Phil S
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 10-28-2003
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Mood: After 34 years. Still in love w/ my wife
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Mexicali to Tecate on Hwy 2
Anyone driven this route recently to give us an idea of road conditions. Military stops, etc. An option rather than driving from Phoenix to San Diego
& south.
Thanks for any responses. We've not been this way before.
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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We have found it faster to drive Phoenix to Tecate.
Don't know the current conditions but it took over 2 hours longer when we tried it.
More city slowdowns, more rough, windy and hilly roads on the west half of the trip in Mexico.
,
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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Mood: Bajatastic
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Mex 2 from Mexicali to TJ is in good shape. If you chose to take it you will be stopped at a military checkpoint west of Mexicali before you head up
the La Rumorosa grade. That road is pretty spectacular IMO. It is a divided 4 lane (two each way) modern highway. It has some serious cliffs,
overlooks, and views. I'd avoid it during snowy or icy conditions.
However; I think Diver is right, it will be quicker to stay on 8 until Tecate. You will get slowed down and/or lost here in Mexicali and then have to
pay toll on the road to Tecate. 8 is free.
I haven't driven the route 8 in the USA from El Centro to Tecate; but, I imagine it is faster.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Highway 8 from El Centro to Tecate is faster and quite pretty, IMHO---lots of big rocks etc.
I agree with Mango, the road up the La Rumorosa grade is spectaular---it is much steeper on the Mexican side. It is also interesting to stop in a
couple of turn outs and see the graveyard of dead vehicles down in the canyons.
Love Tecate
Diane
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Fred
Senior Nomad
Posts: 500
Registered: 3-15-2007
Location: Las Vegas
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Mood: Laid Back
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Diane........................I also love Tecate. I always cross there and it takes me about 3 to 4 hours before I head down the road.
Phil S. Hwy 8 if you are in a hurry and Hwy 2 if not.
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
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Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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Mango you are right 8 is faster and let us not forget to mention the big trucks that use this route from Mexicali to Tecate. Have used it several
times lately as my friend owns a place in La Rumorosa and I hate the big trucks pushing behind you on those steep mountains. Later----bajafun777
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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Mood: Bajatastic
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Bajafun777 - I usually try to keep my momentum zip past the big trucks; but, my car is light and pretty fast. 
IMO Mex 2 to Tecate is an amazing road. I marvel at it every time I drive it. If you have the time; I'd take it... unless you are towing something
really heavy or the weather is bad. Remember; vacation starts when you leave your house.. not when you arrive at your destination. Slow down a bit,
relax, and enjoy.
I can just imagine how dangerous the road must have been as a two lane road in the old days. It's pretty safe now; but, still dangerous.. just treat
it with respect. JD one of my favorite things to do is spy all the old wrecks hanging on the side of mountain.. I suspect many are from the old
road; but, many are still pretty new. Watch your brakes coming down! Don't burn them out.
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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Mango, I did this road when it was a two lane, once and only once. They were trying to get a big boulder off the road and when you looked down the
drop you could see where some of the cars and big trucks took the one way flight down to the bottom. Not enough beer to calm me as crazy drivers
trying to pass and just plain dangerous back then. My friend is the same one that I drove the new four lane back into La Rumorosa. He has had the
same place since 1978. This is definately not an in a hurry route when traveling even now, as the winds can get strong in the winter.
Later---bajafun777
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