Bajagato
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Posts: 129
Registered: 4-19-2004
Location: Laguna Hills
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Border crossing Mexicali-going south, anything I should know about?
We are planning a visit to relatives April 7th thru 11th, south of San Felipe. I was hoping to cross thru Mexicali, then our travels are basically a
straight shot down to San Felipe(less driving in Baja Norte). Its been a few years since we crossed at Mexicali and my hubby had heard some rumblings
about construction thru town last year. I am wondering if there are surprises I might encounter. Are there plenty of signs to get me through town and
on my way to San Felipe?
Whatever information anyone can give me is appreciated.
Thanks
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surfer jim
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Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
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Just went through there 10 days ago....pretty straightforward ....like everywhere else a few signs with some arrows pointing out "sort of" the wrong
lane at times.....no construction in Mexicali that I saw....
construction down near San Felipe diverts you to side dirt roads at times parallel to main road....easily passible with any vehicle.....
[Edited on 3-25-2009 by surfer jim]
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bajalou
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Location: South of the broder
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The construction in Mexicali that was refered to has been completed. Now a straight shot.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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nbacc
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Easily passible and VERY dusty. Easy crossing the border...just waved us throught this time. The road down to SF was good until the off road
part....I would not try to drive that at night.
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larry
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Location: Orinda, CA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by nbacc
Easily passible and VERY dusty. Easy crossing the border...just waved us throught this time. The road down to SF was good until the off road
part....I would not try to drive that at night. |
???? off road part ???? it is paved all the way unless they dug up part of the pavement in the last 3 months.
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
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Location: South of the broder
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Between the intersection with Hghy 3 (Military stop) and San Felipe they are rebuilding the highway, widening it to 4 lanes and divided. They have a
couple detours right beside the highway. These are packed and graded dirt but sometimes not the smoothest. Heard that they reduced the detour length
in the last few days.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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redhilltown
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Location: Long Beach, CA
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SF
I think you are in Laguna Hills? Have you thought about crossing in Tecate and taking the toll road over? Tecate is such an easy crossing and the toll
road comes out south of Mexicali and you bypass all the craziness. Just remember to note you make a U turn coming back north to get back on the toll
road towards Tecate.
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
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Mood: Anxious to get south
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We're crossing at Tecate next Thursday. From San Diego we save about 45 minutes and a 1/8 tank of fuel. But you don't miss the construction south of
Highway 3.
Looks like they will open some more stretches of new highway very soon.
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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David K
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Denise, going via Tecate and the new toll road that bipasses Mexicali is a very nice way to avoid nearly all city traffic, but you do have that long
curvey Hwy. 94 from San Diego to Tecate to drive.... and then three toll gates in Mexico.
Hope you and Chris have a nice trip!
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Eugenio
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Location: Navojoa, Son.
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I don't think crossing at Tecate will save money or time - and is liable to be more dangerous - but it is a good opportunity to see more of that part
of Mexico.
All residents of Mexicali I know cross at Calexico/Mexicali when they go to San Diego.
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Festus
Junior Nomad
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When driving from Northern California is it faster to stay on 5 all the way down to Sn Diego then take 8 across to Mexicali or take I-10 to Indio and
then South on 86 past Salton Sea?? Forget about Tecate for this discussion.
Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven\'t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven\'t learned
anything.
Muhammad Ali
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bajalou
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When I came from the SF Bay area, I would take 5 to 58, then east through Mojave to 395, then south merging with 15 with to 10, then 86s, then
Forrester Road in Westmorland south to 8, east on 8 to 111, then south to Calexico and Mexicali. Or stay on 8 to Cal 7 (orchard Rd) south to the new
East Crossing.
I'm sure others will have other ideas, but I always thought this was best (at least for me).
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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El Camote
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I'd agree with Lou only the 210 extension is completed all the way to Redlands so you take the 15 to the 210 east which now dumps you onto the 10
east of San Bernadino and avoids a lot of traffic.
Also, there are now some decent topes, new in the last month, in the village which is 25 miles south of Mexicali on the 5. Do slowdown for these!
Knowledge is good. - Emil Faber
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nbacc
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 12-27-2008
Location: Northern California
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I agree with Bajalou..........go through Mojave and down to the Salton Sea A bit of a boring drive but you are going around LA and its traffic and
problems.
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Mango
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It really depends on the time of day. I like the drive over 58 to 5.. but 10/210/5 is faster most of the time if you can time it where you are not
traveling between 7-10am or 3-6pm though the LA area.
It really makes no sence to me.. I have flown through LA during rush hour on a friday only to be jammed a week later at 2pm on a Saturday.
IMO - If your not in a big hurry (like adding another hour to your drive is no big deal) take 58 though the desert. Its a better trip. If you have a
pass or want to spend the money, a trip though Joshua Tree NM can be worked in. There are some great campgrounds there too!
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