BajaNomad

San Diego to San Felipe, which way?

Phil C - 11-17-2014 at 10:20 AM

Going S.D. to San Felipe mid day on a Friday. Considering thru Mexicali or thru Ensenada. Any thoughts?

TMW - 11-17-2014 at 10:40 AM

Ensenada takes longer time wise.

Bob53 - 11-17-2014 at 11:09 AM

I've gone both ways before. Going through Ensenada does take longer but it is a beautiful drive. Especially now after all the rains.

deanfootlong - 11-17-2014 at 11:19 AM

Ive done both. I'd highly recommend going through mexicali. The drive through ensenada is beautiful but takes a long time. Its also somewhat dangerous. I certainly would not drive that way at night. I did it during the day and somehow managed to almost get run off the road by a semi truck, almost hit a horse feeding on a shrub a few inches from the asphalt, and had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a pack of goats in the road.

willardguy - 11-17-2014 at 12:18 PM

ensenada, any day!;)

AKgringo - 11-17-2014 at 01:35 PM

Another option is through Tecate and east to Mexicali on Mex highway 2. The Libe (free) highway is good pavement, and not too slow. The Cuota (toll) road is faster, but I wasn't in a hurry.
Keep in mind that gasoline is currently more expensive in Mexico than CA, so it makes sense just to take the interstate to Calexico.

[Edited on 11-17-2014 by AKgringo]

Tecate

John M - 11-17-2014 at 02:37 PM

Tecate would be my recommendation. The toll road (or free road) is within a couple of miles of the border crossing. If you haven't been down the La Rumorosa grade on the toll road before you've got quite an experience to look forward to. Take advantage of the views from the many pull-outs. When you exit the toll-road onto Highway 5 you will be near the southern end of Mexicali.

I believe the free road & toll road join just east of the town of La Rumorosa.

John M

BajaBreak - 11-17-2014 at 02:54 PM

I still haven't crossed through Mexicali, but last weekend rode through TJ to Ensenada to San Felipe, then returned going up the 5 and west to Tecate via the 2-D, then the 94 back to the miserable 5 North. Ultimately I have to say they are almost the exact same distance either way.

I did like that the toll road to Ensenada only charged me $1.20 US for my motorcycle, but for the 2-D it was $3.40, then I had to pay a toll to get on the free road before the border at Tecate, wtf? Both receipts listed it as clase M1. Awesome road up through La Rumorosa though. Interested how the 2-D almost parallels the I8's route.

The 3 from Ensenada to San Felipe is as green as I've ever seen it. Even the eastern half of hwy 3 looked alive. I felt it was worh a few extra miles to avoid the 8 east. Depending on when you're leaving you may not have much daylight. The detour at La Mision was slow going on Friday afternoon though.

Yes, I'm ready to go back...

Phil C - 11-17-2014 at 05:43 PM

Thanks everyone, I think we'ld like a short stop in Rosarito so the Ensanada rout it will be.

Bajahowodd - 11-17-2014 at 05:47 PM

Why San Felipe?:?:

bajaguy - 11-17-2014 at 06:09 PM

Because that is where they want to go
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Why San Felipe?:?:

woody with a view - 11-17-2014 at 06:45 PM

:rolleyes:

Marc - 11-17-2014 at 07:05 PM

US 8 Mexicali

[Edited on 11-18-2014 by Marc]

freediverbrian - 11-17-2014 at 08:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Why San Felipe?:?:

Trolls like that are why this site has slowed to a crawl. This site used to have 150 posts a day ,down to 20 now .

bajacalifornian - 11-17-2014 at 08:33 PM

Hey Phil . . . "a short stop in Rosarito" sounds great! Kindly keep us UTD.

Ateo - 11-17-2014 at 08:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by freediverbrian
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Why San Felipe?:?:

Trolls like that are why this site has slowed to a crawl. This site used to have 150 posts a day ,down to 20 now .


David K does 20 posts a day alone. Just kidding DK. =)

No way there are only 20 posts per day. The "Stats" say 184 posts per day.

[Edited on 11-18-2014 by Ateo]

David K - 11-18-2014 at 12:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Quote:
Originally posted by freediverbrian
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Why San Felipe?:?:

Trolls like that are why this site has slowed to a crawl. This site used to have 150 posts a day ,down to 20 now .


