Anyone recently made this trip in the past couple weeks, either direction? (I keep hoping someone will say, "it's done" now.
David. I didn't answer your earlier question as to why I'm driving a Sienna rather than one of the "climb a rock" types of Toyota's. It's because
of my age & my wifes, squeemishness.
The Sienna now fits my driving needs. But it is only a front wheel drive, and low low clearance. We'll need to be driving very very carefully on
the road especially south of Gonzaga Bay. Wife still remembers that last trip ten years ago. Cut tires, and steep climbs. She says if that is still
there, forget going that way. We'll be leaving West Phoenix Valley early, and hoping can make it to Alfonsino's Hotel first night. What you think?
Hope someone responds, as we are planning on leaving in about a month. anxious to hear what the progress is.
Thanks to all.David K - 9-18-2011 at 04:41 PM
Phil, (as of July 3): southbound from Puertecitos is paved for 24 miles, then 8 good dirt miles, then 10 really rough dirt miles, then 3 ok dirt miles
to Alfonsina's turnoff (Pemex/ Rancho Grande store).
If you come in from Hwy. 1 (Chapala) it is about 35 ok dirt miles.
So fewer dirt miles from San Felipe, but 10 very rough ones.AmoPescar - 9-18-2011 at 04:55 PM
Construction is continuing and the graded road getting closer and closer to Gonzaga proper. Pavement is past Five Islands. There is honestly very
little of the bad bad bad 'old road' left.
Miguelamo redhilltown - 9-19-2011 at 09:48 AM
and may I add this is just to Gonzaga Bay south out of San Felipe. The road from Chapala to Gonzaga is still dirt but was never quite as beat up as
the other part though certainly no picnic in the wrong vehicle. And I know we all know not to drive at night, but it would really be dangerous around
the construction zone as to which way to go and signage....or lack thereof!Phil S - 9-19-2011 at 02:10 PM
Thanks folks for the update. Keep them coming if you've just gotten back from this route. I can't believe there aren't more Nomads taking this route
these days. I'm looking forward to this "adventure". We've done the t.j./Tecate route down Hwy1 for the past 25 years to Loreto/Cabo, and anxious for
new 'vistas' in exchange for not 'going through the mountains' ever again.David K - 9-19-2011 at 02:46 PM
Phil, tourism is way down (fear and U.S. poverty)... road conditions are often opinion... in the right vehicle, by a long time off roader... it is a
piece of cake... just rough for 10 miles.
For you in a passenger van, you will be going dead slow for those 10 un-repaired miles and not much faster on the other unpaved washboard/ graded
miles... So, leave San Felipe early, and don't be in any kind of rush.
[Edited on 9-27-2011 by David K]Phil S - 9-26-2011 at 08:37 PM
Thanks again David & others.
PhilDavid K - 9-27-2011 at 12:50 PM
Have a great time and report back how you handled the road!
