BajaNomad
Not logged in [Login - Register]

Go To Bottom
Printable Version  
Author: Subject: Roads to Gonzaga bay
schrysco
Newbie





Posts: 4
Registered: 11-20-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 12:42 PM
Roads to Gonzaga bay


first post, love this forum!

I've been down to Gonzaga Bay once before, and am planning on going down with some friends for Thanksgiving. We're planning on taking one SUV and one regular 2wd car (VW passat-- it's all we've got!).

Was wondering how the conditions are on the road from Highway 1 to Gonzaga bay (via Coco's corner). Passable with the car?

We're also considering going north from Gonzaga to San Felipe, if that road is passable with the car. When I was there before it was "possible" (but slow) with a car, but that was over a year ago and I don't know what it looks like now after the 1000.

can anyone report on the likelihood of us getting to Gonzaga without having to strap the VW to the roof of the truck?

any info is appreciated, thanks!
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 05:11 PM


To Gonzaga from Hwy. 1 via Coco's Corner is OKAY for 2WD... however, it is rougher than before (until they run a grader over it again).

Gonzaga north to Puertecitos has been okay for 2WDs before but NOT now (or until a grader goes over it). We were on it last Saturday 11/18/06 just after the Baja 1000 used it and after hurricane John washed out the top dirt to expose base rock in the roadbed.

It's about 40 poor to drive over miles of the 50 to Puertecitos that only trucks and off highway vehicles should try. The 10 miles just south of Puertecitos is good (except one spot) and Puertecitos to San Felipe is ALL paved except for 2 miles.




"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Roberto
Banned





Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 06:11 PM


I was just down that road.

The Passat MAY have a little trouble, depending on speed, experience, luck and driving skill. If you are going along with an SUV, bring a tow strap, just in case.

It will be rough, because of all the exposed rocks. Just to give you an idea, I drove it in two hours -- in an F350 with BIG tires and upgraded suspension. As long as you are prepared for some slow going, you will be ok - it's rough, but the road is all there.
View user's profile
schrysco
Newbie





Posts: 4
Registered: 11-20-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 06:30 PM


cool thanks. Actually come to think of it, does anyone know of a way to rent a truck/SUV to take it down there? I know that most rental car companies don't allow it, but we wouldn't even mind if it was a total beater. i've looked around at rent-a-wreck places but nobody has any trucks. sounds like the car would work, but it would be great to get another 4wd for the weekend!

Also-- You're talking about the road between hwy 1 and Gonzaga bay, that's the one you just went on that took 2 hours?

[Edited on 11-21-2006 by schrysco]
View user's profile
Roberto
Banned





Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 06:35 PM


It took me two hours to get to Gonzaga from just north of Puertecitos (about 10 miles). It took another hour to get from Gonzaga to Highway 1 at Chapala.
View user's profile
schrysco
Newbie





Posts: 4
Registered: 11-20-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 06:38 PM


hmm--- so you'd say the road to the 1 is passable, but the road north to Puertocitos probably isn't with the car?
View user's profile
Roberto
Banned





Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 06:56 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
The Passat MAY have a little trouble, depending on speed, experience, luck and driving skill. If you are going along with an SUV, bring a tow strap, just in case.


I am saying that I could do it, even in a Passat. I would do so carefully, don't get carried away by the good sections, and be prepared for slow going. Don't forget that locals are going over this road on a daily basis, and you can be sure they aren't doing it off-road vehicles. :o
View user's profile
schrysco
Newbie





Posts: 4
Registered: 11-20-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 07:25 PM


right, gotcha. Good advice, I remember patience being the main objective when i did that road last time. And I also remember seeing '82 Tercels climbing over the hills, so I was thinking the same thing ;)
View user's profile
Geronimo
Junior Nomad
*


Avatar


Posts: 91
Registered: 6-12-2005
Location: Salome Arizona/San Felipe BC Mex
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 11-20-2006 at 08:19 PM


I just came from Coco's to San Felipe after the race on Friday. We had one truck with no spare (cut a tire on the road in) and one with broken front shocks. We took about 7 hours getting out. Lots of exposed rock in the sisters would really have to drive with a car to get around them. Road from Coco's to Ganzaga was pretty good. Some big rocks, but nothing that couldn’t be moved or driven around.

I wouldn’t do it, but that is just me. ;)




\"The only cure is to be perpetually South Bound\"
~Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers from the song Mexicosis

Geronimo
View user's profile

  Go To Top

 






All Content Copyright 1997- Q87 International; All Rights Reserved.
Powered by XMB; XMB Forum Software © 2001-2014 The XMB Group






"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

 

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

 

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes

 

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn

 

"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law







Thank you to Baja Bound Mexico Insurance Services for your long-term support of the BajaNomad.com Forums site.







Emergency Baja Contacts Include:

Desert Hawks; El Rosario-based ambulance transport; Emergency #: (616) 103-0262