Mesa to San Diego

​Mesa to San Diego - I can get a bit wordy so I decided to write a blog instead of a FB post.
 
I was asked to provide some of my experience of traveling on I10, I8, and I95 between Mesa and San Diego. Please keep in mind that when I traveled across that stretch I was looking for places to drive my UTV, hike, or bike. I’m not sure how much time you have or when you plan to travel but there are many things to consider. Below are a couple:
 

1. Weather - It is crazy hot during the summer months. Extremely hot weather makes boondocking a little more challenging for long stays.
2.  Activities - There are a ton of seasonal activities and events all across I8 and I10 between Mesa and San Diego like rodeo’s, burning man, UTV Racing, Desert Racing, Parties, etc… I was there mostly during the winter months to avoid the excessive heat so that I could be somewhat comfortable without AC or Heat while bondocking.

 
 Mesa – If you are staying in Mesa, you already know all the activities and locations around Phoenix because everything is within an hour or two depending on the traffic. I lived in the Phoenix area for about two months so if you like I could provide a few recommendations, but for now lets hit the road..

​You have two routes out of Mesa to San Diego: I8 or I10. My preference would be to head out I10 and return on I8 (Remember I had a UTV so there is a ton of riding in a place like Gila Bend off I8 which is not somewhere I would stop unless I required a layover for rest to continue my journey east or west. However, there is a really cool steak joint and the Space Age Restaurant in the small town of Gila Bend. I can’t remember the name of the steak place. There is a very nice KOA in Gila Bend that will have the name of the steak restaurant if you stay there for a night.
 
Ok heading west on I10.. I stayed at a free campsite in Tonopah – You will find a ton of spots not far from the highway using freecampsites.net. People provide reliable information and sometimes there is a youtube video of someone driving and locating a camp spot which is very useful. I personally find a gas station or truck stop near by to drop my trailer and go survey the land and pick a spot. I usually stick a flag and leave an old chair at the spot I want and then go back grab my RV. For some of these free spots you really need to know a head of time how you will get in and out. Sandy and soft dirt require some attention because sand can surprise you and soft dirt will turn to mud if it rains. Either can cause you to be stuck badly.  You do not want to get stuck because it is a shit ton of money to get pulled out depending on your rig size and how far you are from pavement. Tonopah offers great hiking, UTV, biking, and seclusion. Usually you can see other campers but they are far enough that you can barely hear their generator. Also some of the main dirt roads you will pass folks and most are very welcoming. I always keep beer on-hand for visits and plenty of fire wood.
 
   QUARTZSITE: Heading into Quartzsite. I believe that it was a Chevron that I stopped at that had a huge parking lot at the rear. However, there is a Love’s and Pilot nearby. The attendant let me drop my RV there while I went and scoped out the place. It was very packed and happened to be a government shutdown. There were a few full-hookup spots. Free camping was plentiful but some areas had camp hosts which were not free if it wasn’t for the fact that it was a government shutdown while I was there. So take your time and look all around if you can. The main town is awesome with lots to see. Tons of souvenir shopping all over the place. I decided to park down I95 a pretty good distance from everything because I could drive my UTV back to sightsee. This place is famous for many things including the Burning Man event at the end of Aug thru the first week of Sept. 

   ​Once you take in Quartzsite head down I95. There are plenty of places to boondock all along this road. You will pass the proving grounds and head into Yuma. I loved staying near Yuma for the Imperial Dunes. The sand dunes are amazing. There is a rest stop in the middle of I8 to stop and take pictures. Or you can take the Gordon Wells exit and get a closer look and maybe hike to the top of a dune. Also there is the oldest road you can go check out.  I stayed in this area for three months parked in different spots.
 
     Yuma is a fun city with plenty to do. They had a few events on Main Street while I was there. There a few bars that get pretty live at night. Q (Quechan Casino) off I8 has RV parking. I’m not sure if they charge you or just expect you to gamble or purchase tickets to a show/concert. They have tons of concerts and restaurants. The food is pretty good.

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Hotville Hot Spring – Really cool spot right off I8 that offers boondocking. I only went twice during the day. Be warned that wrinkled people have no shame. I drove there from Gordon Well’s RV Park using my UTV. If you stay at Gordon Wells Dee and Russ are the Managers/Host,  and Thomas is Host and Maintenance.  However, there are plenty of other places to boondock and all within distance.
 
Mexico – Algodones – The border is right behind the Q Casino. You could walk from the Casino to the border. It would be better to drive a car to the parking near the border.  Parking is $6 for the day. Walk across the border but be warned that if you go during the day on the weekend or holiday expect long lines returning to the US. You only require a US drivers license however, it would be better to have a passport with all the stuff that’s going on between US and Mexico.
 
  I really love Algodones and spent a lot of time there. Remember I’m pretty young and single so the night life over there is pretty good. During the day the streets are buzzing with vendors and Seasoned folks taking care of medical needs. Tons of pharmaceutical, dentist, and plastic surgery offices are right at the border.  It is the best place to get great priced dental work which maybe covered by your insurance. “In and Out”.. They do some amazing work all in-house.
 
  Don’t be afraid to try the street tacos.. I ate there at lease 3 - 4 times a week. I could get my fill for under $5 if I add a beer $8. Don’t quote me on the price because I may have been getting a deal. After a few days a lot of folks knew me (for obvious reasons). At night it’s pretty quiet unless you are up for exotic entertainment.

​El Centro and Mexicali Mexico –  I spent only a short time in El Centro mainly to service my UTV. I never ventured into Mexicali. I didn't have any reason except for I figured it was much like Algodones and Tijuana. Don’t believe all the reports of Cartel and Drug activity. Go see for yourself. Yes, there is crime but there is crime everywhere. Personally I didn’t see anything crazy the entire time I spent there. As a matter of fact, As an African American male, I felt safer over the border which is why I can’t wait go back and explore more of Mexico, Central America, and South America via the roads (follow my blog – I’m working on it)
 
Leaving Yuma to San Diego -  Please try to go during the day because there is a mountain range that is just stunning maybe thirty minutes out of El Centro. Unfortunately, I took a day trip there so I don’t remember many pullouts for a big rig. Still just passing through is amazing… Please be aware not to drive on an extremely windy day.. Winds can get up to 30mph+ quick and I’ve seen one incident of a eighteen wheeler on its side due to the wind.
 
San Diego – I stayed in Chula Vista at a KOA. Very expensive but was worth it. Close to Mission Beach and the Gas Lamp District. I’ve been to LA a few times so I don’t have anything to say about there… However, the Pacific Coast Highway is nothing short of amazing. You have to drive a few miles of it if you can toward LA.

   I know that I'm missing a ton of information but hopefully you will go out and explore and provide more information from your experience driving from Mesa to San Diego. Please share your experience below including any sites, etc... 

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