Graydon
Somewhere on the road
Full Member
Joined: 05/24/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
We’re returning to Mexico’s west coast again this 2008-09 winter season and looking for information regarding the best route from Eagle Pass, Texas to Guadalajara.
In the past we’ve always crossed at Nogalas and traveled down Highway 15 to Guadalajara and then west to Colima and the coast.
This year we’re crossing from Texas and when looking at the maps, it looks like there’s a choice between staying on Highway 57 to San Luis Potosi and then highway 80 to Guadalajara.
Or, take Highway 57 to Saltillo and then from there, take Highway 54 to Zacatecas and then to Guadalajara.
Is anyone familiar with these two highways - 57 and 54? And have any suggestions.
BTW.. we’re driving a Class A diesel pusher with a Jeep tow vehicle.
Gracias and Thanks
Graydon.
Graydon
|
The Texan
Summer: A Cool Climate Winter: A Warm Climate
Senior Member
Joined: 01/16/2004
View Profile
|
We drove the 54 this year and it is a good 2 lane road, with Pemex stations far apart. We dry camped at one about 100km north of Zacatecas, which had a huge parking lot in the rear. The road around Zacatecas is not well marked so watch your signs closely and then when you enter Guadalajara, be very careful, as there is major construction and the right turn onto the Perfercio and 15 is very poorly signed. we had no problems and would recommend this route, with the problem areas noted.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 
FMCA #F203528
'05 HR Endeavor, 40PRQ (Our Home) w/400 Cummins - With -'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC Z-71, the pusher- With -
'07 Arctic Cat 500A & Wilderness Kayak, riding in the pusher -
Our Current Location
|
Graydon
Somewhere on the road
Full Member
Joined: 05/24/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks Bob and Betsy
If everything works out the way we hope, we'll probably take highway 54. It looks to be the shortest route to Guadalajara. Thanks for the heads-up regarding the road around Zacatecas and the construction near Guadalajara.
What's your plans for this winter season... heading that way again ??
Thanks again.. Graydon
|
The Texan
Summer: A Cool Climate Winter: A Warm Climate
Senior Member
Joined: 01/16/2004
View Profile
|
Are you kidding, you can't keep my DW out of Mexico, since her 1st trip a few years ago and she found out how safe it was and how great the people are. We're headed down the east(Gulf) coast after Christmas and then go across the bottom of the country at Belize, then up the west coast, taking 3 to 4 months to do the trip. Where are you headed for this winter?
|
rocmoc
Tucson, AZ/Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/30/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Graydon. Hwy 54 from Zacatecas to Guadalajara is a Beautiful drive, one of the best in Mexico. It is a full day's drive. There is a Pemex on the North side of Zacatecas with a campground in the rear, location is in Church's book. Easy in and out for a big rig and was only 50 peso. Has full hookups and was fairly quiet.
A couple things to beware of traveling Hwy 54 from Zacatecas to Guadalajara -
The last 40 or less miles before you get to Guadalajara is thu a HUGE canyon. The road is narrow, windy, lots of drop-offs and no guardrails with fairly steep grades both up and down. Also watch the branches hanging from the trees along this stretch of road. Great Views!
There is a town about halfway that has over 20 topes in a 5 miles stretch. Once you get into town, there is a tight 90 degree turn to the left.
Near the above town, I think before, you will encounter a newer great wide stretch of road looking somewhat like a freeway bypassing another town. There is a speed trap located here, don't speed. In fact, don't ever speed anywhere!
Fewer than normal large Pemexs suitable for a big rig so fill up before you leave Zacatecas.
When you get to Guadalajara, STAY in the far right lane. This lane is for trucks, RVs and trailers. You will get a ticket if you are not in this lane. Also beware the speed limit is different for each lane. The far right lane is is the slowest. The speed limit is sometime only visible by the speed limit painted on the roadway in your lane.
We traveled this section in a big rig. When in doubt, slow down. You will be honked at in Guadalajara. This just mean they see you and are passing, don't be offended. They are great drivers in Guadalajara. Don't be surprised if you turnoff on a single lane off-ramp and the locals form two more lanes, one on each side of you. Just continue slowly and they will stop and make room when it narrows to a single lane.
You will have a ball!
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
|
|
|
Graydon
Somewhere on the road
Full Member
Joined: 05/24/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
We're going back to the little rv park we found last year about an hour south of Tecoman in the State of Michoacan. It's a new park started last year by a young California couple. Close enough to make side trips up to Guadalajara, Patzcuaro, etc. It might be a place for you stop on the way up the west coast.
We'll be heading down in mid November and returning 3 or 4 months later.
|
rocmoc
Tucson, AZ/Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/30/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
The other route between Zacatecas and Guadalajara is an easy less scenic longer toll road. Time-frames for travel are not that different as your speed will be faster on the toll road. Signs are bad on both routes. There are two confessing freeway interchanges in Guadalajara using the toll route. These will be after the turnoff for Tlaquepaque. Best day to go thu Guadalajara, or any large Mexico city, is Sunday with the morning being the best time.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
|
Graydon
Somewhere on the road
Full Member
Joined: 05/24/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks for the info rocmoc. It sounds like a good road with only a short distance of "white knuckle driving"
I'm not much of a fast driver so no worries about speed traps.
Graydon
|
The Texan
Summer: A Cool Climate Winter: A Warm Climate
Senior Member
Joined: 01/16/2004
View Profile
|
Graydon wrote:Thanks for the info rocmoc. It sounds like a good road with only a short distance of "white knuckle driving"
I'm not much of a fast driver so no worries about speed traps.
Graydon rocmoc and I are good friends so I won't dispute his description, BUT, I found the scenery far more beautiful, than the driving "white knuckle" through the canyon. Having come over the mountains on 62 from Monterrey to 54, there was nothing on 54 that would compare to those mountain roads, even tho I really enjoyed that route also. just remember to drive the road at a speed you're comfortable with and you will have no problems.
|
rocmoc
Tucson, AZ/Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 09/30/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Could be the difference in the rigs Texan. I think yours maybe a little more stable than our 5er is even tho you do have a toad. I would pull Hwy 54 again. Gets easier every trip.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
|
|
|
