azucena
Nomad
Posts: 193
Registered: 8-25-2012
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Mexicali to East Cape 12-28-18 in 4x4 Tacoma
New crossing at Mexicali is smooth. The new immagration office is to the left with ample parking. However, the way to get onto 5 was a bit confusing.
I veered to the left after crossing and there was a sign pointing straight to Carraterra to San Felipe. Then, a mile or so later one comes to a large
intersection with the Instituto de Ciencias straight ahead, and a turn to the right. No signage. I ended up going right, which may not have been the
correct route, although there was eventually a sign by a gas station to turn to the right for San Felipe, which eventually merged into 5. Likely I
took the less direct route, but if one ends up doing what I did, all is not lost!
Road to San Felipe good, but gradually deteriorates to dirt and rocks and many detours around damaged highway, but totally driveable. A Porsche passed
me heading north, so where there is a will there is a way!
Road around Gonzaga mostly good.
The route to Chapala is about the same, not bad at all. I used the side tracks as they tended to be sandy and less rocky. I took the left where there
is a sign to Coco's corner 4 miles. Last section to Chapala paved.
Highway 1 is in about the best shape ever. No large areas of potholes. Everything is beautifully green with flowers in abundance. Saw many coyotes
who looked fat and sassy.
No issues at any checkpoints, including San Ignacio, waved through all of them.
Happy trails!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Thank you for sharing these details with us. Happy trails, indeed!
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azucena
Nomad
Posts: 193
Registered: 8-25-2012
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Thank you, David.
Do you have any thoughts to add about the route out of Mexicali to connect to 5 to San Felipe? I am still wondering if I took the best route or not?
I had heard many complaints about road conditions on 5, but this is Baja and what would it be without adventure!
To add: not a bad idea to drop tire pressure past Gonzaga to travel this stretch. Llantera right there at Chapala/ highway one to re inflate.
In my opinion, this route is WAY better than crossing at TJ or Tecate.
AND, I remember the 1980s where you could get stuck for days on 1 when arroyos flooded, few bridges, and you would wait for some big machinery to
tow you across. So this passage on 5 is really a piece of cake.
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Baja_Traveler
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 6-7-2013
Location: San Diego, Ca
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Just got back from Gonzaga today. I would say stop at Puertecitos and drop tire pressure there until you hit the 1. Makes the ride much more
enjoyable. And I agree - unless I'm going to San Quintin I'll never take the 1 again.
As a side note, twice now crossing south there has not been a soul to be found at the FMM desk in the mornings. Blew it off twice since nobody ever
asks as far as Gonzaga Bay, but in 3 months I'm heading to Loreto so I hope they get their act together or I could have problems...
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Bajazly
Super Nomad
Posts: 1013
Registered: 6-4-2015
Location: Goodbye Cali and Hello San Felipe
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Mood: More Relaxed Everyday
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I went across at the new west crossing the day after Christmas and the signs were pretty easy to follow to San Felipe. Crossed there in November and
my buddies wife had us going out towards the airport. I realized where we were heading and got on the radio and said right turn Clyde. We hit 5 pretty
quick and were on our way. Just work your way south, tend right from the crossing. and you'll see some signs somewhere to get you on 5
Believing is religion - Knowing is science
Harald Pietschmann
"Get off the beaten path and memories, friends and new techniques are developed"
Bajazly, August 2019
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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azucena, I have not crossed at Mexicali since the new border opened this past year. On the South Campos Amigos Facebook page, someone posted a map
showing the new route, which paralleled the previous one (the one with the train tracks in the center for a few miles). Seems to have rejoined the
original Hwy. 5 very near the Costco.
As for the wild complaints about detours on Hwy. 5, seriously, it is Baja and dirt roads are to be expected or should be. Not every location is on a
paved road in Baja so one should always travel in a vehicle that can deal with unpaved roads.
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