BajaNomad

can you go from San Felipe to L A Bay ?

john/gerda - 11-9-2011 at 01:32 AM

Hi everyone, John and Gerda here,

Maybe a bit of a dumb question but we have confusion.

Gerda woks sometimes in Mexicali, going from there to San Felipe i am told is super easy, but can i go South, say to L A Bay ?? With a small trailer of course and our 4 x 2

I have heard conflicting reports, something about in 1973 the road closed and maybe opened in 1986........

I have included a picture i found, looks preaty gnarly to me !!! Maybe an old picture, i don't know,,,but I sure hope so...

Ohhh by the way,,, wishing a very happy Veterans day to all who served and to thier families as well......... Gerda and I think of you-all and of your sacrafices and thank you very very much.....


[Edited on 11-9-2011 by john/gerda]

BajaWarrior - 11-9-2011 at 05:27 AM

Yes it can be done, check your map.

Please spell Mexicali and San Felipe correctly. (I can't believe I said that, DavidK, this one's for you!)

It is 54 miles one way of dirt road (roughly Okie Landing to Hwy. 1), your 4x2 will make it just fine but a small trailer with boat will likely self destruct. (54 miles of dirt road = 54 miles of washboard road)

From Mexicali travel to Ensenada then proceed south to L.A. Bay.

Baja is cooling off quick, better get moving.

john/gerda - 11-9-2011 at 05:51 AM

Thanks for the info,,,,

50 miles on washboard is quite a trek.

Spelling, yea my bad, i looked it up but must have still transcribed it wrong, i have some isshues with dyslexia, try as hard as i wish it just kinda doesn't work, glad thats the olnly thing i have with those symptoms...lol

I edited and fixed the San Felipe, but i didnt see an error for mexicali......

My goal is to get in some practice and experience trailering and fishing in Baja during the fall and winter .

mcfez - 11-9-2011 at 08:02 AM

Piece of cake.

What sort of car do you have..... would determine the ride.

The picture your posted is bout the worst of worst...and it does not represent the whole road.....just that section.

This route I take often....to my fishing holes. It is a GREAT drive. make it a two day run so you are not rushing.

David K - 11-9-2011 at 08:53 AM

The photo is one taken by baitcast (I believe) and is from the early 1970's or before of the OLD, original 4WD road south of Puertecitos.

AS of the latest reports:

Mexicali to San Felipe (125 miles) is paved 2 & 4 lane highway. Could be some detours onto dirt where they are doing upgrades to the highway.

San Felipe to Puertecitos (51 miles) is paved 2 lane road. There are many short, steep dips (vados) so this is not a high speed highway.

Puertecitos to Gonzaga Bay (Rancho Grande) (45 miles) is paved just over half way with a modern, fast highway... at last report, about 26 miles paved with the next 8 miles close to being ready for asphalt. The last 11 miles were once very rough and slow, but last report that is was graded smooth. 2WD no problem.

Gonzaga Bay to Highway 1 (Laguna Chapala) (35 miles) is a graded dirt road 'washboard' surface in part, but easy to travel in 2WD.

Laguna Chapala to L.A. Bay is all paved (unless there is a detour for highway upgrades) (73 miles).



[Edited on 11-9-2011 by David K]

tripledigitken - 11-9-2011 at 09:22 AM

What kind of trailer are you towing? Do you normally take it on dirt roads? Washboards will test every nut and bolt, and rivets too!

One of the great drives in Baja!


Barry A. - 11-9-2011 at 03:18 PM

Personally, having destroyed 2 very rugged utility trailers on that road, I would not ever take a trailer on "that road" until it was paved.

It is very depressing when you break a spring, or trailer frame, and there are no "parts" for many many miles--------VERY DEPRESSING!!!! and can sure ruin a what is otherwise a fantastic trip.

Barry

john/gerda - 11-9-2011 at 05:58 PM

Hi everyone,

Again thanks for the info/help.....

I have a 12 ft Gregor boat with a older, brand unknown ( ok its way older,,Gerda made me put that in ) trailer. 12 inch wheels. a couple leaf springs, it bounces a bit......

I suspect that it being lightweight and older it should be considered a " fair-weather-trailer" ,,,,,,

Two days to get there on the old roads.....wow......its like a 13 hr drive from TJ i believe........I got to get into camping,,,never really done it, what i need to do is retire,,,,hahaha but its not gonna be in the near future.....

hope you all enjoy the upcoming weekend...

john/gerda

David K - 11-9-2011 at 06:41 PM

Tijuana or Tecate to L.A. Bay is a normal 8+ hour drive... but you need to add for towing and the highway construction delays or detours... so 10 hours driving to Bahia de los Angeles... about the same NOW from Mexicali south. Add the 2 hours to get from El Centro to Tecate if you go that way... 12 hours.

redhilltown - 11-9-2011 at 11:41 PM

My reply is a bit off subject but since the road conditions have been properly dealt with... Have you thought of just going to Gonzaga Bay? Of course Bahia de Los Angeles is one of THE fishing spots but I personally believe you can have a lot more fun and be more productive with a boat that size at Gonzaga Bay. A bit safer too. At L.A. Bay with a 12 footer you're not going to get out to the yellowtail high spots or out to the big island for larger dorado. You'll save a lot of driving time, money, and nuts and bolts too!