David K does 20 posts a day alone. Just kidding DK. =)

No way there are only 20 posts per day. The "Stats" say 184 posts per day.

[Edited on 11-18-2014 by Ateo]


I can't catch a break, even from my amigos here!?? :lol:

Hey Phil, you can call me anytime, and not just for sprinkler work! I have driven from San Diego to San Felipe since I was 16 in 1974, and before then with my folks in their Jeep... I have been on all the routes described above... and while you have decided already which way, for those who read these threads to get details for themselves, but don't post for fear of being harassed or teased as being noobies:

Not always, but usually...

1) FASTEST (time wise): I-8 to El Centro, south on 111 to Calexico, south of Mex 5 to San Felipe... 5 hrs. A little slower is using Hwy. 98 from Ocotillo to Calexico.

2) PRICIEST (money wise): Hwy. 94 to Tecate, 2-D to Mexicali South, Hwy. 5 to San Felipe... US$10 in tolls (the drive down the side of the mountain is scenic, but I-8 is a lot safer road than 2-D). Cheaper by $4 is using the free road from Tecate to La Rumorosa. The grade has a toll of $1.25, and I would highly recommend using the toll road around the south side of Mexicali to get to San Felipe without the city traffic of Hwy. 2 going east.

3) MOST SCENIC (vision wise): Otay Mesa to Corredor 2000 to Hwy. 1 (Popotla) to Ensenada to Hwy. 3 to San Felipe. This is a great road EXCEPT for crossing the city of Ensenada and the 20 mile twisty highway east to Ojos Negros, on the way to San Felipe. These two things will add an hour to the overall time if there was no traffic or signals/ stops.

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 07:28 AM

Crossing through Ensenada to Hwy 3 is easy.

As you are coming into town on Hwy 1, stay to the left and take the San Quintin turn (street name - Bahia de la Paz) by the Coral Hotel/new Soriana market.

Follow the signs for the 9th/10th street diversion to Reforma (Hwy 1).

Right turn onto Reforma (Hwy 1)

Proceed 3 blocks south to Calz de las Aguilas....... Left turn onto Aguilas to Hwy 3

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 07:35 AM

Some other random thoughts

Took Hwy 1 from San Ysidro to Ensenada on Sunday around 3PM.

Pulled in by Customs, quick look in truck, face lick by dogs, sent on way

From Popotla to La Mision, paving of the northbound toll road in progress. No problems or traffic.

The diversion from La Mision to San Miguel was 30 minutes on a well paved road, traffic was moderate and moving quickly.

Important note - NO large semi-trucks on the toll road or the diversion around the landslide, which made the trip somewhat pleasant

bajabuddha - 11-18-2014 at 08:08 AM

Here's an alternate reality; like the young bull and the old bull on the hill, take your time and DO 'EM ALL. Go down one way, back the other; or are you ''too American"? Time constraints being your Franklin Planner? Never drive the same road twice; that way you see and feel more of Baja, and make the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination..... if you can.

I love the back-road from Ensenada to San Flip. Especially the grade coming down the backside of El Pinacate, great agri-ranching areas, and the last 20 miles stunning desert. Once 10 miles east of Ensenada the traffic dissipates. Slower going, but a new bunch of scenery. T'was moi, i'd go west-to-east that way, and home up the 4-lane from Mexicali home. Hope you're not pulling too big a rig though, then i'd be looking at safest and smoothest. But, IT'S ALL GOOD! Happy trails.

Ateo - 11-18-2014 at 08:24 AM

And when you get to your destination, have one of these.

