BajaNomad

Road Conditions: Maneadero to San Pedro Martir (also Erendira) and Molino Viejo nr San Quitin

ZipLine - 2-5-2019 at 01:37 PM

A friend is visiting from the UK and I'd like to drive him up there, but I have only a Toyota Corolla. No problems when the road is okay, but I am curious about the forever construction going on south of Santo Thomas and also how the road is doing between the turnoff at Vicente Guerrero and San Pedro Martir.

If there are still long dirt detours, how has the rain been affecting them? Still passable or am I going to beat the h*ll out of the car?

Are long waits at the construction still a problem?

Or - hopefully - is the construction all done... :spingrin:

Same questions if possible about the road out to Ejido Erendira and the dirt road there out to the beaches.

[Edited on 2-5-2019 by ZipLine]

[Edited on 2-5-2019 by ZipLine]

ZipLine - 2-5-2019 at 01:41 PM

Also... considering going out the Molino Viejo near San Quintin. If anyone knows the current conditions for that road. Recently paved, but probably pot-hole city now?

I usually ride my moto to these places, so nothing is a problem, but car ridin'... is a different animal.

David K - 2-5-2019 at 01:47 PM

It's a Toyota, so don't worry! ;)

Keep in mind, people who live there often drive far worse cars and they do just fine... dirt detours are going to happen and if 2WD cars can't get through, there would be giant traffic jams. Now, the observatory road is another matter. It is all paved, 100 kms. + up to 9,280 feet above sea level (the final 2.5 kms are beyond a gate that is only opened briefly midday for visitors (10am-1pm) unless they are working on the scopes, then no passage. The problem can be snow... so if you are going there before Spring, you may be blocked by snow.

thebajarunner - 2-5-2019 at 02:42 PM

The only thing I would worry about is snow.
And right now doppler is showing snow in the area.

Hey, its Baja, you expect some dirt and potholes and delays.
Just not snow.

Twice in recent years my two wheel drive F150 has danced and slid the last mile up to the gate, and not a foot beyond, with a really white road. Seems like both times we made it right to the entrance, and that was it, some kind of phantom snow line at the park gate.

del mar - 2-5-2019 at 02:55 PM

when is your UK buddy due in?

fishbuck - 2-5-2019 at 02:55 PM

I'm tuning in because I'm going to my fishcamp as soon as I can get myself ready and the weather is decent.
Probably stay in town at Hotel La Villa and do some paperwork and stuff.
Will try and get somewhere to see the desert in bloom. Old Mill, Jardines, Cielito Lindo/Santa Maria Hotel.
And ofcourse, some serious dreaming and scheming at my camp.
I hope the roads are all muddie so I can make my giant truck act silly.
:cool:

windgrrl - 2-5-2019 at 09:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
I'm tuning in because I'm going to my fishcamp as soon as I can get myself ready and the weather is decent.
Probably stay in town at Hotel La Villa and do some paperwork and stuff.
Will try and get somewhere to see the desert in bloom. Old Mill, Jardines, Cielito Lindo/Santa Maria Hotel.
And ofcourse, some serious dreaming and scheming at my camp.
I hope the roads are all muddie so I can make my giant truck act silly.
:cool:

Well, you’re gonna have fun ‘cause it was a mud bath from San Quintin to Tecate today!

fishbuck - 2-5-2019 at 10:34 PM

Yipee!

wilderone - 2-6-2019 at 08:57 AM

Observatory webcam shows light snow. Storms have just passed, so will probably melt (mud), but not dry out. Another storm expected about 2/9. So you need to check weather forecast for your timeframe. In less than optimal conditions, be prepared (tow strap, extra food/water, jackets). Recent rains probably deteriorated pothole situation too.

David K - 2-6-2019 at 09:13 AM

How was the road driving weather just south/east out of El Rosario (anyone)?

I heard from Ed Lusk there has only been light rain there.

ZipLine - 2-6-2019 at 09:14 AM

Anything specifically on the road construction just south of Santo Thomas? Completed? Still in progress?

David K - 2-6-2019 at 09:39 AM

Santo Tomás South Grade:
Windgrrl just posted this picture of the construction... they will be working on that mountain for a long time...

ZipLine - 2-6-2019 at 10:17 AM

Wow! Great photo. Don't pass on the outside!