Just a thought! Have fun!

mcfez - 11-10-2011 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
My reply is a bit off subject but since the road conditions have been properly dealt with... Have you thought of just going to Gonzaga Bay? Of course Bahia de Los Angeles is one of THE fishing spots but I personally believe you can have a lot more fun and be more productive with a boat that size at Gonzaga Bay. A bit safer too. At L.A. Bay with a 12 footer you're not going to get out to the yellowtail high spots or out to the big island for larger dorado. You'll save a lot of driving time, money, and nuts and bolts too!

Just a thought! Have fun!


The best advice here so far!
I load the boat above the trailer's wheel axle....with the water tanks and other heavy objects.....even rocks! makes the bumpies a little less. Air down those tires too.

This is a great place to stay...has a ramp too. ....spend a little time exploring the cam...you'll find that it is perfect. BTW....I have the same boat as you.....duplicated exactly as the one use in the "Baja Catch" book
http://www.mexfish.com/apgs/tbc3/tbc3.htm
http://www.papafernandez.com/

john/gerda - 11-11-2011 at 05:16 AM

here is some additional info on the Trek,,,,,,,,

has recent pictures...........

found it from a post here introducing this S F board........

hope it helps,,,,,

http://www.blueroadrunner.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=...

mcfez - 11-11-2011 at 09:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by john/gerda
here is some additional info on the Trek,,,,,,,,

has recent pictures...........

found it from a post here introducing this S F board........

hope it helps,,,,,

http://www.blueroadrunner.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=...


Randy has a good site (blueroadrunner). His website has trusted information.

Dont be afraid of the GB road...even if you break down...there is help!!!!

BajaDanD - 11-11-2011 at 08:16 PM

I just drove it yesterday it's not the washboard part i'd be worried about it's the rocks, there are some "BAD" rocks on that road. Having said that, it can be done. I personally would not pull a boat trailer over it unless I had to. Lots and lots of sharp rocks. We just drove back from Asuncion thought we should go that way for a change. Spent the night in San Felipe then drove home from there. Shortend our trip by maybe 200 miles. Still not sure if that was worth the risk or the beating we took. I'll post a full trip report in a few days.

David K - 11-12-2011 at 12:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaDanD
I just drove it yesterday it's not the washboard part i'd be worried about it's the rocks, there are some "BAD" rocks on that road. Having said that, it can be done. I personally would not pull a boat trailer over it unless I had to. Lots and lots of sharp rocks. We just drove back from Asuncion thought we should go that way for a change. Spent the night in San Felipe then drove home from there. Shortend our trip by maybe 200 miles. Still not sure if that was worth the risk or the beating we took. I'll post a full trip report in a few days.


Where exactly... we heard here that the last older rough section (Campo Delfines to Papa Fernandez') had finally been graded by the construction crews. Thank you!

Salsa - 11-12-2011 at 09:47 AM

Looks like the step going up to the Three Sisters ( a few miles south of Puertecitos) to me as we rode over it in 1980.

The paving at the top was a real surprise.

Don

BajaDanD - 11-12-2011 at 12:56 PM

The bad part is from Gonzaga to Chapala and always has been. Lots of sharp rocks. The road is paved to about 10 miles from Gonzaga if you are going south, with a new paved part about 2 more miles not opened yet.

David K - 11-12-2011 at 02:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaDanD
The bad part is from Gonzaga to Chapala and always has been. Lots of sharp rocks. The road is paved to about 10 miles from Gonzaga if you are going south, with a new paved part about 2 more miles not opened yet.


Okay, thanks for that area of your report. In comparing the 35 miles from Gonzaga to Chapala, I have always found it to be MUCH better, and regularly maintained compared to the un-maintained portion north of Gonzaga to the new road construction.

I only get to drive it every year or so, so not as frequently perhaps as you. Also, I am in a TRD Off Road 4WD Toyota Tacoma... so the bumps and rocks are not nearly an issue for me compared to bigger rigs.

BajaDanD - 11-12-2011 at 03:53 PM

I was in a 4 runner this time but no matter how well you maintain the road to Coco's and then from there to Chapala it is still littered with sharp rocks. My wife's daughter thought it was the worst road she had ever been on that actually went somewhere. But what does she know it was her first time in Baja south of TJ

David K - 11-12-2011 at 04:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaDanD
I was in a 4 runner this time but no matter how well you maintain the road to Coco's and then from there to Chapala it is still littered with sharp rocks. My wife's daughter thought it was the worst road she had ever been on that actually went somewhere. But what does she know it was her first time in Baja south of TJ


Sounds like she needs more Baja !!

