mooose29 - 4-10-2015 at 11:53 AM
All when crossing at Mexicali to go to San Felipe and points south is one crossing more desirable than the other when considering traffic, immigration
office (our visa's will be pre-paid just need the stamp), ease of getting on the "Hwy", etc... I have looked up the posts on the visa offices so I
have a decent handle on that just was also thinking if driving the extra 7 miles (coming from San Diego) was worth the added convenience (if any)
crossing east vs. West
Another thought I had was crossing at SY driving to Ensenada then to Hwy 3 then to 5, just to mix it up a bit and see something different haven't been
that way in years.
Thanks in advance.
BajaUtah - 4-10-2015 at 12:31 PM
No comment on the east crossing but the west crossing is an easy, straight shot down the main drag in Calexico that runs right into the crossing. INM
is just to the right before the garita gates. It was easy for me to pull over and do my importation and visa docs in my big F350 pulling a trailer.
The road to SF was just the first turn on the right and follow the main road.
My only complaint about that route was the amount of moto cops picking off cars. At the farthest south roundabout it was like running through a cloud
of mosquitos. I got pulled over and told I was speeding on one of the bridges about 5 miles back. I asked how he could see that when he just pulled
out on me 50 meters back. No answer and when he found that I was more than willing to go to the station and less than impressed with his cheesy
mustache he waved me on and wished me a good vacation. The game was played. Me =1, fat guy on a scooter = 0. I'm sure we will play again.
I vote for the San Ysidro entrance
John M - 4-10-2015 at 02:31 PM
The new crossing makes getting the stamp really simple - just stay to the very right as you enter Mexico, park in a large lot, re-enter the crossing
following good signs to the Cuota or toll road.
Getting into Ensenada, a nice stop for lunch along the beach, then a pretty drive over the mountains and down to Highway 5.
That's my vote -
John M
mooose29 - 4-10-2015 at 04:51 PM
John that is what I have been thinking too.
I like how easy SY is for the visa and getting on the toll road and since I will have a couple of once a year Baja travelers with me who have been
down the pacific side a few times and would like to see the other side before we get to Punta Chivato I am leaning in that direction.
My big hurdle is we are crossing May 2nd and I just remembered that the Rosarito to Ensenada bike race is that day and that always seems to screw up
the traffic on the toll road.
We will overnight in Gonzaga (recommendations?) then drive the rest of the way to PC or maybe stop on B of LA for a night as well.
Gulliver - 4-10-2015 at 05:10 PM
How about crossing Northbound at Mexicali? Any advice?
Accommodations at Gonzaga
John M - 4-10-2015 at 05:11 PM
Camping or hotel?
Hotel at Gonzaga is Alphonsina's (maybe I've spelled it wrong but spell checker will be along soon). Somewhere on here lately was a telephone number
for reservations. I do not know if anywhere else nearby has rooms - don't know if Papa Fernandez does or not - but I don't think so.
As you know probably, upon heading south from Gonzaga you'll have another 12 miles or so of pavement then it's ten miles of slow to Coco's Corner
(stop and chat and buy a soda or beer) - then 13 more miles of slow dirt road to Highway 1 - then you are on your way!
B of L A is a good choice also - more rooms there.
John
Tomas Tierra - 4-14-2015 at 05:32 PM
Made the dirt in one hour yesterday without airing down and a popup camper on the back. Didn't seem like I was driving fast?
5 is an absolute joy compared to the 1 down the PAC side. The coachella traffic on the us side is another story.
TT
cj5orion - 4-15-2015 at 09:00 AM
mexicalli east vs west.....
for years now,I've always crossed West coming down,then East going back.
This trip I crossed East coming down....NICE !!!