BajaNomad

Road from Mexicali to San Felipe

socalrat - 12-4-2010 at 01:57 PM

any issues? Hauling a 19ft Airstream from Los Angeles.

David K - 12-4-2010 at 05:10 PM

None reported... 125 miles about 1/3 of it now 4 lanes wide going south of Mexicali and coming north from San Felipe... then some newer and wider 2 lane road north of the 4 lane part to the Hwy. 3 jcn., from San Felipe.

Search Baja Trip Reports forum for photos and more...

socalrat - 12-4-2010 at 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
None reported... 125 miles about 1/3 of it now 4 lanes wide going south of Mexicali and coming north from San Felipe... then some newer and wider 2 lane road north of the 4 lane part to the Hwy. 3 jcn., from San Felipe.

Search Baja Trip Reports forum for photos and more...



Thanks David! I'm guessing I'll be find running this leg starting at 9:00 am. Hope to make San Felipe by 1:30 pm.

Any place I MUST stop (tacos?)

Thanks again,
gb3

David K - 12-4-2010 at 06:02 PM

South side of Mexicali, note some red brick taco stands on the right... yummy carne asada. In San Felipe... the fish taco birthplace, you are in heaven!

The drive shouldn't take you over three hours pulling a trailer, should it?

Good to not rush things!

There is a military checkpoint at the Hwy. 3 jcn. about 31 miles north of San Felipe... looking for drugs, ammo, guns... make sure if you are a hunter or miltary man, that the truck and trailer have no bullets or firearms!

Have fun! We hope to be south of San Felipe for New Years, just 2 nights.

socalrat - 12-4-2010 at 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
South side of Mexicali, note some red brick taco stands on the right... yummy carne asada. In San Felipe... the fish taco birthplace, you are in heaven!

The drive shouldn't take you over three hours pulling a trailer, should it?

Good to not rush things!

There is a military checkpoint at the Hwy. 3 jcn. about 31 miles north of San Felipe... looking for drugs, ammo, guns... make sure if you are a hunter or miltary man, that the truck and trailer have no bullets or firearms!

Have fun! We hope to be south of San Felipe for New Years, just 2 nights.



Don't expect it to take more than 3 hours, but I also want to ensure I have time to stop, if I want to, for tacos or whatever. I was also including the trip from El Centro across the border.

How far into Mexicali are the taco stands you mentioned?

I know about the firearms restrictions. Can't say I blame the government, given the mess in some parts of Mexico. Anyone know if something like an ASP expandable baton is "allowed"?

gb3

MICK - 12-4-2010 at 08:09 PM

Drove it last week. the road is all fixed south of Mexicali. Most of the taco stands south of town are ok but I would stop at Faro Carnitas. it is Just south of town after you get out of the bad traffic. It is a red and white building on the right just past a pex mex on the left side. I will get better directions this weekend and let you know. In san felipe you have to go to adriannas on the malicon next to the el palomar bar. they have the best shrimp tacos around. Not much else to look at between.

Good luck and have fun
Mick

nbacc - 12-4-2010 at 08:41 PM

Just drive it the week of Thanksgiving...........no issues and a nice drive.

David K - 12-4-2010 at 09:35 PM

Palomar... or Miramar...?

MICK - 12-5-2010 at 08:23 AM

yes

BajaWarrior - 12-5-2010 at 08:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MICK
Drove it last week. the road is all fixed south of Mexicali. Most of the taco stands south of town are ok but I would stop at Faro Carnitas. it is Just south of town after you get out of the bad traffic. It is a red and white building on the right just past a pex mex on the left side. I will get better directions this weekend and let you know. In san felipe you have to go to adriannas on the malicon next to the el palomar bar. they have the best shrimp tacos around. Not much else to look at between.

Good luck and have fun
Mick


Mick,

It was a pleasure meeting you and your group out at San Martin Island a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for the conversation and the cold Tecates!

David K - 12-5-2010 at 08:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
South side of Mexicali, note some red brick taco stands on the right... yummy carne asada. In San Felipe... the fish taco birthplace, you are in heaven!

The drive shouldn't take you over three hours pulling a trailer, should it?

Good to not rush things!

There is a military checkpoint at the Hwy. 3 jcn. about 31 miles north of San Felipe... looking for drugs, ammo, guns... make sure if you are a hunter or miltary man, that the truck and trailer have no bullets or firearms!

Have fun! We hope to be south of San Felipe for New Years, just 2 nights.



Don't expect it to take more than 3 hours, but I also want to ensure I have time to stop, if I want to, for tacos or whatever. I was also including the trip from El Centro across the border.