If you run fully inflated and fast, the rocks will flatten tires! Specially the BFGs that come on a Tacoma (Rugged Trail TAs)... We had a flat just as we neared Hwy. 2 from Coco's in July, 2010. Another flat was on the Punta San Carlos road south of El Rosario that September... Now running Hankook Dynapro ATMs... no more flats (I hope)!

Seriously, drop the pressure down to 20 psi and the ride and puncture resistance is better!

Barry A. - 11-12-2011 at 04:08 PM

BFG "RUGGED TRAIL" TIRES

I destroyed my RUGGED TRAILS on rocks and mesquite staubs right out of the box on my X-terra when it was new-------switched to BFG AT KO's and have had zero problems since. David's so right on the pressure thing-----drop those puppies down to 20 or 25 and you will be plesantly surprised, I am thinking. Good luck.

Barry

BajaDanD - 11-12-2011 at 08:46 PM

I ran it at 25psi still was worried a little I had not gone that way in a few years It was exactly as I remembered it. I had my wife and daughter and my 1yr old grand daughter with me getting stuck would have sucked

David K - 11-13-2011 at 10:49 AM

Less is best (sometimes)... If your tires are normally set at 32 psi, then 25 won't be much better. If they are 50 psi tires, then 25 would probably be good.

Getting stuck? On the beach? In a 4Runner? Well, if you are talking about driving on the beach or in arroyo sand, then dropping the tires to 10-15 psi would be the sweet spot... no getting stuck. If you are talking the road... that is a 2WD graded dirt highway... unless you mean breaking down? Again, it is a Toyota you are in, right? :smug::spingrin:

Just trying to help with the info. for you or anyone else reading, who has not been to Gonzaga Bay on that road from Hwy. 1.

[Edited on 11-13-2011 by David K]

David K - 11-13-2011 at 11:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
If you run fully inflated and fast, the rocks will flatten tires!

I heard an interesting theory that deflating tires on roads with lots of sharp loose rock, is more likely to puncture the sidewalls; the idea was that lowering the pressure makes the sidewalls bulge out, exposing them. :?:


Yes Larry... there is indeed a point where one risk overtakes another.

While so many here swear about lowering the pressure for graded roads (so much so that I bow to their words)... I have not. I think 20 psi would be fine, but any less then you do risk a sidewall cut, IMO. Now, I have had my share of sharp rock punctures.... but always on BFG tires or the Pep Boys Dakotas I ran on my '01 Tacoma... and never on the other ones I have used on my '05 and '10 Tacomas (Toyo Open Country AT, Cooper Discoverer STT and ATR, and now with Hankook Dynapros.. so far.)

BajaDanD - 11-13-2011 at 06:24 PM

Im talking about getting 2 flat tires in the middle of nowhere

BajaDanD - 11-13-2011 at 06:39 PM

Ive been driving a Toyota and off roading for a awhile now. I know to air down my tires. My 4 runner is only 2wheel drive. My Tacoma 4x4 was wrecked in july. I was more worried about the sidewalls. Also the rocks thrown up that hit under it. That part of the road can not be graded it is cut right into the rock all that can be done for that part is to drag something over it every now and then to clear off all the rocks. Even with that it is a bad road. However I'm sure I will take it again.

BajaDanD - 11-13-2011 at 06:46 PM

that is a 2WD graded dirt highway... :lol::lol:

From Gonzaga to Hwy1 it's not anything at all like a highway its not even a two lane road. It is not even dirt it is rock.

trailers with 12" tires

tripledigitken - 11-13-2011 at 07:15 PM

I would avoid this route with your boat trailer, especially given that you only have 12" tires. You are just asking for some drama. I would also caution against adding ballast to the boat to improve the ride, as you risk overloading the trailer.

If you are adamant about doing it take at least 2 spare trailer tires and at least a couple of wheel bearings and suspension parts.

David K - 11-13-2011 at 08:12 PM

Sorry BajaDanD, no offense intended...

To me, it is a dirt graded highway, built by the government, and 2 cars can pass each other without one of them leaving the road... but maybe since I was last on it 4months ago, something changed?

Yes, rocks and slow going for vehicles not made for speed off road. Didn't know a 4Runner was also sold as a 2WD 4Runner, my bad!

We all have different points of reference for rating roads, so maybe that is how we differ? 2WD means it is possible to travel without using 4WD or altering tire pressure. Anyway, happy trails and hope your next trip is more rewarding and less stressful!

BajaDanD - 11-13-2011 at 10:26 PM

Trip wasn't stressful love that kind of stuff. and there are parts of that road that 2 cars cannot pass without one pulling over to the side. If you dont believe me the next time you go, try driving 2 cars side by side all the way bet you cant do it.
I have no problem driving that road but to call it a highway is misleading and to send someone down it without warning them of the real condition of that road is wrong.!!!
Im not saying dont go that way and yes just about any car can make it if you go slow enough and have good tires. But it can beat the crap out of you if you are in a hurry or if you are not that skilled at driving that kind of road.
4 runners have always come either 2 or 4 wheel drive.

David K - 11-14-2011 at 09:55 AM

Thank you Dan, I stand corrected.