 10:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
would better off crossing at another point?

Thanks


have you considered crossing at Agodonas (5 miles west of Yuma) and continuing down to San Louis Rio Colorado where you get on new (toll) road that bypasses Mexicali and merges with highway 3 near base of mountains? from there you go over mountain (no worse than US I8) through Rumorsa and Tecate and get off at Coreador 2000 south to Fox studio just south of Rosarito. Good drive and quicker than Otay or TJ:coolup::coolup:

Gaucho - 3-29-2010 at 01:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
The Nomad group rocks! Here in Ajijic there are many posters that contribute positively and then there are those that always are crotchity, angry or complaining about everything. Life is too short to put up with the latter. You guys seem to be very positive and like to have fun with your posts.

Thanks to all of you for your interest, concern and information. We look forward to getting to know the Ensenada crowd.



Oh, there's plenty of crotchity, angry and complaining going on here too! :P:P:P

Weather?

Bajahowodd - 3-29-2010 at 01:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by irenemm
You will miss the weather
love Ajiji the people were so nice and helpful.
good luck in Ensenada.


you mean the thunderstorms?:lol::lol:

bajadock - 3-29-2010 at 01:57 PM

True on the curmudgeon quotient here on Nomad. But, most are peaceful...OR properly medicated.

Bohemia es mi cerveza favorita tambien, Gaucho. Pero Pacifico es mas barata y en mi refrigador siempre.

Chapala-ex, the beer and wine flow liberally out on Punta Banda. Looking forward to pouring for you.:tumble:

David K - 3-29-2010 at 05:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
would better off crossing at another point?

Thanks


have you considered crossing at Agodonas (5 miles west of Yuma) and continuing down to San Louis Rio Colorado where you get on new (toll) road that bypasses Mexicali and merges with highway 3 near base of mountains? from there you go over mountain (no worse than US I8) through Rumorsa and Tecate and get off at Coreador 2000 south to Fox studio just south of Rosarito. Good drive and quicker than Otay or TJ:coolup::coolup:


ALGODONES

SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO

LA RUMOROSA

Highway 2 (2-D is the toll section, and merges with Hwy. 2 near Laguna Salada, not Hwy. 3). See my map above to get a sense of the routes around Mexicali.

There is a military checkpoint at the base of the La Rumorosa grade, west of Laguna Salada... and recent reports say the trucks have been not staying in the right lane, and block passenger traffic which generally gets waved through there.

You may really want to consider staying on the U.S. side until Tecate... Stay on I-8 until Buckman Springs exit (rest stop) and go west there and take the country road to Campo and then Tecate.

If you target is Ensenada, then when you are at Tecate, head south on Hwy. 3 for Ensenada.

BLVD. 2000 is a shortcut to the coast, south of Rosarito and is the Tijuana bipass highway that starts just past the Tijuana toll gate on 2-D (5 miles east of the Otay border gate).

bacquito - 3-29-2010 at 08:08 PM

I do not like the drive from Interstate 8 to Tecate and I have had problems crossing at Tacate. I enjoy crossing at Mexicalli and taking the toll road to the Ensenada turnoff at Tecate OR going straight to San Diego and down the scenic route. Enjoy!

durrelllrobert - 3-30-2010 at 10:44 AM

ALGODONES

SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO

LA RUMOROSA

Highway 2 (2-D is the toll section, and merges with Hwy. 2 near Laguna Salada, not Hwy. 3). See my map above to get a sense of the routes around Mexicali.

Sorry, when I wrote this I must have been off my meds or on my vodka:yes:

Chapala-ex - 3-30-2010 at 02:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajadock
True on the curmudgeon quotient here on Nomad. But, most are peaceful...OR properly medicated.

Bohemia es mi cerveza favorita tambien, Gaucho. Pero Pacifico es mas barata y en mi refrigador siempre.

Chapala-ex, the beer and wine flow liberally out on Punta Banda. Looking forward to pouring for you.:tumble:


We looked at Punta Banda when we were there a few weeks ago. The beachfront homes and presumed life style (the endless party) were very enticing but we didn’t click with any of the rentals we were shown. As it turns out, we found a fabulous place on the north side of the city, just 30 minutes before leaving for TJ.

While in Punta Banda I couldn’t help but be reminded of a ditty we wore out in the late 60’s/early 70’s flying around Southeast Asia: “Casual drinking in SEA is the equivalent of acute alcoholism in the US.” Someone warned me before coming down to Chapala that “If you are used to having a couple of glasses of wine with meals, at Lakeside you will soon graduate to the full bottle”. Ah the retired, expat lifestyle! So much free time to experiment, to learn, and to enjoy. :spingrin:

CortezBlue - 3-30-2010 at 07:42 PM

You could cross at San Luis, south of Yuma, and take 2d west to Tecate and then south. However, I think staying on I 8 to Tecate will be cheaper.

However, from I 8 to Tecate is very slow, but very beautiful.

Enjoy the trip

nbacc - 3-30-2010 at 07:48 PM

Mexicali is the way to go..........easy.

David K - 3-31-2010 at 02:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by CortezBlue
You could cross at San Luis, south of Yuma, and take 2d west to Tecate and then south. However, I think staying on I 8 to Tecate will be cheaper.

However, from I 8 to Tecate is very slow, but very beautiful.

Enjoy the trip


There are at least 3 toll gates on 2-D between Hwy. 5 (Mexicali) and Tecate that together total nearly 10 dollars.... that along with a military checkpoint at the bottom of the grade, will slow you down as well.

If the country road to Tecate from I-8 bugs you, then you are going to really hate much of Hwy. 3 (and Hwy. 1 if you go south of Ensenada)!

Pescador - 3-31-2010 at 05:22 PM

I just did the reverse this morning because I had never gone down the hill. It is almost as much fun as going up the hill so it was a beautiful drive. The road from Ensenada to Tecate is great and there was less than 1/2 mile of gravel which was no real inconvenience at all. David, who is always right on with the maps and routes, has given you the correct sequence. I generally enter at Algodones as well, but that causes you to have about 12 miles of country rural road, but this time I went all the way through to San Luis and exited the border there. They acted like they had never seen a gringo going north before so the crossing was very easy.