How far into Mexicali are the taco stands you mentioned?

I know about the firearms restrictions. Can't say I blame the government, given the mess in some parts of Mexico. Anyone know if something like an ASP expandable baton is "allowed"?

gb3


About 7-8 miles from border, I think... When there was a detour around the new bridge by the Costco, the stands where the detour from Mex. 2 rejoined Mex. 5. I did a mileage of the detour last year... I will add it here if I find it. Really any taco stand that has a crowd is always a good indicator.

ASP expandable baton

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 01:19 PM

Oh Dude....no need for that. Just travel as you would in Ca. Use common sense. You will not see heads rolling down the embankments nor bus loads of kidnapped victims screaming their heads off for help.

As you directly enter Mexicali....go slow...dont worry about being in a rush or holding up a little traffic. It's a bit nerve wrecking for the first timer to go through there. I like to stay in the middle lane all the time till you reach the outskirts of town (15 miles or so).


Got car insurance attached for that tow?

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by mcfez]

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 01:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MICK
Drove it last week. the road is all fixed south of Mexicali. Most of the taco stands south of town are ok but I would stop at Faro Carnitas. it is Just south of town after you get out of the bad traffic. It is a red and white building on the right just past a pex mex on the left side. I will get better directions this weekend and let you know. In san felipe you have to go to adriannas on the malicon next to the el palomar bar. they have the best shrimp tacos around. Not much else to look at between.

Good luck and have fun
Mick


In san felipe you have to go to adriannas..

Mick...isnt that Maria's place? Green shack...

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Oh Dude....no need for that. Just travel as you would in Ca. Use common sense. You will not see heads rolling down the embankments nor bus loads of kidnapped victims screaming their heads off for help.

As you directly enter Mexicali....go slow...dont worry about being in a rush or holding up a little traffic. It's a bit nerve wrecking for the first timer to go through there. I like to stay in the middle lane all the time till you reach the outskirts of town (15 miles or so).


Got car insurance attached for that tow?

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by mcfez]


The ASP was really more of a "worst case scenario", including the pack of strays which were menacing our dog on the last trip to SF. Really, really not expecting any problems (although my wife is still very nervous, compared to our other two trips).

Absolutely don't expect any problem, but would hate to be kicking myself for being completely unprepared. (the campsite has 24 hour security for a reason, right?)

RE: hauling the trailer
We absolutely get insurance valid in Mexico every trip. Also, the other thread suggest a early morning crossing makes total sense, so I hope not to hit too much traffic. And I appreciate the suggestion about the middle lane until we are fully out of town - good advice.

thanks,
gb3

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by MICK
Drove it last week. the road is all fixed south of Mexicali. Most of the taco stands south of town are ok but I would stop at Faro Carnitas. it is Just south of town after you get out of the bad traffic. It is a red and white building on the right just past a pex mex on the left side. I will get better directions this weekend and let you know. In san felipe you have to go to adriannas on the malicon next to the el palomar bar. they have the best shrimp tacos around. Not much else to look at between.

Good luck and have fun
Mick


In san felipe you have to go to adriannas..

Mick...isnt that Maria's place? Green shack...



Will do - let me know if you're in town and I'll buy the cerveza. I really appreciate the advice.

gb3

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 06:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MICK
Drove it last week. the road is all fixed south of Mexicali. Most of the taco stands south of town are ok but I would stop at Faro Carnitas. it is Just south of town after you get out of the bad traffic. It is a red and white building on the right just past a pex mex on the left side. I will get better directions this weekend and let you know. In san felipe you have to go to adriannas on the malicon next to the el palomar bar. they have the best shrimp tacos around. Not much else to look at between.

Good luck and have fun
Mick



Thank for the help, Mick. I'll look for the stands youre talking about, but it sounds like we will cross the border in the wee hours.

Another dumb question: How long will it take to get out of Mexicali and into the unlit sections of highway? Or, asked another way; if I cross the border in Mexicali around 3:30 or 4:00 am, will I still be driving in the dark on the way to San Felipe?

gb3 <----hoping to have a reason to kick on all those lights on the top of the FJ - grin

Camping at SF

bajasuzie - 12-6-2010 at 07:36 PM

We are heading down to SF. Should cross on Sat morning. Any recommendations on clean, secure camping spots? Hope to park camper and go south to explore. Don't want have to worry about out stuff!
Would love to meet up with fellow nomads for a cerveza:)

MICK - 12-6-2010 at 10:46 PM

Gets light about 5:30 It is two hours or two and 1/2 depending on how you drive. you will be out of town in about 20 min. and just past Km53 you will have open road the rest of the way. Have fun
Mick

David K - 12-6-2010 at 10:54 PM

It is 5 miles through town on a 4-6 lane blvd... to where you fork to the right for San Felipe... and it continues south as a 4 lane highway for about 30 more miles before it becomes just 2 lanes across the lower Laguna Salada dry lake/ salt flat region then desert...

