Mexicali to Tecate

West of Mexicali [1], Mexico 2 follows the northern foothills of the Sierra de los Cucapá and the top of Laguna Salada, a 100-kilometer-long dry salt lake. The Pemex station near Km. 24 is the only option for fuel until La Rumorosa [2] (53 km farther west).

If you drive along Mexico 2 D between Mexicali and Tecate, you’ll pass through two toll booths, each of which costs approximately US$2.50.

After Laguna Salada, the highway ascends the Sierra de Juárez, where several palm canyons named Tajo, El Carrizo, Guadalupe [3], and El Palomar offer prime hiking, off-roading, and wilderness camping. Tajo also is known among rock climbers.

Spring-fed streams run year-round, but the time to go is between November and April. From May to October, the temperatures can get above 38°C.