TMW - 11-18-2014 at 09:20 AM

Well if it's a scenic route you want cross at Tecate and take the free road to the Santa Veronica turn off, not thru the town of El Hongo. Stop for breakfast at Santa Veronica. Take the El Compadre trail to La huerta east of Ojos Negros then down to hwy 3 at KM55/56. East to Trinidad for lunch then south to Mike's Sky Rancho for a margarita, just one now. Back to Hwy 3 at San Matias. Hwy 2 to KM163 the Diablo Dry Lake Rd. Cross Diablo stopping at the old guys shack, don't remember his name or if he's still there, have a tecate then to Morelia Jct and out to Hwy 5. South to San Felipe and dinner at your choice of restaurants. All in a day in some of Baja's back country.

willardguy - 11-18-2014 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil C
Thanks everyone, I think we'ld like a short stop in Rosarito so the Ensanada rout it will be.


you didn't expect anyone to read this did you?:lol:

theotherone - 11-18-2014 at 12:15 PM

From San Diego, crossing into Mexico at the Calexico West/Mexicali Border Crossing would be the fastest & easiest option. From the Mexicali just go south along Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos (aka. Carretera Federal 5/Federal Highway 5) all the way to San Felipe, should take about 2 hours from Mexicali. You really can't get lost, lots of signs to San Felipe.

Just make sure you fill your tank in the US before crossing into Mexico. The gas prices in Mexico are extremely high.

Read the post

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 12:38 PM

HE WANTS TO STOP IN ROSARITO.......so Calexico, Tecate and Otay are not an option.........
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Phil C
Thanks everyone, I think we'ld like a short stop in Rosarito so the Ensanada rout it will be.


you didn't expect anyone to read this did you?:lol:

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 12:40 PM

It's not the quickest route if he wants to stop in Rosarito like he mentioned.
Although I guess he could cross at Calexico then take Highway 2 west to TJ, then head south on Hwy 1 to Rosarito....surprised nobody mentioned that.
Quote:
Originally posted by theotherone
From San Diego, crossing into Mexico at the Calexico West/Mexicali Border Crossing would be the fastest & easiest option. From the Mexicali just go south along Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos (aka. Carretera Federal 5/Federal Highway 5) all the way to San Felipe, should take about 2 hours from Mexicali. You really can't get lost, lots of signs to San Felipe.

Just make sure you fill your tank in the US before crossing into Mexico. The gas prices in Mexico are extremely high.


[Edited on 11-19-2014 by bajaguy]

theotherone - 11-18-2014 at 12:48 PM

Sorry, I didn't see his second post...

David K - 11-18-2014 at 02:16 PM

bajaguy, don't scare off the new Nomad... also, Phil C knows Rosarito well. There is no max to the number of posts that prevents others from sharing. :cool:

theotherone, thank you for being brave and posting advice here... While we all may have the same answers, each of us has a different way to explain them, so that helps others because we all hear answers in different ways. :light:

Phil, plan a 5-7 hour drive from San Diego to San Felipe, depending on the route... the distance is close to 300 miles any of the ways.

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 02:25 PM

David - I'm not scaring off anybody, I'm clarifying the OP's post, and I really don't need to be scolded by you.

I welcome new Nomads to the board, gives a broader information base and maybe imparts some new tips.
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
bajaguy, don't scare off the new Nomad... also, Phil C knows Rosarito well. There is no max to the number of posts that prevents others from sharing.

David K - 11-18-2014 at 02:33 PM

bajaguy, I don't scold... I am saying this (and most everything here) with a smile. I don't know how to text some ideas here with a non-threatening, happy feeling.

I said that to you above because it is the habit of some of us the correct/ or scold newbies... and they get hurt and don't come back, leaving just a bunch of grouchy old men and women here.

Sorry if you got the wrong vibe... Have a nice day!

theotherone - 11-18-2014 at 02:43 PM

No harm done, I just failed to read all posts:biggrin:

David K - 11-18-2014 at 02:59 PM

Thank you for hanging with us... It is a big family and you know how some family members like to fight!

Phil C - 11-18-2014 at 05:50 PM

Wow! look what I started... First Bajahowodd, that's a perfectly reasonable question..none of you business! Ha! just kidding, we're on our way south to Loreto and have not been down the east side for ten years or more, just wanted to check it out, enjoy Baja, you know. Second Willardguy not to this extent, I'ld better archive this for my future trips.... Third Ateo, you betcha!.. Bajacalifornian see you soon! DK, thanks for all the time frames that was most of what I was looking for.. But thank everyone for all the great info!! Another Question last time we were in San Felipe for an overnight we stayed at the Cortez, I think. We have two dogs with us any thoughts on this?

