Last weekend (Labor Day 9-1-08) we traveled south to Gonzaga and out to Hwy. 1... New highway construction going strong, but only for about 5 miles south from the Puertecitos exit off Hwy. 5. New pavement ends less than 2 miles from the Puertecitos exit. New highway stays in the hills, west and above the town.
I have photos of the new highway in the web page of our trip: 9-08 Baja Trip
David K, loved your pics! Planning trip next month & wondering if our Nissan Sunrader (small 4-cyl, standard RV) could negotiate the road from Puertocitos to Gonzaga Bay.. then wondered about your 5 hr. drive to Rosario? is there a decent road from Gonzaga to Rosario? Thanks for your help
The road south of Puertecitos to Gonzaga Bay is a VERY rocky road... It doesn't require 4WD, but since it has not been maintained (re-graded or re topped with dirt) in over 3 years I would really suggest you not drive any kind of motorhome/ camper over it. I mean the views are wonderful and it is obviously the only way to Gonzaga Bay from San Felipe... but, you have got to not be in any hurry, expect 5 mph to be a top speed over most of the route, and not get mad at me for showing it to you! The road goes over volvanic ridges along the gulf coast... and the lava rock in the road bed is no longer covered over.
The only road out from Gonzaga going south (or back north on Hwy. 1) is quite a bit better, but it is still 36 dirt miles and unless you are in a light vehicle, expect 2 hours + to get out to Hwy. 1 (at Laguna Chapala). That is 111 miles (2.5 hours) from El Rosario.
Thanks for asking and I hope you have a great time!