When you enter Mexico, there are three road choices... left for Aeropuerto, the middle for San Felipe (train tracks are in the center of this correct road to take), and right for Tijuana. In 5 miles there is a traffic circle of sorts... and the San Felipe highway forks slightly to the right and goes ACROSS the railroad tracks.

The whole drive through Mexicali is easy and there are lots of signs pointing the way to San Felipe.

I would NOT cross the border before sunrise.

You will stick out to traffic cops, so just take it easy... stay in the middle lane when possible, watch for numerous traffic lights... they blink green before going amber then red. Try to never run an amber, consider the blinking green to be = to our amber light.

Mexicali is very easy to cross anytime but specially early. Don't worry!

David K - 12-6-2010 at 10:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajasuzie
We are heading down to SF. Should cross on Sat morning. Any recommendations on clean, secure camping spots? Hope to park camper and go south to explore. Don't want have to worry about out stuff!
Would love to meet up with fellow nomads for a cerveza:)


Do you want to camp in town? There are many places... but if you want more peaceful surroundings, why not camp south of town? See www.sanfelipe.com.mx for the places in or near town.

Punta Estrella area has a big campground, then Rancho (Laguna) Percebu, the Nuevo Mazatlan (real quiet beatiful shade tree camp sites) then closer to Puertecitos are some campgrounds.

bajasuzie - 12-8-2010 at 07:32 AM

Thanks! We want a good place to leave our camper for a few nights so we can take the truck and see Puertecitos, Gonzaga Bay and possibly Coco's corner! We were told the camper can't go that far.

David K - 12-8-2010 at 11:39 AM

Sure it can... you just have to drive real slow once the pavement ends. The road is graded, just rough. Pavement ends about 20-26 miles from Puertecitos... leaving 20 rough miles to Gonzaga and then it is 36 more miles to Hwy. 1 (Coco's Corner is 23 miles from Gonzaga).

MICK - 12-8-2010 at 03:30 PM

Maybe Baja warrior or someone else there would let you park at there place. I drove to Cocos not long ago and I would not pull my trailer over that road. It would take a day for the last ten miles to PC. the road out to cocos is a 4-40 road so once again with a trailer it would take some time. I would only go that way if I was going all the way thru. Or if I was going to leave the trailer there.
Good luck Mick

BajaWarrior - 12-8-2010 at 06:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MICK
Maybe Baja warrior or someone else there would let you park at there place. I drove to Cocos not long ago and I would not pull my trailer over that road. It would take a day for the last ten miles to PC. the road out to cocos is a 4-40 road so once again with a trailer it would take some time. I would only go that way if I was going all the way thru. Or if I was going to leave the trailer there.
Good luck Mick


It is not a problem anytime if guests would like to use our driveway and patio privledges if we're not there. Even more fun when we are there! Casa #24 Playa Hermosa KM. 30.5 Puertecitos Highway. Stop on by...

It's the two story plus beach house in front...


We won't be down until Dec. 17th but will be down for 16 days.

[Edited on 12-9-2010 by BajaWarrior]

[Edited on 12-9-2010 by BajaWarrior]

[Edited on 12-9-2010 by BajaWarrior]

BajaWarrior - 12-8-2010 at 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
"KM. 30.5 Puertocitis Highway" :rolleyes::no:

"Puertocitis" ? That sound like a skin disease!


Word repaired, now, spelling police, here's a 5 dollar bill, pay my fine for me at the station!:lol:

David K - 12-8-2010 at 08:05 PM

What do you want for the $5... a happy ending? :rolleyes:

Have a great Christmas Chuck! :light:

mcfez - 12-9-2010 at 10:39 PM

Puertecitos is a good place to camp btw.

The camps in town of San Felipe are a wee outdated.

Playa Pescado north of town is great for a night. Wont be no one there...5 bucks to get in...water avail...cold shower. You'll be able to visit down town SF then....

Petes camp is good ONLY Monday thru Thursday. Weekends are not fun with all the quads and bikes. Hot showers, good restaurant, great bar. Park on the beach front. North of town...secured. 15 bucks or so.

South of San felipe.....if you want to travel another 30-45 minutes to this area. I am tired by the time I hit San Felipe. But...South beaches are great for sun and white sand.

Have fun