BajaNomad - First baja trip route feedback

First baja trip route feedback

Kinodaze - 2-27-2015 at 12:54 PM

First timers going down baja from Az. Have traveled mainland Mexico for years. Overnighting in El Centro. Would like comments re Mexicali to Gonzaga to Mex 1 or Valle la Trinidad to Mex 1 or south through Tecate...Going to G. Negro to see the whales and on to San Ignacio, Mulege etc...Have 4 wheel drive Tahoe. Any recommendations for cave paintings appreciated. Gracias Nomads...

Ateo - 2-27-2015 at 01:22 PM

Do you prefer the Cortez or Pacific side?

Barry A. - 2-27-2015 at 01:28 PM

Do you want to just book-it to the "whales", or do you like adventure and scenery along the way? (i.e. some dirt roads)

(Your vehicle is just fine, IMO.)

Barry

StuckSucks - 2-27-2015 at 02:09 PM

When going deep in Baja, for the past few years, I've been going via San Felipe and Highway 5 to Highway 1 - I'm a huge fan of that route.

From when I jump on the toll road at Tecate down to Gonzaga and the end of pavement, I see little to no traffic. The traffic thru the Ensenada/Camalu/San Quintin metroplex is slow and irritating. If you're coming from Arizona, from a distance perspective, it makes no sense to drive down the Pacific side.

In my opinion, the scenery on the Sea of Cortez side is generally much easier on the eyes than the drive south from Ensenada.

As I'm sure you're aware, the drive south of Gonzaga to Highway 1 signs you up for a few miles of dirt road driving - that's a big plus in my book.

The distance from Tecate to Laguna Chapala via Highway 1 or Highway 5 is pretty much a push.

You're going to have an awesome trip no matter what.

David K - 2-27-2015 at 02:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks

When going deep in Baja, for the past few years, I've been going via San Felipe and Highway 5 to Highway 1 - I'm a huge fan of that route.

From when I jump on the toll road at Tecate down to Gonzaga and the end of pavement, I see little to no traffic. The traffic thru the Ensenada/Camalu/San Quintin metroplex is slow and irritating. If you're coming from Arizona, from a distance perspective, it makes no sense to drive down the Pacific side.

In my opinion, the scenery on the Sea of Cortez side is generally much easier on the eyes than the drive south from Ensenada.

As I'm sure you're aware, the drive south of Gonzaga to Highway 1 signs you up for a few miles of dirt road driving - that's a big plus in my book.

The distance from Tecate to Laguna Chapala via Highway 1 or Highway 5 is pretty much a push.

You're going to have an awesome trip no matter what.

This!

If they are in Arizona, then they won't cross at Tecate unless they want the cold and foggy Pacific side and the traffic to San Quintin, being stuck for miles and miles behind slow trucks and cars.

About 65 miles south of San Felipe...

bajaguy - 2-27-2015 at 02:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Not really true. Drove Hwy 1 from Ensenada to Guerrero Negro and return last week.......not cold or foggy, and not stuck behind slow trucks or cars. Had a great breakfast in San Quintin and a wonderful chat with Antonio at the El Rosario PEMEX

David K - 2-27-2015 at 02:31 PM

That's great.. timing is everything indeed! Well, if they are in Arizona and going to Guerrero Negro, in a SUV, there still is no great reason to drive over 100 extra miles, pay tolls, and go through all the cities and towns that don't exist in near the quantity on the gulf coast.

AKgringo - 2-27-2015 at 02:37 PM

What Stuck says times two! You need to see the east side before the road is finished and it starts to develop like the west coast. For you, it will also be the most direct route, plenty of info available on the road conditions forum.
You can always check out Mex 1 north bound on the return trip if you are curious.
You did not mention a time frame, but if it permits some exploring, (maybe after the whales) the road south from Bahia De Los Angeles is one of my favorites. If you consider that route, do your research before you commit. Again, plenty of info on this web site!