theotherone

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 06:22 PM

Welcome to the board, or as Shari likes to call it, the sandbox

Jump in anytime, it's all appreciated

willardguy - 11-18-2014 at 07:00 PM

Phil, don't leave anything of value in your room. this weekend a dozen gals from rosarito had laptops, Iphones,Ipads and cash stolen from the cortez. you're not the only one holding a room key!:no:

Sand Dollar

bajaguy - 11-18-2014 at 07:07 PM

You might want to check with John Trinkle <johntrinkle@yahoo.com> at the Sand Dollar. They have some pet friendly rooms and also a pet friendly casita.

www.facebook.com/SandollarBeachResortSanFelipeMexico

see sandollar in hd 720p here:
http://youtu.be/pEvDQ7KaaTY
Quote:
Originally posted by Phil C
Wow! look what I started... First Bajahowodd, that's a perfectly reasonable question..none of you business! Ha! just kidding, we're on our way south to Loreto and have not been down the east side for ten years or more, just wanted to check it out, enjoy Baja, you know. Second Willardguy not to this extent, I'ld better archive this for my future trips.... Third Ateo, you betcha!.. Bajacalifornian see you soon! DK, thanks for all the time frames that was most of what I was looking for.. But thank everyone for all the great info!! Another Question last time we were in San Felipe for an overnight we stayed at the Cortez, I think. We have two dogs with us any thoughts on this?

Bajahowodd - 11-19-2014 at 05:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by freediverbrian
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Why San Felipe?:?:

Trolls like that are why this site has slowed to a crawl. This site used to have 150 posts a day ,down to 20 now .


Do your homework. I have been on this forum for many years and have made over 8,000 posts. I have traveled down and up Baja a far as Cabo a zillion times. You think I'm a troll??? I just think (although I know it will offend many folks) that San Felipe is kind of a crap hole.

[Edited on 11-20-2014 by Bajahowodd]

daveB - 11-23-2014 at 07:53 AM

Through Mexicali. (It's the only way I know)

Ribbonslinger - 11-23-2014 at 01:14 PM

Dave

What border Xing do you use at Mexacali?

bajaric - 2-6-2015 at 10:12 AM

Although the original poster decided on the Ensenada route in case anyone else is considering that trip here is my 2 cents. Scenic considerations aside, the fastest way southbound from San Diego to San Felipe is to take I-8 east up in to the mountains and down the grade to the desert. Nice wide US-engineered freeway. Turn off at Hwy 98 south is little-traveled short cut to Calexico, plenty fast 2 lane road, turn on headlights if passing. Gas up in Calexico and proceed south through border crossing into Mexicali, south over a couple of bridges, the only tricky part is to make the (signed) right turn to San Felipe at a roundabout, if you miss it you end up down in the agricultural area south of Mexicali. After that its a straight shot to San Felipe on a very good highway, currently only one short stretch of road under construction just south of Mexicali. The total trip is about 5-6 hours door to door if you drive straight through at reasonable speeds... One time back in the day I made it in 4.5 hours but I try and take driving and life in general a little slower these days.
Returning north, an option if you are not afraid of heights is just before you get to Mexicali go under the bridge for the 2-D toll road, make a U turn and get on toll road east to Tecate. The drawback of this route is you have to pay some stiff tolls (approx. $15 US), go through one extra military checkpoint where they seem to search things a little more carefully than the other ones, (stay in far left lane at checkpoint) and also you have to go up the Rumerosa grade, a decent 2 lane highway with guard rails but very steep gnarly grade and loaded with triple trailer trucks crawling up from Mexicali. Vertigo may be an issue. The payback to this route is you miss the Mexicali traffic and the depressing, hot border crossing there, instead crossing at Tecate to the 94 highway back to San Diego. Mid day during the week both times I crossed there recently there were literally 3 cars in line, much nicer than sitting in the hot sun surrounded by beggars for a couple of hours in Mexicali although I'm not sure if its any faster. I guess it also depends on the condition of your vehicle as well, if its prone to overheating or the tires / brakes are worn out just take the flat way back through Mexicali.

Bob H - 2-6-2015 at 10:35 AM

Wow, I was reading through this thread and finally realized it was from last year! Well, I thought I'd post something just to make sure Nomad gets more than 20 posts today....
:tumble: