watizname - 9-10-2011 at 09:07 AM
Haven't done the "inside coast" in years and want to do it this year. We're leaving sometime around the middle of October, and just wanted a little
input regarding the trip across from Ensenada to San Felipe. Looking for a nice hotel in San Felipe with good food of course, then camping ( have
camper and RZR for exploring) south of there.
Thanks in advance.
TMW - 9-10-2011 at 10:14 AM
The trip across will be fun. Out of Ensenada thru the mountains to Ojos Negros and the wide farming area is interesting. Past Ojos is the turn off for
Laguna Hanson. The two lane highway is typical Baja, mostly good but some pot holes are always there. El Alamo is an old abandoned gold mining camp
with people still living there. There are a few resturants and stores at Independencia. At Valle La Trindad more resturants and stores and a gas
station that takes credit cards. Turn right at the gas station and a couple of blocks down is an outside resturant with some of the best carne tacos
etc you'll ever eat. They only have soft drinks so bring your own cerveza. More farming country.
At KM 137/138 is the turn off for Mikes Sky Ranch and off roaders hang out, but everyone is welcome. It's a motel with pool and resturant and bar some
20+ miloes from the hwy and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The resturant serves breakfast and dinner ranch style, everyone gets the same.
Further down the hwy is San Matias and what is known as San Matias pass that leads down the mountain to the desert floor. On the desert floor and off
to the right is Diablo dry lake. Dry depends on the time of year as it can be muddy on the lake bed. There is a road on the east side that skirts
around it. The main turn off for the lake bed is at KM165. At KM173 is an access to the main pit area for SCORE races called Borrego. Did I mention
that the Baja 1000 is Nov. 17, 18 and 19 with pre-running starting around Oct. 22.
Just before the jct with hwy 5 is a military checkpoint. Then after you turn toward San Felipe there is another military checkpoint. Coming from
Ensenada they usully just wave you thru the second one. Your about 30 miles from San Felipe on a new section of excellent hwy. In San Felipe there are
many hotels with some on the water take your pick and many excellent resturants again take your pick. On the Malecon is the Bar Miramar. It will take
you back to the old days. We use to ride our motorcycles up and in the malecon side. Do stop and have a fish taco at one of the many vendors on the
malecon. Relax and enjoy the sun and fun.
David K - 9-10-2011 at 01:46 PM
Great reply TW!
watizname - 9-10-2011 at 02:13 PM
Thanks for the info, TW. I'm sure it'll be fun. Always is. The last few years we have been pretty much B-lining it for the Mulege area. This
seemed like a nice change. Again thanks.
David K - 9-10-2011 at 02:32 PM
There are about 18 rough miles remaining between Puertecitos and Gonzaga Bay... Gonzaga south to Hwy. 1 is much better graded road.
(some photos from our July 4th weekend trip on my blog page with road log posted: http://vivabajablog.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-4th-weekend-sh... )
watizname - 9-11-2011 at 08:43 AM
Any tips on camping? Shore fishing? Have a camper, so don't need much, but tips on nice spots and or a warm shower now and then would be appreciated.
Thanks.
NEVER FORGET!!!!!
Meany - 9-12-2011 at 06:52 AM
Hola! Watizname. Sounds like a great trip. I'm also thinking of makeing the same trip. Never been that way. I'll also will be takeing my Polaris
Ranger. Maybe we will run into each other. See out there.
honda tom - 9-12-2011 at 08:22 AM
at gonzaga top off your fuel, then visit the store across the street from pemex, rancho grande. all the supplies you could need and a shop out back
for repairs if needed. then head out to the bay, alfonsinas for a room or palapa, showers food.. all you need. also campo sacrificio for a trailer or
palapa. im not much of a shore fisherman but there always seems to be a rowboat on the sand at gonzaga.... ask a few people and im sure youll end up
in it free of charge for some fishing along the rocks.
David K - 9-12-2011 at 05:10 PM
[Edited on 9-13-2011 by David K]