BajaDanD - 2-27-2015 at 02:49 PM

Wait a minute I live in Arizona
I drive either way but this trip I will go through Tecate and stop in San Quintin for the night Reason being is last time I went the Mexicali Gonzaga route I got a flat tire on the dirt road section a few miles past Coco's. pain in the A$$ don't get me wrong I like both ways but a new tire cost me $200 bucks in Guerrero Negro that trip. If you want scenery then go San Felipe to Gonzaga to Mex. 1 at Chapala If you are not in so much of a hurry and want more place to stop and eat then go Through Tecate to Ensenada then down Either way is OK in what you are driving. Take your time and be safe and don't drive at night We are leaving Prescott Az at 6:00am tomorrow plan to stop in San Quintin then make it to Guerrero Negro late Sunday after noon

David K - 2-27-2015 at 02:57 PM

So, if you have tires that could go flat off the pavement... Baja may not be the bets choice, since there is a lot more dirt roads than paved.

I have gotten a lot of flats... when I didn't deflate and drove fast (it is a Toyota) last one was south of Coco's Corner (maybe the same sharp rock?)... flat tires happen.. but a good way to avoid is let some air out before it happens... a softer ride and more resistance to sharp rock punctures is the result. About 1/3 of the street air pressure removed should be right for rocky roads... and about 1/2 for sand crossing. Get that good pump we talk about here to fill back up for the pavement.

[Edited on 2-27-2015 by David K]

bajaguy - 2-27-2015 at 03:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

That's great.. timing is everything indeed! Well, if they are in Arizona and going to Guerrero Negro, in a SUV, there still is no great reason to drive over 100 extra miles, pay tolls, and go through all the cities and towns that don't exist in near the quantity on the gulf coast.

Mmmmm, can't recall paying a toll from Tecate to Ensenada and I would much rather drive the "100 extra miles" than take my car/truck on the road south from Coco's.....I also like going " through all the cities and towns".....gives me something to look at, and plenty of places to get gas, food and fresh vegetables/fruits from roadside stands. Also gives me an opportunity to possibly see "Abalone Ron" and stopping in El Rosario to chat with Antonio and drop off a cash donation to the Desert Hawks....however, YMMV....carry on

Kinodaze - 2-27-2015 at 03:56 PM

Thanks for the feedback, hoping to stop at BLA on the way down, any concerns re the Gonzaga route to 1 with rain? Looks like we'll be driving Monday from El Centro... I'd like to see the area around Catavina, maybe on return leg.

Whale-ista - 2-27-2015 at 04:33 PM

I jump off from San Diego, so I always go west coast on way south. Agree the Hwy 1 towns/traffic do add time- but also gorgeous scenery, great food, comfy hotel options and a sense of the Baja economy, culture & community.

So I'd suggest heading south via Tecate/Guadalupe Valley wine country (and spend time to taste the goodies there if your schedule allows), then continue south on Pacific to San Quintin, El Rosario, Catavina and beyond.

When northbound, heading home to AZ: make the cross over from Chapala to Cocos to see what you missed on the Cortez side.

Either way- great chance to see both coasts which are very different.

Tecate crossing

J.P. - 2-27-2015 at 05:17 PM

If going south from Az. Jump off I-8 at Boulevard and take 94 to Tecate its only 22 miles the road is a good road a bit crooked but you completely miss San Diego. and is a whole lot closer.

redhilltown - 2-28-2015 at 12:46 AM

Another vote to go down the Cortez and come out through Chapala. You can use a brand new road without a lot of traffic (yet), stunning scenery and then a fairly easy dirt road for an hour or so (easy as to 4x4). Lunch at Alphonsina's in Gonzaga Bay and then visit Coco....it is a wonderful and beautiful drive. The times they are a changing on that road so best to see it now. Have fun!

TecateRay - 2-28-2015 at 09:43 AM

The dirt road past Coco's is a bit rough, but the distance is getting shorter as the road crews continue work on the new pavement. If you happen to get a flat there are good llanteras on both ends, one at Chapala as you head west, one at Gonzaga as you return.

The road is pretty much all weather except the last few miles going into Chapala. It can get muddy and a bit slippery during heavy rains.

Marc - 2-28-2015 at 10:09 AM

Enter TJ & return Mexicali via Gonzaga & S F

honda tom - 2-28-2015 at 12:06 PM

Cross at Mexicali and head through Gonzaga, no traffic and beautiful views of the upper Cotez.. Hotel at Gonzaga or BOLA. both are an easy next day to G. Negro.
SanFelipe is less than 5 hour drive to BOLA.

On way south keep an eye out for the Cactus motel in Rosarito (the town about 35 miles south of BOLA turnoff) This might be a need on your return. Good restaurant next door also.